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Re: [Strawbale] Concrete Base - foundations question??

Hello builders,

I was happy to read the the last message of Stewart H. about the use of concrete in SB building. (last paragraph)

In today's SB and natural building it would be nice to mention also that this kind of building is not only done for the reason of being bio, eco etc..
Building with these materials have part from being environmentally friendly many advantages that are pure comfortable and beautiful in many aspects. 

In this regard I like to presume that there are many people that are interested in this form of building for those reasons than for being "eco" or "bio"
Compromises are also "natural" in this kind of building.
Especially when it comes to statements about magnetism and earth radiation, e-smog...and there is so much more for people that like to get into this field. ..
This is all without any scientific proof of relevance and many people get misled by pseudo-science that comes only from putting fear in our heads. 

With thanks to this forum for all the real practical information that leads to quality and durability...

Michel...   :)



On 3-apr-07, at 14:47, Stewart@TSHargrave....uk wrote:

On 2 Apr 2007 at 14:59, Cummings, Simon wrote:

Simon,

To actually try and answer your question...

In my experience, nearly all SB buildings have some sort of foundation plate that the 
straw bales are built upon. That is to say, a wooden platform, usually about 100mm 
thick and about as wide as a bale, running all around the edge of the foundations, and 
anywhere else a SB wall is to be built.

Because of the hollow nature of this plate (it's usually made of studding sandwiched 
between plywood, or similar), it allows the bottom of the bale a little ventilation, and even 
drainage, if necessary. It also, importantly, raises the bale above floor level, so that if 
there is any water spillage it won't soak the bales. On a solid concrete floor, this will be 
important. Given the intended use of your building, it may even be a good idea to make 
the plate a little thicker, so that the bottom bale is raised a little more.

I've also seen a goatshed build upon loose laid concrete blocks (laid flat, lengthways 
across the foundation, each separated by a couple of inches), though I'm not sure this is 
ideal.

Environmental consideration are of course important, but I also happen to thing that 
pragmatism is important. Responsible use of concrete (and steel) can have a place in 
SB building.


-- 
Stewart H.

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