[GSBN] straw/cell assembly

[ejgeorge at riseup.net]

Hey all,

There's a discussion on the NBNE (Natural Builders NorthEast) list  
about building a load bearing 2x4 stud wall outside of the bale walls  
and filling it with cellulose against the bales with typical plaster  
only on the interior wall.

Deva Rascusin and Ben Graham threw this "straw/cell" idea out a year  
or two ago, and have already done two projects and are working on a  
third.  Aaron Dennis is currently designing one with Cornell U  
Sustainable Design.

One of several advantages of this system is the ability to build in  
cold climates at any time of year since the exterior plaster is  
replaced by the 2x4 cellulose filled wall.

The question is whether there is any logical reason this system wouldn't work.
The 2x4 wall would be  built conventionally to take all structural loads.
The cellulose would work as a fire resistant barrier and the  
sheathing, moisture (air) barrier and siding would keep out the  
moisture and critters as well as they do in conventional construction.

In our discussion, Derek mentioned that a similar idea has been  
discussed (not sure if just in theory or actual experience) at last  
year's ISBConference, so I thought some of you might have additional  
comments or insights.

Attached is a photo from Deva  and Ben of a sample wall they built and  
two images of a drawing from Aaron of the wall assembly.  Note: Aaron  
was considering in his drawings the merits of eliminating the  
sheathing and bracing the wall with let - in bracing, but that is a  
side discussion for any framed wall and not specifically relevant to  
the straw/cell assembly.

Thanks much!

ej


ej George, CSBA
Tugley Wood Timberframing
6301 Searsburg Road
Trumansburg, NY 14886
tugleywood.com

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