Hello to all homebuilders,
I plan to build a 2010 Passive House (PH) but prefer a "biological" construction method. I would like to build a house using clay bricks. I have already read a lot about building methods and materials, but I haven’t found much information on long-term experiences, problems, tips, or practical knowledge. I understand that water and electrical installations need to be handled differently with this type of construction.
What should be specifically considered? I would appreciate any advice, including in areas such as solar systems or underfloor heating. I am also convinced that many homebuilders will follow your tips with keen interest.
Thank you
I plan to build a 2010 Passive House (PH) but prefer a "biological" construction method. I would like to build a house using clay bricks. I have already read a lot about building methods and materials, but I haven’t found much information on long-term experiences, problems, tips, or practical knowledge. I understand that water and electrical installations need to be handled differently with this type of construction.
What should be specifically considered? I would appreciate any advice, including in areas such as solar systems or underfloor heating. I am also convinced that many homebuilders will follow your tips with keen interest.
Thank you
M
MODERATOR25 Oct 2009 13:54Hello surfer,
When building with clay, it is important to keep in mind that clay is sensitive to moisture, which requires special weather protection measures, especially in solid clay construction. Furthermore, contrary to common belief, clay is not a good insulating material.
I would recommend combining a timber frame structure for the load-bearing walls with clay interior finishes; the timber frame with natural fiber insulation provides thermal protection, while the clay finish offers the benefits of clay construction (indoor humidity regulation, protection against building pests, a distinctive atmosphere) and sound insulation.
When building with clay, it is important to keep in mind that clay is sensitive to moisture, which requires special weather protection measures, especially in solid clay construction. Furthermore, contrary to common belief, clay is not a good insulating material.
I would recommend combining a timber frame structure for the load-bearing walls with clay interior finishes; the timber frame with natural fiber insulation provides thermal protection, while the clay finish offers the benefits of clay construction (indoor humidity regulation, protection against building pests, a distinctive atmosphere) and sound insulation.
Hello Hertweck
I read a report about industrially manufactured clay bricks. The report somewhat "convinced" me.
However, I find timber frame construction too complicated. You also need to find an architect who can calculate the structural engineering. Bassmasta is also searching. I suspect that construction costs are not easy to estimate, as I have no experience with that.
Additionally, when it comes to electrical and plumbing installations, you don’t have as much flexibility. It is easier to run new pipes or cables in a brick wall. A solid brick house also has the advantage that you can do a lot of the work yourself.
I am not under any time pressure and would be willing to help out on the construction. Regarding insulation, I have read that with clay bricks it might not be necessary.
I also read a great book.
Innovative Wall Construction
ISBN 978-3-7880-7791-4
It is also very informative.
Modern Clay Construction
ISBN 3-8167-6277-8
I read a report about industrially manufactured clay bricks. The report somewhat "convinced" me.
However, I find timber frame construction too complicated. You also need to find an architect who can calculate the structural engineering. Bassmasta is also searching. I suspect that construction costs are not easy to estimate, as I have no experience with that.
Additionally, when it comes to electrical and plumbing installations, you don’t have as much flexibility. It is easier to run new pipes or cables in a brick wall. A solid brick house also has the advantage that you can do a lot of the work yourself.
I am not under any time pressure and would be willing to help out on the construction. Regarding insulation, I have read that with clay bricks it might not be necessary.
I also read a great book.
Innovative Wall Construction
ISBN 978-3-7880-7791-4
It is also very informative.
Modern Clay Construction
ISBN 3-8167-6277-8
M
MODERATOR26 Oct 2009 17:39Hello Surfer,
Nowadays, adobe bricks are manufactured industrially; no one shapes them by hand on the construction site anymore. "Adobe construction" or "mud brick construction" refers to building with air-dried earth bricks. The term "brick" itself usually refers to fired clay bricks.
There are different types and sizes of adobe bricks, some suitable for load-bearing masonry and others not, ranging from light to quite heavy.
If you want to build a house entirely from solid bricks, that is of course possible, but it can be quite labor-intensive compared to earth-filled timber frame construction or wood stud framing. The size of load-bearing adobe bricks is either relatively small, or the bricks become very heavy to handle.
What should not be forgotten is that earth is a “real” building material. You need to know how to work with adobe bricks, panels, etc., and understand the related building physics and structural requirements. This is not something for inexperienced builders who have never previously laid masonry or constructed buildings – you will definitely need assistance and guidance (which some earth building material manufacturers and suppliers can provide). A structural engineering calculation is also necessary, as it is with any other load-bearing material.
And finally: earth is not an insulation material. You can improve earth’s insulating properties by mixing it with plant fibers, for example (not suitable for load-bearing walls), but you cannot build an earth house without an additional thermal insulation layer.
Nowadays, adobe bricks are manufactured industrially; no one shapes them by hand on the construction site anymore. "Adobe construction" or "mud brick construction" refers to building with air-dried earth bricks. The term "brick" itself usually refers to fired clay bricks.
There are different types and sizes of adobe bricks, some suitable for load-bearing masonry and others not, ranging from light to quite heavy.
If you want to build a house entirely from solid bricks, that is of course possible, but it can be quite labor-intensive compared to earth-filled timber frame construction or wood stud framing. The size of load-bearing adobe bricks is either relatively small, or the bricks become very heavy to handle.
What should not be forgotten is that earth is a “real” building material. You need to know how to work with adobe bricks, panels, etc., and understand the related building physics and structural requirements. This is not something for inexperienced builders who have never previously laid masonry or constructed buildings – you will definitely need assistance and guidance (which some earth building material manufacturers and suppliers can provide). A structural engineering calculation is also necessary, as it is with any other load-bearing material.
And finally: earth is not an insulation material. You can improve earth’s insulating properties by mixing it with plant fibers, for example (not suitable for load-bearing walls), but you cannot build an earth house without an additional thermal insulation layer.
Hello Hertweck
By industrially manufactured bricks, I meant those like in the project mentioned above. Unfortunately, according to information received, these are no longer produced. I also couldn’t find any comparable products. I wanted to build a shell structure in the traditional way using these bricks/green blocks.
Unfortunately, the green blocks from Lana Therm are not suitable for load-bearing walls.
It would probably be easier to build a conventional shell structure and then cover it with 16mm (5/8 inch) clay boards from Claytec.
My primary goal is to create a healthy indoor climate. www.knaufinsulation.de/de/ecose
I think this is also a good alternative to conventional insulation. You are right in saying that clay walls also need insulation.
Clay only has better thermal storage capacity, so with proper insulation, a more stable living climate is achieved. It probably makes more sense to cover load-bearing walls on the inside and to build partition walls using green blocks. However, I am still concerned about installing water and electrical lines. I have read too many conflicting details about this. Do you possibly have any information on this?
By industrially manufactured bricks, I meant those like in the project mentioned above. Unfortunately, according to information received, these are no longer produced. I also couldn’t find any comparable products. I wanted to build a shell structure in the traditional way using these bricks/green blocks.
Unfortunately, the green blocks from Lana Therm are not suitable for load-bearing walls.
It would probably be easier to build a conventional shell structure and then cover it with 16mm (5/8 inch) clay boards from Claytec.
My primary goal is to create a healthy indoor climate. www.knaufinsulation.de/de/ecose
I think this is also a good alternative to conventional insulation. You are right in saying that clay walls also need insulation.
Clay only has better thermal storage capacity, so with proper insulation, a more stable living climate is achieved. It probably makes more sense to cover load-bearing walls on the inside and to build partition walls using green blocks. However, I am still concerned about installing water and electrical lines. I have read too many conflicting details about this. Do you possibly have any information on this?
M
MODERATOR29 Oct 2009 18:41Hello again,
Unfortunately, I don’t have practical experience with plumbing and electrical installations in earthen buildings; after consulting with experienced colleagues, the feedback is quite mixed. Creating the channels for cables is straightforward, but securing empty conduits and flush-mounted boxes in earthen walls appears to be challenging. Most use a mixture of clay and quick-setting cement to mount the boxes and fix the wiring.
With stud walls clad in earthen boards, this is easier, similar to standard gypsum stud walls.
Unfortunately, I don’t have practical experience with plumbing and electrical installations in earthen buildings; after consulting with experienced colleagues, the feedback is quite mixed. Creating the channels for cables is straightforward, but securing empty conduits and flush-mounted boxes in earthen walls appears to be challenging. Most use a mixture of clay and quick-setting cement to mount the boxes and fix the wiring.
With stud walls clad in earthen boards, this is easier, similar to standard gypsum stud walls.
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