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20th scale model of the building
A 20th scale model of the building, illustrating some of the construction features and materials. (This image will change as the project progresses)


Sustainability: a process that 'meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

The aim of this project is to design and construct a code-approved building, using natural materials, that is environmentally-sustainable, 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 post and beam 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;
• 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 behind. However, the only significant remaining hold-up is the testing and development of my rammed earth process which has taken much longer than anticipated.

My engineer has specified a compressive strength of at least 1 MPa (150 psi) and so far I have not been able to achieve this but my research and some of my test results indicate that this is definitely possible, with strength to spare. (See update above - we now have achieved 2.3 MPa)

Depending on the weather, construction of the foundation will start as soon as I have sucessfully developed my rammed earth process. Timber framing and the straw bale walls will go up during the Summer of 2011 (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, THE BUILDING PROJECT page will offer a record of progress and an indication of pages that have been updated.

There is 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 as well as links to useful websites and appropriate companies.

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: steve@naturalbuildingsite.net.

Thanks for visiting,
Steve Satow





© the natural building site (june '11)