Concerned about the amount of embodied energy in concrete? An excellent way minimize concrete in the foundation for a building is to use a rubble trench.
This alis coat was applied over the brown coat of plaster. This is a variation from painting the alis after doing three coats of plaster (scratch, brown, and finish). After a bit of tweaking, the results were beautiful.
Alis clay paint is made up of clay, aggregate, and water. Pigments, such as powdered minerals or oxides, can be added for colour.
This photo shows the contrast between the smooth alis clay paint and the texture of the coloured earthen plaster. The powdered mica in this alis gives it a shiny finish, whereas the earthen plaster is a matte finish with texturing from the trowel application.
The shine in this alis coat is achieved by adding mica to the mixture instead of silica sand as the aggregate. The mica reflects light, and different sizes of mica in the alis paint will give different results.
The cedar soffit on this straw bale house has a one and a half inch vent running the length of the overhang to allow for the air flow through the roof structure. The vent has screen behind it to prevent entry of insects or small animals to the roof cavity.
To protect the straw bale walls on this studio from direct exposure to precipitation, the roof was built with large overhangs. This will also provide covered porch space around the perimeter of the studio for the owner to enjoy during inclement weather.
The framing for this roof is a symmetrical hip roof with large overhangs and a cupola. In order to allow for the cupola, the framing of the roof does not extend to the peak. This makes the framing a bit more complicated, but it accomplishes the owner’s goal of an unrestricted view of the cupola from the interior of the building.
The deep window sills are one of the attractive features of straw bale building. The walls are as thick as the straw bales, and the window is mounted flush with the outside of the wall to prevent rain or snow from damaging the plaster below the window. Crafting a beautiful deep window sill from either wood, tile, or plaster creates a space for sitting, leaning out to admire the view, or decorating with photos or plants.
The beautiful earthen plaster on these drywall walls creates a gently textured matte finish that suits the look of the plastered straw bale walls. Using earth pigments and ochres for the colour also complements the natural wood of the timber frame.