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Re: GBlist: Low density concrete



Conventional wisdom has it that using strawbales below grade is not a good
idea. By the time you protect them absolutely from water, you've already
got a perfectly good below grade wall, and what do strawbales add?

Have you looked at Earthships? Perhaps they would suit you're needs better.

----------
> From: Charles Barnard <wizodd@netnet.net>
> To: greenbuilding@crest.org
> Subject: GBlist: Low density concrete
> Date: Monday, June 16, 1997 12:18 PM
> 
> I am in the process of doing the preliminary design for a structure to be
> built in the next couple of years on newly aquired property in northern
> Wisconsin.
> 
> I was considering using strawbales in a manner similar to that used by
> buckminster Fuller in the 20's in New York wherein he used excelsier
> packing material. To date I have found little on the subject.
> 
> Most of the strawbale work I've seen uses them as external above grade
> walls.  I wish to use the material below grade.  I was considering using
a
> concrete made with styrene beads (5-20% by volume) which is then treated
> with styrene monomer to disolve/disperse the styrene. This concrete is
> supposed to be watertight & chemiclally very inert.  Is anyone familiar
> with plastisized concrete projects which have been constructed?  Anyone
> know of any below-grade strawbale use?
> 
> We are also looking for an architect who is familiar with underground
> designs & solar HVAC, the site is about an hour East of Minneapolis next
to
> I94, so an architect in Mpls-St.Paul area or Eau Claire would be perfect.
> 
> My background is in computer consulting of manufacturing systems, but
I've
> been interestred & reading widley in the field of underground housing &
> solar systems for the past 24 years, now I have a chance to build one.  
> 
> Any pointers would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> Charles Barnard
> Wizard of Odd
> 1451 East Mason St.
> Greeen Bay, WI  54301-3330
> 
> voice 414 436 9009
> fax   414 436 9010
> net   wizodd@netnet.net
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