Anyone been here? Any idea how it was built - the wavy ledges around the perimeter in particular? Is it concrete, adobe, or cob? It doesn’t have a door and isn’t used as living space so it probably isn’t insulated.
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Those do look awesome. I was in Tulum a few months ago! I don’t know who or how they did that. Concrete would be my go to method if it were mine.
Any reason why cob could not be used?
What Is a Temazcal?
The term Temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli, meaning “house of heat.” These dome-shaped structures, often built from stone or clay, symbolize the womb of Mother Earth. Inside, volcanic stones are heated and infused with medicinal herbs like sage or copal, creating a steam-filled environment that promotes detoxification and introspection. Guided by a temazcalero (shaman), participants engage in rituals involving chanting, drumming, and meditation, aiming to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit .
The problem with cob in humid or rainy climates is that even with sealants, the cob surface washes away over time. It needs to be reapplied periodically, yearly even. When we’re young and have endless energy this doesn’t seem too hard, but when we get older, we need lower maintenance housing.
Thanks for the quick reply. I agree that humid or rainy climates can present a challenge when building with cob. I’m contemplating building off the grid in the desert southwest, where I know of several owner-builders using cob. Some are using super adobe; others are using hyper-adobe. After reading the information about using the fabric covering a manure pile (iirc), it appears to be similar to the fabric being used for superadobe and hyperadobe projects. That’s what prompts my question. Maybe it would work, and maybe it won’t. Inquiring minds want to know! 