[Strawbale]RE: strawmud sauna

[nasenzwerg at gmx...]

Hi balers,

I do not quite agree with Rene.
1. thermal mass can be reduced by applying only a thin mud-layer by 
spraying a slurry. This could be covered with wood, the way, saunas 
usually 	look like.
2. principally the bigger problem is the one with the moisture of 
course. But you use a sauna only a few ours a day, then you can take 
care about good ventilation. 

Due to the moisture-problem, especially as it is run mostly during 
cold periods (large temperature gradient, a lot of moisture, thus the 
threat of condensation), building a SB sauna really is a demanding 
task. And if it works (and I think it should), it would be a 
impressive example to argument with, in discussions with critics.

Good luck, and keep us informed

peter schladt

On 22 Jul 2004 at 22:11, Rene Dalmeijer wrote:

> Rikkert,
> 
> I don't want to dampen your spirit but SB is not a very suitable material 
> for a sauna for the following reason. The earthplaster walls have a 
> relatively high thermal capacity ie they require a lot of heat to warm up. 
> This means to have a comfortable surrounding you have to put in a lot of 
> heat for a long time before you can use your sauna. If the Sauna is used 
> continuously it is a different matter but I don't suppose this is your 
> intention. Besides this very practical reason there is the other of 
> moisture in bales ie a sauna is not a good environment for SB but if only 
> used for a short time and then well ventilataed this might be not so much 
> of a problem.
> 
> To get around the first issue the high mass of the plaster I suggest 
> putting a low mass surface in front of the interior plaster Like a very 
> light corrugated transparent material (kunstof golfplaat) You can wrap this 
> around the whole area maybe not even completely from wall to ceiling to 
> allow good ventilation. Next I would make ventilation channels through the 
> SB walls near the floor that you could open after use. Obviously the 
> reciprocal roof will have a vented opening at the top. When the sauna is in 
> use you close the vents as required.
> 
> Don't worry too much about the hay. When using the hay though make sure it 
> is dry and stored properly before building. I suggest dipping them a la 
> French dip before use allow them to dry some what before stacking makes a 
> big difference. A good dry start of life is essential specifically with 
> hay. Some of the oldest SB buildings were actually built using hay and not 
> straw.
> 
> As I understand from your description you want to build low cost so keep in 
> mind that it is an experiment and be prepared to accept failure. In 
> practice though many old buildings were such experiments and they outlived 
> there initial builders.
> 
> At 07:36 AM 7/22/04, you wrote:
> >Hi people i wil give  a workshop whith building a expirimental strawbale 
> >mudsauna .
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >  So what it say it is a expiriment so i wonder of some people have
> > >  already some expiriments and maybe tips. I was wondering of it is already
> > >  done .
> > >
> > >  It would be a round sauna one caretire foundation whit recipro roof   .
> > >  I want try loadbearing on edge , somebody try this before sugestion ?
> > >  And we can get for free hay is this posible to use?
> > >
> > >  when people want more info about the workhop email: rikkertx at ilse...
> 
> 
> Rene Dalmeijer