Construction of Terrestrial Structures
Ah, Earth Building in the UK and Ireland! It's more than just a construction style; it's a breath of fresh air for the planet.
So, just what are these earth structures made of, you ask? They can be classified as monolithic, masonry, or framed, with finishes ranging from flat to decorated, even 3D. Monolithic structures like rammed earth and mass earth (also known as cob) are super popular, while masonry includes earth mortars that work with earth blocks, fired brick, or stone. Moulded or compressed earth brick and block and turf ain't too shabby either. And framed systems, like wattle and daub, start with a timber frame and lattice filled with earth and fibers. Phew, that's a big ol' family of materials!
Now, why should we care about earth building? It's versatile, buddy! These structures adapt to various soil types, making them an excellent fit for most local materials. Plus, clay, the star ingredient in earth building, manages internal air quality better than any other material. It keeps humidity between 40% and 60%, preventing mold, providing poor transmission conditions for viruses or bacteria, and even sequestering harmful VOCs thanks to the magic of its chemistry.
Hold up, what about those pesky earth building myths? Well, some folks think that other building methods are a step down. But in reality, earth building is a fantastic opportunity to design buildings that work with us, not against us.
Alright, what's the deal with earth building in the UK? Ignorance and a lack of confidence are the main obstacles. ignorance about how clay works, how to build with it, and a mistrust in the supply chain, regulations, and workforce. But we're working to change that, turning the construction juggernaut towards bio-comfort, natural materials.
Okay, earth building newbie, got any advice? Embrace it, partner! Reach out to people with skills, collaborate, and most importantly - enjoy the process! It might be tough to swim against the tide, but it's worth it.
Have you seen any cool earth building projects in the UK? While numbers don't lie, with mass houses in the southwest and moulded earth block buildings in East Anglia being obvious victories, let's not forget the longevity of stone buildings in Scotland, Yorkshire, and Wales. The amount of earth mortars used in them is just as impressive. Recent research shows the potential for earth building to meet current thermal regulations, hinting at the wider applicability of these techniques. So, keep an ear out for organisations like Ebuki, bringing earth building to the forefront.
Interested in learning more about earth building? Check out Rowland Keable's earth building module over at www.schoolofspecification.co.uk/courses/earth-building. Dive in, and together let's reshape the construction landscape!
- Although earth building may seem separate from environmental science and climate-change discussions, it plays a significant role in sustainable living, as it utilizes locally available materials and offers better internal air quality.
- Integrating earth building techniques into interior-design and home-and-garden projects can contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, especially with the rise of sustainable living trends.
- In the realm of lifestyle and environmental-science, focusing on earth building practices could lead to innovative and harmonious solutions for our planet's future, while also offering exciting opportunities in the field of interior-design and home-and-garden remodeling.
