How to choose a natural building material (i.e. cob or straw or a mix)

[sargon420]

So Cool. Makes your mind race off with Idea's...

[TheSnapfilms]

clear your thought god

[kwhatten]

I have a question. Can straw bale walls and cob walls that have been plastered be faced with a stone facade or do they need to "breathe"?

[jabberwolf]

I guess the only thing that might make sense is a full steel frame and mud/straw mix.

But that would increase the cost. Just saying....

[jabberwolf]

Sorry but

1- Earthquake resistent? The resonwe went from mud and stray to wood and metal and dry wall was not becuase straw and mud was better. More mud to the frame adds ALOT of weight which is not wanted. But they must be thicker to make equal the insulation and protection of dry wall and insulation.

If you want to doubt, ask the 1os of thousands that die in mud/straw houses in paikstan.

If wooden frame under - what about wood rot then? its primed for that.

[Melotha]

@jabberwolf Sorry, but you are incorrect. We stopped using Earth because of industrialization; we as a society have become incredibly dependent on our currency to carry us through life, and as a result, depend on others to build our homes for us.

What do these others do? Build as cheaply and as quickly as possible to reduce costs, and keep their business running, knowing that their house is going to require maintenance frequently.

[Dregowz]

i like thet dude hi is cool

[07BlackCobaltLS]

I just wanna know because I am a curious kind of person. But what is the deal with his voice? Did he have like esophageal cancer or something? I am not trying to be rude. Was just wondering.

[Jenntasnim]

great video. I'm not in a position to build just yet, but I'm always looking at ways to build sustainably. I want a home that heats and cools itself, generates its own power doesn't put a hurt on the local environment and is economically feasible. I've checked out Michael Reynalds, Dan Phillips, Nader Khan (of Cal earth), etc... and I love all of their ideas.

[GamlGandalf]

What about toilets?

[googIed]

Dude sounds like he's complaining

[Cyborus]

I love this building technique! Would it be possible for a single man in good physical shape to construct a crude structure (no electric, water) ~10' by 12' in six months or less? I have a few basic tools, a copy of "the hand sculpted house", and limited carpentry experience.

[gkseeton]

I would want to build a house that maximizes for heating in a very cold dry climate. As summer rarely hits 70, I don't need more than a few windows to open in the summer. What is the best way to maximize passive solar heating, efficient heating, maximum insulation and what will also give the least echo of sound inside?

[licetdavid]

Also, who is that guy, and does he hire out?

[kirstendirksen]

@licetdavid That guy is Michael G. Smith. He's written books on natural building and according to his website "I have helped design and build nearly 50 small homes and other structures using cob, straw bale, light-clay, wattle-and-daub, timber framing, earthbags, cordwood masonry, stone, living roofs, adobe floors, natural plasters and finishes, and alternative foundations." Google him for more contact info.

[licetdavid]

It seems that the only drawback (the only thing I could infer) is that it just takes longer to put up cause you have to sculpt the whole thing and the walls have to be a little thicker. Is that true? Would you ask that guy (He's great!) to make a table diagraming teh advantages adn disadvantages and materials of each material. THanks.

[Nelalipe]

Such a nice house!...

I wish bulding something tike that would be possible here in Portugal...

[kirstendirksen]

@Nelalipe You can build something like this in Portugal. I've seen some online. There's even a Global Strawbale Community with listings in Portugal and an eco community in Tabua, Portugal with natural building called Quinta Cabeca do Mato.

[Nelalipe]

@kirstendirksen Really?! I had no idea!

Thanks!