Weatherization Department
The Friday Report Friday April 11,1997
FromWright Energy's
Weatherization Network Since 1984
970-349-0551 fax
970-349-0923 voice
Email Mike@NationalGuild.com
WebSite
http://NationalGuild.com
Updated 1/9/97
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Rammed Earth - Works____________
From the beginning of recorded history earth has been the most widely used buildingmaterial in the world. Because of its low cost, ease of construction, and control over temperature extremes, earth architecture long ago set the standard for comfort and efficiency. For various reasons, building technologies began to neglect the benefits of simple thermal mass in favor of more complex and expensive systems and materials.
Now earth is being rediscovered. Its beauty, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, safety, durability, and economy put it in a class by itself. Best of all, with the new PISÉ® technology for building earthquake-safe engineered earth walls, construction is as fast and efficient as any of those high tech, high toxicity homes on the market. Engineering breakthroughs in quality control and systems design have
combined to breathe new life into this venerable material.
Before you make the final commitment to build with earth, there are a few important points you need to think about. The
advantages, of course, are numerous and we've taken the opportunity of describing them for you below. There are also
certain characteristics of the walls that some people think of as limitations (although to others these same features are considered enhancements). It's critical to us that you be fully aware of these characteristics so that if you do build with earth both your experiences during construction and your appreciation of the finished product will be as rewarding as possible.
Thermal Flywheel Effect
The ability of a solid earth wall to store energy for long periods of time results in interior temperatures that change very little
from day to night. Mass walls absorb solar energy during winter days and then radiate that energy to offset nighttime heat
losses within the building. In the summer months, the mass of the walls absorbs excess heat generated during the day, keeping the inside spaces surprisingly cool, then releases that stored heat to the clear night sky. In a properly designed and oriented building, this can mean significant savings in heating and cooling bills. And because the energy that controls the temperature inside the building radiates directly from the mass of the walls, the quality of the comfort inside is noticeably
different than in a space regulated through mechanically altered air. Couple a mass wall with a hydronic radiant slab to achieve the most quiet, uniform, and dust-free heating system available.
Indoor air quality
Earthwalls improve the quality of the indoor environment. Unlike wood-frame buildings, packed full of potentially harmful manufactured materials which can outgas hazardous fumes for months, an earth walled building with a natural finish emits no toxins whatsoever.
Longevity, durability, and low maintenance
Walls built of raw earth in China, Africa, and even the cold wet climates of northern Europe continue to provide shelter after
several hundred years of use. With the addition of modern stabilizers, concrete foundations, and steel reinforcing, we can say
in total confidence that our earth walls will last for many centuries. And like all other masonry wall systems, whether they are
brick, stone, or concrete, exterior maintenance is virtually eliminated.
Intangible qualities
One of the most appealing aspects of a house with thick earth walls is the indescribable feeling you get just being inside. There is a certain calmness that simply can't be duplicated with lightweight building materials, no matter what the architecture. Whether it is simply the energy of thermal mass, the healthful air of a natural environment, the quiet that results
from the sound absorbing nature of the solid earth, or some other less identifiable quality, there is something special
happening inside.
From David Easton's Rammed EarthWorks.__________
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
John Wooden ~
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The Original
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When your serious about Energy Conservation.
Call Mike
970-349-0551 fax
800-832-2992 Voice
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