Custom ‘Production’ Cob oven for The Happy Monk Bakery
Timber+Trowel built this cob oven for Happy Monk Baking on Pender Island.
We designed the oven to suit the needs of David the baker; large enough for the desired number of loaves of bread.
This oven was built under an undulating roundwood post and beam frame, which was installed on some boulders embedded and attached to concrete footings below.
The oven has a larger-than-average chamber at nearly 3’ in diameter. The inside is made of thermal cob- using sand and pottery clay. The second layer is of regular fibrous “structural cob”, followed by a layer of Roxul: we used this insulation rather than the often used light clay as we had observed some ovens burning up the light clay at super high temperatures. The next layer was some burlap to create a binding surface for the last few layers of plaster to shape out and protect the whole.
The entry built in iron was built by a local blacksmith, to ensure the width necessary for pizzas and allow for an inner and outer door, separating the chimney from the burn chamber.
This oven was built with the approval of the local fire department, and has provided a number of years of regular weekly bread-subscription baking sessions, with regular maintenance to the exterior plaster.
The oven easily bakes multiple rounds of bread ( maintaining a high enough temperature for 5-6 rounds ) and can reach over 1100 degrees Celcius ( maybe more, we haven't tried! ) . This is a good example of a traditional cob oven built to actually withstand regular use, and with good performance- often cob ovens don’t hold up too well, and aren’t necessarily efficient or long lasting in their baking times.
You too can experience the joy of outdoor cooking with a traditional and efficient cob oven.
Harnessing the ancient technique of using clay, sand, and straw, cob ovens are perfect for creating delicious wood-fired pizzas, artisan breads, succulent roasts, and so much more. These ovens not only infuse food with a unique smoky flavor which only wood fired ovens can imbue, but they also provide a focal point for gatherings and a delightful way to embrace the art of slow cooking. Whether you're hosting a backyard get-together or simply enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars, a cob oven adds a touch of rustic charm to any outdoor space. Discover the simple pleasure of cooking with fire and transform your outdoor entertaining with a handcrafted cob oven.
Contact us for your custom cob oven build!
We also offer to host cob oven workshops; host a workshop for your build and create an exciting community education opportunity.
Contact us @ timber.trowel@gmail.com
