Many natural building techniques are inspired by vernacular architecture from around the world--artisanal techniques that are used to create unique structures, which demonstrate the evidence of human touch.
The re-examination of these traditional techniques in the context of building science and engineering has delivered a way of building that fits with today's ecologically mindful lifestyle, complies with codes, and withstands the test of time. Natural buildings are healthier for the people who live in them and healthier for the planet.
Overview
Bamboo has been used in construction for thousands of years. It is estimated that there are over 1200 species of bamboo in the world. The whole rounds poles can be used in building construction, furniture and other artisanal and craft purposes or the material can be process into laminated boards, beams and sheet goods. The poles can be connected using chord as in lashings, mechanically connected through traditional joinery using pegs and dowels or as in modern structures bolts and cement mortars can be used to attain engineered construction perimeters.Structural
The combination of Its cylindrical shape, high silica content and the orientation of the vascular tissue is unique when compared with lumber, earth, concrete or steel. The Vascular tissue grows in bundles of delivery tubes that are in line with the growth of the pole except at the occurrence of Nodes and branches where a complex diaphragm is formed inside of the otherwise hollow plant.*With certain species testing has shown up to 2x the compressive strength of concrete & equal to steel in tension when consider the weight to strength ratios and the minimal processing needed to capitalize on this strength.
*relatively easy to cultivate, many species grow in slightly acid soils with few nutrients. There are over a thousand species which grows in diverse climates from the hot tropics to snowy temperate regions.
Climates
With so many species and variations Bamboo can be found in Tropical, Sub-tropical and temperate climates alike. In each zone different species will have found traditional application appropriate to climatic and environmental conditions.Limitations
Bamboo has a few Limitations which must be design for. Its high sugar content allows for the plant to be susceptible to rot and pests when either material specific building design or proper post harvest treatment processes are not observed. Though the individual members have a great amount of strength, great care must be taken in detailing connection to properly transfer loads. Numerous traditional and modern techniques exist to aid in the design process, to many to go into detail here. If good design is not adhered to individual poles can strain or fail unnecessarily.
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While straw has many uses, in industrial agriculture it is generally considered a waste product. Straw is the stem of cereal crops, which is left over after the harvest and often tilled under, or in the case of much rice-straw in California, burned.
Straw bales have been used to build houses since the invention of the baler in the late 1800s. Some houses of that era are still standing today. Straw bales have a very high R-Value (estimated values of straw bales range from 1.5 to 2 per inch), which means, in terms of insulation, houses with straw walls insulate much better than conventional houses.
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There is reason to be concerned about the use of adobe in seismic zones. However a few guidelines result in quake-safe buildings. Even in California, seismic zone 4, there are adobe buildings from the 1800's that are still standing. Aid organizations around the world have been working to improve the durability and resilience of adobe building.
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Lime plaster (lime putty mixed with sand and sometimes a natural fiber) is an ancient plaster popular for its durability and its natural ability to deter fungus and bacteria.
We produce our own lime plaster as well as apply products from several distributors including Natural Hydraulic Lime, a fast setting plaster appropriate for exterior and interior use.
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Lime wash is a traditional paint that has been used for thousands of years. As with lime plaster, lime wash is made from limestone, which is found all over the world. Often called "white wash" because of its natural bright white color, lime wash can be used to create a multitude of different colors when mixed with earth pigments. Lime wash is best suited for exterior use and works especially well over cement stucco and lime plasters.
Building with cob can be time consuming, however the use of machinery (like tractors) or hosting work parties can speed up the process.