the econest method of light-clay infill

the Econest method of frame and light-clay infill

Dates: July 12-17, 2010

Location: O.U.R. Ecovillage

contact: naturalbuilding@ourecovillage.org

If you are looking for a wall system that is natural, fast, and combines wood-framing and earth-building this workshop provides an answer. Designed for timber frame infill and easily adapted to other framing methods, clay/ fibre or “Leichtlehm” is becoming a popular system.

Robert delivers a full course with background and practice, and you will walk away with the skills to work on your own project. Builders who are looking to expand their palette as well as owner builders will get their money’s worth in this course!

You will join our Natural Building interns for this week of exploring technique and team work.

Cost of workshop: $500 (CAD)

Please follow our online registration process for accommodation and meal options.

Yes! Sign me up for Clay/ fibre construction

Program Overview

Foundations: Students will learn about WICFs (Woodchip Insulated Concrete Forms), why they are more ecologically sound and how they integrate with clay/fiber walls and finishing techniques used in an EcoNest.

Timber Frames: Students learn to integrate the clay/fiber ‘outsulation’ wall system with European and Asian style timber frames.

Matrix Framing: The matrix is the light framework of Larsen trusses that wrap around the timber structure and facilitates an energy efficient clay/fiber wall system. This light framing may be used with a timber frame or as an independent load-bearing structure. Students learn how to efficiently construct and erect the truss wall systems for 12″clay/fiber walls. Students learn when, why and how to use load-bearing, non-load-bearing and hybrid solutions.

Door and Window Framing: Students learn a systematic approach to constructing door and window frames within the matrix of a clay/fiber wall.

Coordination of People: It does not require previous experience to load clay/fiber walls but it does take people power and the skill to organize them. “Builders-in-training” learn how to safely orchestrate a group of people to produce, deliver, and compact thirty tons of clay/fiber.

Formwork: Students will fabricate and install the formwork used for building clay/fiber walls and learn how to recycle the formwork back into the finished home.

Staging: Moving material, erecting scaffolding and coordinating the set up of a project is a major undertaking for each home. Properly organized and executed, it saves time, money and effort while increasing safety. Students learn how to effectively stage a project for maximum efficiency.

Clay/Straw Placement: The art of building a 30-ton wall system in less than 4 days is the result of good teamwork shepherded by good leadership. Like the barn raisings of our ancestors, when people come together to achieve this feat, both walls and community are built. “Builders-in training” will gain experience as team-players and as leaders in the clay/fiber wall building process.

Natural Building Science I: Students will be introduced to the principles of natural building and the relationship between the built environment and ecological impact.