Re: [Strawbale]RE: strawmud sauna

[Catherine Wanek <blackrange@zianet...>]

I know of a straw-bale/clay-plastered sauna built several
years ago in Crestone, Colorado by SB builder Paul Koppana.  I have
emailed him to ask for his comments, and will pass them along to this
list when they come.  - regards, Catherine

At 09:59 PM 7/23/04 +0200, you wrote:

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@ilse...
>
>
> Rene Dalmeijer


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