building
A 20th scale model of the workshop, cut away to show the detail of the various elements of the building. Completed July 9th. (this image will change as the project progresses...)
The aim of this project is to design and construct a code-approved building, using natural materials, that is environmentally-sensitive, healthy and attractive yet still affordable to build and maintain.
The building will be notable as much for the materials that it does not use, as for those that it does. It is intended to serve as a model for the viability of sustainable building techniques as well as a platform for the research and development of these methods.
More detailed information about all of the materials and techniques can be accessed via the building project link.
The motive behind the project is the growing recognition among most developed societies that current forms of construction are very wasteful of materials and energy. Also, they often produce buildings that are of minimal quality, inefficient, and unhealthy. Unfortunately, current perception among many people is that ‘sustainable construction’ is either too expensive, labour intensive, or ‘unconventional’ for mainstream acceptance.
This project will demonstrate how the use of commercially-available, yet predominantly renewable, environmentally-sensitive and low-energy materials and techniques can offer a realistic and cost-effective alternative to conventional building methods. In addition, these methods can create homes and workplaces that are better for the occupants as well as the environment.
Some of the proposed methods have been used successfully for hundreds or even thousands of years and include:
• a self-draining rubble trench foundation;
• a lime-stabilised rammed-earth stem wall;
• an earthen floor incorporating a natural radon gas barrier;
• passive solar and radiant floor heating;
• a timber frame supporting structure with strawbale infill walls;
• locally sourced earth and lime plasters;
• perlite or cellulose floor and roof insulation; and
• an ‘extensive’ living roof.
Excluded from the structure of the building will be such things as:
• all cement and concrete;
• all toxic materials, such as treated timber, formaldahyde and adhesives;
• most metal products, including rebar and framing connections; and
• almost all synthetic materials, including vapour barriers and foam insulation.
Although technically an ‘accessory building’ (for zoning reasons), the 1000 sf workshop will meet and exceed the requirements of the current B.C. residential building code in all its structural, electrical and mechanical components. By doing so it should provide a useful source of information for builders and inspectors alike and help to expand the level of understanding of natural materials.
Research and design began in January 2009. Not surprisingly, the project has encountered delays and is running a little behind. A presentation to the Inspectors was made in January 2010, and I'm hoping to apply for an initial building permit before the end of March.
Construction of the foundation is currently expected towards the end of April 2010, the rammed earth stem walls and erection of the timber frame structure will begin in early Spring 2010, after the last frosts are behind us. The straw bale walls will go up during the Summer of 2010 (when the bales are harvested). Plastering, and planting of the living roof, will be completed once the walls have been raised.
Individuals and organisations are invited to collaborate with Steve on this project to further the development and research of more sustainable building systems.
For returning visitors, I have created an updates page which I hope will help people to identify sections of the site that have changed since their last visit. I have also included an events section on the same page for easy reference.
I am trying to maintain an online journal and I have started a page of photos of work and designs as they progress.
This site is the product of on-going research and design. As it develops I hope that it will become a source of useful information, including lists of books and other publications, links to useful websites, appropriate companies and on-going discussion groups such as the greenbuilding listserv.
Of course, any website is only as good as the information that it contains. To that end I invite everyone to submit comments, suggestions and information that can be used to improve and expand the site to serve all of us better! I look forward to hearing from you at: naturalbuilding@shaw.ca.
Thanks for visiting,
Steve SatowLinks... (hover over links for info)
The Living Building Challenge
John Gower - Gower design group
Fotoprint
Chelsey Braham - C D B Design
Earth Futures
BCSEA
SIPDistribution.ca
Chemicallime.com
Perlite.com
Strawbale.com
HomesteadHouse.ca
Eco-Sense.ca
Building Limes Forum
Straw bale fire test movie
Straw bale earthquake test movie
Susanne Dannenberg - visual artist
Goodshepherdwool.com
Elke Cole