[GSBN] prefab strawbale

[Bohdan Dorniak]

Hi all
What an interesting system.There are many pre fab wall systems including log
panels, brick panels, "plastic" panels and here in Aussie there is a
"Stramit" panel.
This is a compressed straw panel used mainly for ceiling and has a module of
4'0" (or 1200mm). It has great strength, and was used as a trafficable
ceiling panel in an
Airport project.
The concern with a prefabricated system is the quality and accurate reqmts.
for floor system - particularly if it is concrete.
Thank you for sharing this information with us.
Regards,
Bohdan Dorniak



  _____  

From: GSBN-bounces at greenbuilder.com [mailto:GSBN-bounces at greenbuilder.com]
On Behalf Of martin hammer
Sent: Thursday, 30 July 2009 3:16 AM
To: (private, with public archives) Global Straw Building Network
Subject: [GSBN] prefab strawbale


I encourage people to look at the following website regarding a prefab SB
system being developed and implemented in the UK:

http://www.modcell.co.uk/page/new-balehaus-at-bath

Is anyone familiar with this?  Also, I include here a brief sequence of
comments between Dan Smith (GSBN member), Dietmar Lorenz (of Dan's office),
and myself.

Martin Hammer



On Jul 29, 2009, at 8:29 AM, Dietmar Lorenz wrote:

Very interesting, indeed. I wonder how material (and cost-) effective this
system is after all. The frames have to be overly sturdy for transport and
handled very carefully to avoid damage to the plaster or the installed doors
and windows. Wiring and plumbing could also be a challenge with such small
units, rather than full length wall segments or prefab boxes. Dan has
probably more insights to share from his experience with our ZETA
prototypes.

But it's great to see that this is being explored in a serious way, and it
certainly architecturally appealing. Maybe I'll see it from the airplane
Saturday morning, when we fly over the UK...



On 7/29/09 8:35 AM, Dan Smith  wrote:

Thanks, it's certainly refreshing in concept and looks.  But it seems about
$25 sf for bare bale panel only, hmm.







On 7/29/09 9:40 AM, Martin Hammer wrote:

I agree with both of your comments.  The wood frames are thick, deep, heavy,
and consume a lot of wood.  Maybe an 'I' section could be used.  And I
hadn't noticed the per sq.ft. price.  

It's still good to see.  A modern vocabulary with SB (rarely seen), using
the bales only in solid panels (no holes poked in them), and at least trying
pre-fab, with plaster done in shop conditions (even though it inherently
creates bulky, heavy panels that must then be transported).  Not sure how
dependable the bale to frame interface is in terms of potential water
intrusion.
























-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sustainablesources.com/pipermail/gsbn/attachments/20090730/1241ddf8/attachment.htm>