building
A book I can recommend 
Building with Earth. A highly informative book on rammed earth. (click for larger image) |
courtesy of my partner, Susanne, an avid nature photographer and artist.
November 7th... For most of September and October I was so wrapped up in generating a first draft for the building design, that I neglected to write anything for the journal. But a lot of other things happened and progress was made.
Probably the most exciting event for me was the return of my test results from Texas. Eric Berger from the Chemical Lime Co. (suppliers of my Quicklime) had very generously offered to do the necessary testing to establish the optimum amount of lime to add to my soil for stabilisation.
In addition the lab did a Plasticity Index (PI) test which gives me an idea of the ratio of actual clay in my soil. The results are very encouraging with a lime demand of 4% and a PI of 13.
The next stage is to determine - possibly by a process of educated guesswork - how best to increase the R-value of the rammed earth. Studies posted on the Perlite Institute website offer data related to Perlite insulated concrete which, although not directly transferable to rammed earth, should be very useful.
As part of my education in rammed earth, I have been referencing 'Building with Earth' by Gernot Minke. Minke is undoubtedly a leader in the field of rammed earth technology and the book is a very useful resource.
In October I also slaking the last of my lime putty for use as the finish (top) coat of plaster on the exterior walls as well as some specialist interior finishes. I now have six barrels of putty maturing in preperation for use next year. I have tried to over-estimate my need, so hopefully it will be enough!
Last month I also became a member of the Cascadia Green Building Council and registered the project for the Living Building Challenge! Joining the Living Building Challenge raises the bar for the project, and gives me a serious target to aim for.
Probably the most exciting event for me was the return of my test results from Texas. Eric Berger from the Chemical Lime Co. (suppliers of my Quicklime) had very generously offered to do the necessary testing to establish the optimum amount of lime to add to my soil for stabilisation.
In addition the lab did a Plasticity Index (PI) test which gives me an idea of the ratio of actual clay in my soil. The results are very encouraging with a lime demand of 4% and a PI of 13.
The next stage is to determine - possibly by a process of educated guesswork - how best to increase the R-value of the rammed earth. Studies posted on the Perlite Institute website offer data related to Perlite insulated concrete which, although not directly transferable to rammed earth, should be very useful.
As part of my education in rammed earth, I have been referencing 'Building with Earth' by Gernot Minke. Minke is undoubtedly a leader in the field of rammed earth technology and the book is a very useful resource.
In October I also slaking the last of my lime putty for use as the finish (top) coat of plaster on the exterior walls as well as some specialist interior finishes. I now have six barrels of putty maturing in preperation for use next year. I have tried to over-estimate my need, so hopefully it will be enough!
Last month I also became a member of the Cascadia Green Building Council and registered the project for the Living Building Challenge! Joining the Living Building Challenge raises the bar for the project, and gives me a serious target to aim for.