Austin coder builds timeless cob home using precise patterns

When Gary Zuker bought an undeveloped piece of land outside of Austin (Texas) 25 years ago, he knew the only way he could afford a home on it was to build it himself. With no building experience, he immersed himself in architecture books at the University of Texas (where he works as a computer engineer).

He fell in love with medieval straw-clay cottages and cob buildings from around the world. After just a day learning the technique on another build, he was ready to build his own home.

Besides advice from an architect friend to use a scissor-truss system for roof support, and some help with framing, stonework, and plumbing, Zuker worked alone (no building permits were required in Travis County at that time). The build ended up taking him 3 years (nights and weekends while working full-time) and cost about $40,000 ($25,000 to build the house and $15,000 for the well and septic system).

Zuker was heavily influenced by the classic design handbook A Pattern Language (written mainly by architect Christopher Alexander) so rather than designing the home ahead of time, he waited to decide on details until after the home was under construction.

[lunella]

This guy is the literal definition of "fine, I'll do it myself"

[nofurtherwest]

"you just keep scratching your head until you find a way that works" 8:25 love this philosophy

[thecampercook]

I've returned to this video more times than I can count over the years. Yesterday, the county finally approved our design. We begin building our straw bale house next week!

Thank you for posting this inspirational video.

[MHGinTN]

Gary, I write this in all sincerity: this is not just a house and a home, it is a work of Art, truly. well done, Sir.

[lilliebelle]

That isn't a house... it is a piece of art!

[tommorgan]

This guy personifies the If you want something nice but can't afford it but you build it yourself. Coming up with the woodland style on his own in the '80's is excellent. Well done.

[kikiokiki]

finally a cob house in america that doesn't look like it was made by the grateful dead. absolutely beautiful.

[bodeecabrito]

I didn't realize how slick the designs are until we got into the kitchen appliances and the copper encased microwave and fridge... but seriously (and i watch a lot of these DIY home building projects) this is one of the most lovable and homey self built houses I have seen.

[crypton_l]

Really loved what Gary says about software/coding being so short lived.. that he wanted to build something real and timeless. What an incredible work of art!!

[edithsavoy]

The man's a genius. Built a gorgeous, priceless one of a kind house out of old items he collected with little cash investment. He could probably sell it for over $750, 000 now. Well done!

[astrudlang]

"...offensive to my eye...!" (a normal fridge)...what a smart and artistic man - what a dreamhouse he built before it was even cool! Salute!!

[mynameismarlys]

I watch a lot of DYI videos and struggle to follow the frequent quick edits and thick jargon. By contrast, this man is a natural teacher. I'd love to take a course in building from him in real life.

[bvisel]

I could have watched another 20 minutes of this guy. Nice video KD.

[KJensenStudio]

Mr. Zuker is a consumate artist, and has created not a house, but a home full of magic. The tips about improving the worst spot on the property, and siting the door first, this is pure gold. Absolutely inspiring man and video. Thank you!

[maggiebuchanan]

Oh my goodness ! This house is right out of fairy tales & my dreams ! I adore this home. I'd rather have this house than any 1, 000.000 dollar house. It's perfect ! Everything about it is special ! I would love to live there....very lucky people who own this home. Mr. Zuker did an awesome job !!!!

[lukebanditchip]

I hope you sent the stain glass maker a picture and showed him what you created.
He said, you can't do that!  Well, yes you did!  Love this house! Congrats!

[allatgoddess]

Gorgeous! THe Japanese farmhouses were built without math, too.
With rough wood, planks, straw, thick rope, stones, clay. i do't think they even used nails.

[lowellirish]

Gary.... as I sit here, no running water, a cracked and failing foundation, leaking roof... I STILL persevere! I'm getting older now... and if I can keep this legacy house I inherited alive for 20 more years? Im good.... My family built this house 53 yrs ago... from an existing house of 40 yrs old... so, 93 yes now... For all its problems, its mine. Its unique, and I love it.

[careybowden]

What's more impressive than the gorgeous final results is this man's attitude. He has a gentle, joyful approach where I've often seen over-planning. I was delighted to hear him say the basics of cob building could be learned in a couple hours (though I need more time than that!) gives me some hope I don't need to spend a decade learning and planning... there's something to be said in the simple "doing" 😊

[adadominguez]

You can tell he really loved building this house. The level of detail and the craftsmanship is amazing. And he beams when he is talking about it. We should all be more like this man. Kudos!