[GSBN] a new nomination / some new SB research

[Enga Lokey]

Peter,

That sounds like a worthwhile endeavour to me. I will give you a call to compare notes this week.

Enga


enga at thelokeys.net





On 30/01/2015, at 10:44 AM, Peter Torok wrote:

> Gday everyone, I wanted to revisit a post from Aug 2014, not sure if this the best way to reactivate a thread but……
> I wanted to Invite Enga, and anyone else for that matter that is involved in research to look at the possibility of setting up a duplicate test site here in Brisbane for certain tests. Ok within reason I can’t be building duplicate 2 story buildings here, but I am allowed to construct anything with less than 10sqm footprint before I have to go to council for approval. I have a full size tennis court that to me is a waste of space and is currently becoming a clay court as I now use it to process clay and lime renders! I suggest this after reading Enga’ intentions introducing climatic change to her test structure where as here in Brisbane we have a different climate than that in Victoria or Toronto, UK etc. If a wall, shed or whatever type of structure can be constructed as close as possible as the next in a different region/country and test the same things simultaneously, would this be of benefit? The world is a small place, we already get French lime, and canadian durasol products here in Oz, it wouldn’t take a lot to synchronize products, material for research. I am happy to travel and pickup anything from abroad as well! all in the name of SB..…….just a suggestion! 
> The post I refer to is below.
> 
> Cheers Pete Torok
> Earth Wood & Straw
> 0411 304 794 
> 
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> > From: Enga Lokey <enga at thelokeys.net>
> > Subject: GSBN
> > Date: August 23, 2014 at 5:01:06 PM PDT
> > To: Bruce King <bruce at bruce-king.com>
> > 
> > Dear Bruce,
> > 
> > Thank you for suggesting I should get involved with GSBN. I appreciate your recommendation and hope that I can make a positive contribution to the group and strawbale building more generally.
> > 
> > As we discussed, I will be commencing a PhD program through RMIT's (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) Architecture and Design School next March. A general idea for my research has been formulated with the consultation of my supervisor, but this is very open to revision as I begin a more thorough literature review and try to determine where the greatest gap in knowledge and prior study truly resides. I have no interest in just cranking out something to please the academia and get a few letters after my name. I would really like to do something that can add to the practical knowledge base of strawbale building specifically and environmentally thoughtful building more generally.  Then....... I will end world hunger and bring peace to all.
> > 
> > At this point, the plan is to incorporate moisture/temperature monitors at varying heights and locations within the strawbale walls and crawl space of a small residential structure that will be baled and plastered in March. The most basic information that will be gained is the temperature and moisture movement in relation to internal and external conditions. This may also be manipulated at times by creating an excessively humid condition internally to determine a 'worst case' scenario. Also, and of great interest to me, is to look at how these variables do or don't change over time. For instance, should one expect a 10 (20,30, etc)  year old strawbale house to perform comparably to a new one. Being able to monitor the drying regime as the home is plastered may also be of interest. 
> > 
> > Additionally, I will question the prevailing movement in Australia to build all homes on slabs. Can far less cement be used and achieve an equally energy efficient home with a well-insulated, raised timber floor? Inspired by some of the research that has been done in the US, the crawl space of this home will have the potential to be vented or sealed and monitored in each situation. 
> > 
> > So those are the areas I had planned to focus on as I begin a complete literature review and narrow my scope. I would love to hear from those of you that have been working in the area for many years as to where you see the knowledge gaps. What do we need to know with more certainty and accuracy to advance straw bale building?
> > 
> > On a more personal note and as an introduction of myself to the group, I am presently in the US working in the Grand Canyon guiding 15-day whitewater raft trips on the Colorado River. I have been doing this during the Austal winter for the last 10 years, and doing various Outdoor Education, rigging, and building work in Australia during our Summer. I have a B.S. and M.S. in Exercise Physiology from 20-years ago and a Graduate Diploma in Energy and Environment earned last year. I live in a town of 450 folks in rural western Victoria. 
> > 
> > Thanks again for your consideration!
> > 
> > Cheers,
> > Enga
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Enga Lokey
> > 10 Lake Rd
> > PO Box 917
> > Natimuk 3409
> > Australia
> > 0468 359 556
> > 
> > enga at thelokeys.net
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