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The
Jill Webb project:
This
house uses a type of construction known as “light clay construction”
which has been used for centuries in Europe and been pioneered in this
country by our associate Robert Laporte. The external walls have been stuffed with a mixture of straw
and local clay, which forms a heat retaining, yet breathable envelope for
the space inside. The clay
serves to prevent the straw from rotting, molding, or burning while also
allowing the wall to absorb heat and vapor.
This greatly regulates the internal climate of the building,
reducing energy costs and creating a healthy environment within.
 Here
the stud walls have been raised and some of the temporary forms have been
placed which will allow the walls to be stuffed.
With
the help of our custom made “tumbler”, the straw is mixed with clay
slip until it is thoroughly coated.
 Then,
with the help of a lot of good friends, the walls are stuffed with the
mixture and stomped down to form a solid wall.
The forms can be removed immediately and
the walls will start the process of drying.
The inside of
these walls will be coated with breathable earth plaster, a mixture of
clay, straw, sand, and lime. The exterior of the house is to be
covered with traditional siding made of cement impregnated wood fibers.
 The
internal walls are sheathed with rolled reeds, which act as lathe for the
earthen plaster.
Another
aspect of this house to note is the Faswall block foundation, made of
recycled wood and clay, which provides an insulated foundation without
cfc’s.
Recycled
wood has been incorporated when appropriate, and no particleboard or OSB
board , which contain formaldehyde, has been used.
The external plywood used to sheath the roof was used initially as
forms for stuffing the walls. Any
glues, paints, caulks, or stains are VOC free.
The
house is heated with a propane-fired radiant floor system which runs off a
standard hot water heater and heats the building efficiently without any
duct-work.
Special
care has been taken with the wiring and design to minimize any potential
EMF (electromagnetic field) issues. The bedroom areas are provided
with switches to completely eliminate current while sleeping.
Harmony
Home Construction, LLC.
8122 Barney Road
Traverse City,
Michigan 49684
Ph: 1-877-45-GREEN Fx: 231-932-9193
info@harmonyhomeconstruction.com
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