| Rammed earth, also called Pise de Terre consists of walls made of moist
sandy soil or stabilized soil, which is tamped into formwork. Walls are
a minimum of 12 inches thick and soils should contain about 15% dimensionally
stable clay, 50% sand, and 35% silt. This method of construction is considered
"sustainable" because it utilizes a local resource, offers thermal mass
for comfort, requires low maintenance, and can turn back into earth at
the end of its useful life. Many people find rammed earth walls to be not
only visually appealing but psychologically comforting as well.
This month's presenter, Susan Barnett, will speak about rammed earth in general and give a slide presentation of her home. Sue has worked as a Commercial specialist for the City of Austin Green Building Program for several years, is a founding member of the Sustainable Building Coalition, and is a Master Composter. |
It is always interesting to learn about the sustainable choices that
an experienced professional makes when designing and building their own
home. Sue's house of rammed earth and compressed soil block is situated
on a cliff above the Pedernales River. The first story is 18" thick rammed
earth made from a nearby caliche pit. The caliche is stabilized with approximately
5-7% Portland cement. .
Compressed spoil block was not stabilized and was used as infill between
a steel structure that forms the loft. During wall forming, several textures
and colors were deliberately introduced to give some depth and visual interest.
Other "green" features include passive solar design, solar water heating,
high efficiency heat pump, a Metlund pump for instant hot water, aerobic
wastewater treatment system and steel framing for the roof. Indoor
air quality features are stained concrete floors, natural wood floors,
tile, and no VOC paints finishes and cabinetry. Roofing is Galvalume and
planned for rainwater collection. The fun aspects of this project were
collecting items from dumpsters, antique shops, and demolition yards. Sue
used recycled wood for trim and beams, an old 6' clawfoot tub, a ladder
from the phone company, and lovely old light fixtures
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Announcements
| C.O.A. Green Building Seminars
All seminars are from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at Town Lake Center 721 Barton Springs Rd 1st floor Assembly Room. Call CJ Boggs 505-3700 no earlier than two weeks in advance to reserve a place. Topic, time and place are subject to change, so always call to confirm about 2 weeks in advance of the date given in the given in the schedule. May 19 Green Flooring Options
Health Effects of Indoor Air Quality
Texas Renewable Energy Roundup
Green Living And Sustainability Fair Education/Products/Services
September 29-30, October 1, 2000
Organized by
WEB SITE:
Contacts:
Books to read
From Susan Barnett Buildings of Earth and Straw, Structural Design for Rammed Earth and
Straw-Bale Architecture. by Bruce King, P.E., Ecological Design Press,
1996.
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Plastering workshop April 8, 2000 Mike Carter 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ecofair and the SBC are please to sponsor a workshop on natural plasters at the Hornsby Bend Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility. Mike Carter, a local builder using cob construction methods, will be on hand to share his knowledge and experience. The $25 fee will cover safety equipment and supplies. Lunch and drinks will be provided, but you may wish to bring along a water bottle as well. We will learn about some of the various mixtures possible, and will be working with a lime/sand/straw mixture which is most suitable for our climatic conditions. These mixes are more environmentally sound than standard plastering blends, but still caustic to the skin and eyes. Participants must wear long pants. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt is advisable as well. Gloves and goggles will be provided. Limited to 4 to 6 people, so sign up early. Contact Cathy Blackwood, EcoFair Texas 512-445-4624 cathyblackwood@hotmail.com Book Sales
The Sustainable Building Coalition has taken on selling books. This is being done to help educate the public, provide a good source of sustainably oriented books for our members and help raise money for the SBC. Please support the SBC. 10% off the list price to current or new SBC members. Title List
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