All Entries in the "Materials" Category
How to Choose a Plaster System, part 3
This is the third article in a four part series explaining all of the issues surrounding the choice of a plaster system on straw bale walls…
In the previous article we began by exploring the first three parameters in depth. We will continue by exploring the next three parameters and look at the in the context [...]
Straw Sculpture of Big Ben
This story is provided for a great chuckle and sobering example of straw bale construction.
Leave it to the Brits to find something to do with straw! A replica of Big Ben, the clock tower, has been built in the countryside. We couldn’t help but highlight this one for its “wow factor.” It is a great [...]
The source of rammed-earth strength
Scientist in the UK have are delving into the strength of rammed-earth walls. It turns out that moisture content, which in turn leads to cohesion at the molecular level, is a most important characteristic. There is an article about the research here which is written by The Northern Echo, a UK publication. [...]
Using Hydraulic and Hydrated Lime Together
During the past five years the use of lime plaster has increased many-fold in the natural building world because it is readily available, can be relatively inexpensive, is easy and forgiving to apply. If you are doing research on what type of lime plaster to use you are probably aware of the different types of [...]
Inhabitat » POO BRICKS: Students Develop Cow Dung Building Bricks
Bricks of cow dung are recognized by the Global Social Venture Competition as their 2009 winner. They embody a 20% increase in compressive strength over clay bricks and are 20% lighter to boot. This effort is to reduce the impact of a local clay quarry, while reducing the carbon emissions of the firing plant. Follow [...]
