OUR CLAY ECO-HOUSES
First, there comes the smell of straw. It’s the smell of childhood. And when it’s plastered – of earth and forest. Sometimes even of grass, when it blooms. After a few nights in such a house, some people don’t want to sleep elsewhere...
How are they made?
The support structure (traditionally wooden, mullion-transom) is filled with straw bales. Straw contains air which is a good insulator. In the last phase everything is comes together and is covered with a thick layer of clay. A house made with that technique shows surprisingly good heat transfer insulation rate.
Advantages of living in clay houses
01
ECOLOGY
To build the house you use natural materials (such as clay, straw, lime, stone, beams, wood), which are easy to get in the neighbourhood. Processing of the materials doesn’t’ require complicated or high-temperature processes, so doesn’t emit carbon dioxide or other harmful substances.
03
AESTHETICS
Clay is ductile hence easy to shape. Warm natural clay colour and the look of the house will surely have some calming effect on the inhabitants.
02
DWELLERS’ HEALTH
Clay houses have favourable microclimate especially friendly for allergy sufferers, because there are no toxic materials used. Clay plasters allow to keep the humidity level of about 60%, thanks to their properties they neutralise micro pollutants, dust doesn’t stick to them (they are electrostatically inert) and antiseptic (inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould on walls). They make a great barrier against noise and provide acoustic comfort. Penetration of electromagnetic waves is hindered.
04
OTHERS
Thick walls protect from cold or heat. Clay is highly fire resistant and preserves wood (absorbs the excess moisture).
Clay houses – why is it worth to build in eco style?
The increase in popularity of ecological constructions – both the clay and straw or the wooden ones – is associated with many advantages of such houses, as specialists indicate. Clay houses make favourable microclimate (clay gives off and absorbs moisture well and accumulates heat). Such houses are also characterised by good temperature regulation and good quality of the air inside.
Besides, materials used for eco-houses are safe for our health – they don’t contain any toxic substances. All that makes such houses recommended for those who suffer from allergies, for families with children and for everyone who wants to take care of their health and environment consciously.
It’s worth mentioning that in clay houses the problem with dust is not so big, when compared to the traditional buildings, because clay prevents electrostatic charging. People who take care for the nature will appreciate the fact that making materials used for building such houses is environmentally friendly. What’s interesting, in clay houses, the clay preserves wooden elements used inside. That makes the elements and the whole building more durable and economical. It is indicated that a well-built clay house may be compared to passive houses.