Template:305inprogress

Attempt 2: Spring 2013

This Spring 2013 project by Elisabeth de Jong, Cheyenne Celada and Jacob Ferdman is a re-envisioning and remake of CCAT greenhouse natural wall.

Objective

Similar to the objectives of the previous attempt, the objectives of this project were to create a sturdy, functional and aesthetically pleasing back-wall for the CCAT greenhouse. Therefore, the project we undertook was three-fold. First, we researched and collected a local invasive species of beach grass and other locally available materials. Second, we analyzed insulating techniques to fill in the spaces in the frame that the previous group created. Finally, we created a natural plaster that will seal in the insulation and provide an aesthetically pleasing wall.


Some Initial Criteria:

  • Wall Filling
  1. Optimizes the greenhouse effect
  2. Locally sourced natural or up-cycled material
  • Plaster
  1. Resistant to the moisture and humidity of the greenhouse
  2. Made from locally sourced earthen materials
  3. Aesthetically pleasing and a color complimentary to the plants that will be growing


Criteria

This section was designed to assist in the determination of the different aspects of this project. The group chose these criteria based on the expectations of the client, the class and personal interest. Weighing the criteria allows for focus on certain elements of the project to ensure satisfaction with the final product.

Criteria Constraints Our Weight (0-10)
Infill
Data Collection Must have moisture sensors 2
Durability Must withstand Humboldt elements, impact, pressure 10
Educational Must have a truth window 6
Locality Humboldt County materials 8
Plaster
Aesthetics Bottle bricks, Color, Smoothness 8
Compatible with Straw slip Does not fall off 10
Durability Moisture and impact resistant 10
Natural No cement 8
Functionality
Cohesion Designed appropriately with the greenhouse layout 7
Modular Garden Allows for interchanging planter beds 7
Simplicity Must be easily re-creatable 5

Literature Review

Climate
Humboldt County experiences considerable precipitation and moderate temperatures. Near the coast, temperatures reach 32°F and lower during the winter and during the summer a temperature that exceeds 80°F is rare. Temperatures along the coast vary only 10° from summer to winter. Humboldt County experiences rainfall in each month of the year. 90% of the vast region's rainfall occurs between the months of October and April. The seasonal total amount of rainfall experienced is approximately 40 in/year in drier regions and 100 in/year in regions of high precipitation. Stable seasonal temperatures and a high moisture content cause high levels of humidity. [1] The annual average of relative humidity is 86.5% [2].
Straw-Slip
Straw-slip originates from a building technique developed during the 1920's in Germany known as, Leichtlehm ('light loam' in German). Leichtlehm or Straw-slip is a mixture composed of straw and watered down clay, and is typically used as the infill for walls.[3] This building technique was founded for the purpose of building durable walls on a cost efficient budget. Clay is soaked in water so that it may easily be applied to straw upon mixing. This straw and clay mixture may then be rammed into form directly into the wall between the frames or it may be used to form bricks. If the mixture is rammed into form with more force it will become compressed and create a more durable wall. However, highly compressed walls formed out of this mixture attain less air within the wall and make for less efficient thermal insulators. Straw-slip does not possess structure, therefore a frame or alternative structure is required. It is essential that a good surface treatment is applied to straw mixed with clay upon drying to ensure protection. For walls constructed on sites that are vary exposed, an extra layer of surface treatment may be applied. [4]
Straw
Wheat, rice, oat, barely or rye straw may be used in straw-slip mixtures. To achieve maximum thermal insulation it is best to use straw with thick stiff stalks such as rye. Thicker stalks help retain more air within the wall.[5] Straw used should attain no sign of decay or insects[6]
Alternative Materials to Straw
Straw is not the only material that maybe used for producing an effective clay-slip mixture. Alternative Cellulose materials maybe used in substitute, such as wood chips[7] or other natural resources that possesses qualities similar to straw. [8]
Ammophila Arenaria
Ammophila Aernaria is most commonly known as European beach grass or marram grass. This plant is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and coasts of the Black sea. Ammophila Aernaria is able to undergo long periods of drought and withstand erosion. It is known to be invasive and detrimental to native plant life along the dunes of Northern California. This particular species of beach grass is able to reproduce swiftly often weeding out native species. Along with taking over native plants habitat, Ammophila Aernaria also attracts pathogens that are fatal to native plant life.
Friends of the Dunes
Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization in Arcata, California that focuses on involving community in coastal conservation. Workers and volunteers at friends of the dunes have taken on the task of removing Ammophila Aernaria from the Samoa Sand Dunes in Arcata, California, in hopes of conserving native plant species. The beach grass, is collected, dried, and then burned.[9]
Plaster
Clay and lime plasters maybe used on both the interior and exterior of Straw-slip walls. Gypsum plaster is also an additional option for an interior plaster. Plasters maybe applied directly to straw-slip upon drying. Due to their susceptibility to rain damage, clay plasters are often finished with lime plasters to add additional protection. [10]It is natural for mold to form on the top layer of clay-slip during the first stages of drying. Once the clay slip has fully dried and all moisture has evaporated, no mold will be able to grow on the surface.Due to high levels of humidity present in the city of Arcata, California, it is vital that the final plaster is applied as soon as the infill has completed the drying period. [11]
Lime Putty Sand Mortar
Lime putty sand mortars are beneficial because of their slow setting rate that allows movement or settling of walls without causing damage. Unlike plasters that contain cement, lime putty sand mortars do not retain moisture from rain, this provides a breathable wall. High-Calcium lime putty can be expected produce a durable mortar that attains a rapid dry time in all climates.[12]
River Sand in Mortar
The role of sand is to provide structural strength in a natural mortar. Sand should be attain a sharp angular structure, this will ensure that sand particles are able to interlock appropriately. Sand that attains a round structure will not interlock and mortar will be become less adhesive.[13]
Clay
There are three main types of clay; montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite. Each of these variations attains a different lattice structure,directly effecting the way the clay reacts with saline and sodium. Montmorillonite clay is affected the most by sodium, causing it to disperse and swell upon reacting. Kaolinite clay attains the the weakest reaction to sodium of these threee clays and is less likely to experience dispersion or swelling.[14] When choosing the specific type of clay to use for a straw-slip mixture it is important to choose one that attains a clay content of no less then 50%.[15]
Slaking Clay
Slaking refers to the breakdown of air-dry soil aggregates into smaller aggregates that occurs upon the immersion of water. This forms a clay-slip. The final consistency of clay post slaking depends on soil water content, soil texture, type of clay, organic matter, amount of water added, and the rate at which the water is added.[16]
Borax
20 Mule Team Borax contains 99.5% sodium tetra borate. This chemical is resistant to flame and pests. Sodium tetra borate prevents the growth of mold or mildew.[17]
Cobb
Cob is a form of earthen construction composed of sand, clay, and fiber (usually hay). Cobb's components are similar to that of adobe. In comparison to adobe, cobb allows for me freedom of shape in construction. Cobb's flexibility makes it a good material to use for patchwork prior to the application of a natural plaster.[18]
Moisture Censors
Sodium
Upon reacting with sodium, clay undergoes swelling and loses structure. A mixture that contains high levels of sodium would not be ideal for the consistency in which we want our beach grass-slip to withhold. [19]
Salinity
Soil water salinity levels depend on the type of soil. Soil water salinity leads to flocculation, causing small particles to bind together and form aggregates. [20]

Timeline

Week Cheyenne Elisabeth Jake Overall Realistic Timeline
Feb 11-17 Research for test materials
Feb 18-24 Upload:Objective Build test frames
Feb 25- Mar 3 Upload:Literature Review Test bricks
Mar 4-10 Collect beach grass Collect beach grass. Upload:Timeline and Criteria Upload:Budget Test plaster
Mar 11-17 Collect beach grass/make test bricks Collect beach grass/make test bricks Start packing the wall Test bricks (wall under construction)
Mar 18-24 (Spring Break) Make Final Test Bricks/Research/Lit Review Continue packing the wall Start packing the wall
Mar 24-31 Finish packing the wall
Apr 1-7 Start plastering Continue packing the wall
Apr 8-14 Test plaster Remove fencing Test plaster Finish packing the wall
Apr 15-21 Cobb in critical areas Prepare for plaster
Apr 22-28 Plaster
Apr 29- Mar 5 Clean, scrape and sweep excess plaster Clean windows and surrounding walls Clean tools and equipment Finished! Paint the wall with lime, cleanup
Mar 6- Mar 11 Update: Literature Review Update: Timeline, Budget Upload: Step by Step Final layer of plaster with pigment

Process

How to build your own

File:Pickup_beachgrass.jpeg
Beach Grass Slip
File:Lime_slaking.jpeg
Plaster

Budget

Material Quantity Source Cost Total Cost
Beach Grass 6 truckloads Collected from Friends of the Dunes donated $0
Clay (90% clay) ¼ cubic yard Found on site $0 $0
Borax 4 Co-op $6 $24
River Sand (plastering sand) ½ cubic yard Hensel’s Material $35 $35
Lime (Type S-hydrated) 200 pounds CCAT $15/50 pounds $60
Moisture Meters 3 ValueTesters.com $50 $150
Building materials hammers, nails, screws, power drills, etc. CCAT donated $0
Chicken and ½ square in. mesh wire 150 square feet Ace Hardware $30 + donated $30
Buckets various sizes (1gal-55gal) CCAT donated $0
Tarps 2 large Acquired through CCAT donated $0
Horse manure 20 gallons -shredded Mad River Stables donated $0
Painting materials Rollers, scrapers, brushes, mixer CCAT + Ace Hardware $30 + donated $30
6 tubes Caulking Ace Hardware $3 $20
Gasoline/Driving costs 20 miles/gallon local gas stations about $4/gallon $16
Safety equipment goggles, gloves CCAT donated $0
Total $365

Criteria

This section was designed to assist in the determination of the different aspects of this project. The group chose these criteria based on the expectations of the client, the class and personal interest. Weighing the criteria allows for focus on certain elements of the project to ensure satisfaction with the final product.

Criteria Constraints Our Weight (0-10)
Infill
Data Collection Must have moisture sensors 2
Durability Must withstand Humboldt elements, impact, pressure 10
Educational Must have a truth window 6
Locality Humboldt County materials 8
Plaster
Aesthetics Bottle bricks, Color, Smoothness 8
Compatible with Straw slip Does not fall off 10
Durability Moisture and impact resistant 10
Natural No cement 8
Functionality
Cohesion Designed appropriately with the greenhouse layout 7
Modular Garden Allows for interchanging planter beds 7
Simplicity Must be easily re-creatable 5

Literature Review

Climate
Humboldt County experiences considerable precipitation and moderate temperatures. Near the coast, temperatures reach 32°F and lower during the winter and during the summer a temperature that exceeds 80°F is rare. Temperatures along the coast vary only 10° from summer to winter. Humboldt County experiences rainfall in each month of the year. 90% of the vast region's rainfall occurs between the months of October and April. The seasonal total amount of rainfall experienced is approximately 40 in/year in drier regions and 100 in/year in regions of high precipitation. Stable seasonal temperatures and a high moisture content cause high levels of humidity. [21] The annual average of relative humidity is 86.5% [22].
Straw-Slip
Straw-slip originates from a building technique developed during the 1920's in Germany known as, Leichtlehm ('light loam' in German). Leichtlehm or Straw-slip is a mixture composed of straw and watered down clay, and is typically used as the infill for walls.[23] This building technique was founded for the purpose of building durable walls on a cost efficient budget. Clay is soaked in water so that it may easily be applied to straw upon mixing. This straw and clay mixture may then be rammed into form directly into the wall between the frames or it may be used to form bricks. If the mixture is rammed into form with more force it will become compressed and create a more durable wall. However, highly compressed walls formed out of this mixture attain less air within the wall and make for less efficient thermal insulators. Straw-slip does not possess structure, therefore a frame or alternative structure is required. It is essential that a good surface treatment is applied to straw mixed with clay upon drying to ensure protection. For walls constructed on sites that are vary exposed, an extra layer of surface treatment may be applied. [24]
Straw
Wheat, rice, oat, barely or rye straw may be used in straw-slip mixtures. To achieve maximum thermal insulation it is best to use straw with thick stiff stalks such as rye. Thicker stalks help retain more air within the wall.[25] Straw used should attain no sign of decay or insects[26]
Alternative Materials to Straw
Straw is not the only material that maybe used for producing an effective clay-slip mixture. Alternative Cellulose materials maybe used in substitute, such as wood chips[27] or other natural resources that possesses qualities similar to straw. [28]
Ammophila Arenaria
Ammophila Aernaria is most commonly known as European beach grass or marram grass. This plant is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and coasts of the Black sea. Ammophila Aernaria is able to undergo long periods of drought and withstand erosion. It is known to be invasive and detrimental to native plant life along the dunes of Northern California. This particular species of beach grass is able to reproduce swiftly often weeding out native species. Along with taking over native plants habitat, Ammophila Aernaria also attracts pathogens that are fatal to native plant life.
Friends of the Dunes
Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization in Arcata, California that focuses on involving community in coastal conservation. Workers and volunteers at friends of the dunes have taken on the task of removing Ammophila Aernaria from the Samoa Sand Dunes in Arcata, California, in hopes of conserving native plant species. The beach grass, is collected, dried, and then burned.[29]
Plaster
Clay and lime plasters maybe used on both the interior and exterior of Straw-slip walls. Gypsum plaster is also an additional option for an interior plaster. Plasters maybe applied directly to straw-slip upon drying. Due to their susceptibility to rain damage, clay plasters are often finished with lime plasters to add additional protection. [30]It is natural for mold to form on the top layer of clay-slip during the first stages of drying. Once the clay slip has fully dried and all moisture has evaporated, no mold will be able to grow on the surface.Due to high levels of humidity present in the city of Arcata, California, it is vital that the final plaster is applied as soon as the infill has completed the drying period. [11]
Lime Putty Sand Mortar
Lime putty sand mortars are beneficial because of their slow setting rate that allows movement or settling of walls without causing damage. Unlike plasters that contain cement, lime putty sand mortars do not retain moisture from rain, this provides a breathable wall. High-Calcium lime putty can be expected produce a durable mortar that attains a rapid dry time in all climates.[31]
River Sand in Mortar
The role of sand is to provide structural strength in a natural mortar. Sand should be attain a sharp angular structure, this will ensure that sand particles are able to interlock appropriately. Sand that attains a round structure will not interlock and mortar will be become less adhesive.[32]
Clay
There are three main types of clay; montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite. Each of these variations attains a different lattice structure,directly effecting the way the clay reacts with saline and sodium. Montmorillonite clay is affected the most by sodium, causing it to disperse and swell upon reacting. Kaolinite clay attains the the weakest reaction to sodium of these threee clays and is less likely to experience dispersion or swelling.[33] When choosing the specific type of clay to use for a straw-slip mixture it is important to choose one that attains a clay content of no less then 50%.[34]
Slaking Clay
Slaking refers to the breakdown of air-dry soil aggregates into smaller aggregates that occurs upon the immersion of water. This forms a clay-slip. The final consistency of clay post slaking depends on soil water content, soil texture, type of clay, organic matter, amount of water added, and the rate at which the water is added.[35]
Borax
20 Mule Team Borax contains 99.5% sodium tetra borate. This chemical is resistant to flame and pests. Sodium tetra borate prevents the growth of mold or mildew.[36]
Cobb
Cob is a form of earthen construction composed of sand, clay, and fiber (usually hay). Cobb's components are similar to that of adobe. In comparison to adobe, cobb allows for me freedom of shape in construction. Cobb's flexibility makes it a good material to use for patchwork prior to the application of a natural plaster.[37]
Moisture Censors
Sodium
Upon reacting with sodium, clay undergoes swelling and loses structure. A mixture that contains high levels of sodium would not be ideal for the consistency in which we want our beach grass-slip to withhold. [38]
Salinity
Soil water salinity levels depend on the type of soil. Soil water salinity leads to flocculation, causing small particles to bind together and form aggregates. [39]

References

Template:Reflist

  1. http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/about.asp
  2. http://www.usa.com/humboldt-county-ca-weather.htm
  3. http://www.green-destinations.com/glossary.html
  4. Ecology of Building Materials
  5. http://books.google.com/books?id=FJP6Bx_8xF0C&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=leichtlehm+building&source=bl&ots=-s9f2j1C4j&sig=1Qan3uP-c58um7xxChlX8Wzg1HY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=KG5LUe_yCoa32wWt7YDoCQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=leichtlehm&f=false
  6. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  7. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  8. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  9. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=1518&lang=EN
  10. http://books.google.com/books?id=FJP6Bx_8xF0C&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=leichtlehm+building&source=bl&ots=-s9gWa_u1h&sig=7RnYYFjJOe7kcFiUCHCY5JdI4xA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4AxNUZKiF-Tn2QW-9YCgBQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=leichtlehm%20building&f=false
  11. 11.0 11.1 Building Green,Second Edition, Lark Books A Division of Sterling Publishing.2009
  12. http://www.traditionalandsustainable.com/TSB/Lime_Putty_files/Lime_Use_Guide-2.pdf
  13. http://www.traditionalandsustainable.com/TSB/Lime_Putty_files/Lime_Use_Guide-2.pdf
  14. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
  15. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  16. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/127277/Slaking-and-dispersion.pdf
  17. http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about/what-is-borax/
  18. http://www.appropedia.org/Cobb
  19. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
  20. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
  21. http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/about.asp
  22. http://www.usa.com/humboldt-county-ca-weather.htm
  23. http://www.green-destinations.com/glossary.html
  24. Ecology of Building Materials
  25. http://books.google.com/books?id=FJP6Bx_8xF0C&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=leichtlehm+building&source=bl&ots=-s9f2j1C4j&sig=1Qan3uP-c58um7xxChlX8Wzg1HY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=KG5LUe_yCoa32wWt7YDoCQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=leichtlehm&f=false
  26. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  27. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  28. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  29. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=1518&lang=EN
  30. http://books.google.com/books?id=FJP6Bx_8xF0C&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=leichtlehm+building&source=bl&ots=-s9gWa_u1h&sig=7RnYYFjJOe7kcFiUCHCY5JdI4xA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4AxNUZKiF-Tn2QW-9YCgBQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=leichtlehm%20building&f=false
  31. http://www.traditionalandsustainable.com/TSB/Lime_Putty_files/Lime_Use_Guide-2.pdf
  32. http://www.traditionalandsustainable.com/TSB/Lime_Putty_files/Lime_Use_Guide-2.pdf
  33. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
  34. http://www.econesthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IBC_LightStraw-Clay_FINAL12-31-11.pdf
  35. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/127277/Slaking-and-dispersion.pdf
  36. http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about/what-is-borax/
  37. http://www.appropedia.org/Cobb
  38. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
  39. http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/basics_highlight.shtml
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