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| Types of Natural Building Natural Building varies based on climate, ecology, and geology of the region. Not all methods are appropriate for all locations. Here in the mid-southeast, we have a plethora of materials that we can put to work to create beautiful, healthy, and comfortable buildings that have much less environmental impact than other building methods. StrawBale
StrawBale construction utilizes an agricultural waste product to produce thick, highly insulative walls that significantly reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling the structure. This method has been used in the United States, since at least the late 19th century with structures still in use today. Cob
Cob is an ancient building material comprised of clay, sand, and straw, similar to adobe, but instead of forming bricks with the combination, cob creates a single, monolithic structure, much like poured concrete. Because of the clay content, cob is sculptural, fire-proof, and has high thermal mass (ability to store heat).  EarthBag
EarthBag construction is a method of building a strong, earth-based structure consisting of subsoil compressed into poly-propylene bags and stacked in a running bond, similar to bricks. Bags are then plastered to prevent degradation from sunlight. Cordwood
Cordwood construction uses rot and insect resistant logs cut to a desired length and mortared together using either cement or an earthen mortar such as cob. The center of the wall is filled with insulative materials such as perlite, cellulose, or sawdust mixed with borate, which serves as both insect repellant and fire-retardant.  SlipStraw
SlipStraw, also known as StrawClay, is a rammed earth technique that is much more insulative than typical rammed earth construction. Straw is lightly coated with a clay slip and tamped into forms to create a wall structure. As the wall dries, seeds within the mix sprout and die, indicating the mix is ready to plaster.  Stone
Stone is an abundant, durable, and naturally occurring building product found in all parts of the world. It has high thermal mass (ability to store heat) and is suitable for all climates. Stone can either be dry laid or mortared in place and adds color, texture, and beauty to any building project. TimberFrame
TimberFraming is an efficient method of using wood since there is less processing and waste associated with the harvest of the product and much less lumber is required than a typical stick-frame building of the same size. Post and Beam is a similar method of timber construction that uses hard-ware instead of fitted joints. Natural Paints & Plasters
Plasters are used to beautify and protect earthen walls, much like paint is used to mask drywall. Interior plasters are typically comprised of clay and sand and exterior plasters are made from a mix of lime putty and sand for extra durability and water resistance. Pigments can be added to either for a variety of color options.  Earthen Floor
Earthen floors are made of clay, sand, and straw that is compacted to create a surface that is both soft and durable. The floors are sealed with natural oils to add water resistance and prevent dusting. Earthen floors are inexpensive and are estimated to have 90% less embodied energy than finished concrete.  Living Roof
Living, or Green, Roofs are beautiful, energy-efficient, and help to reduce storm water runoff. If planted with native, drought tolerant plants, they can be low-maintenance and help replace habitat that was disturbed for the construction of the building. Living roofs also help to regulate temperatures inside and out. | |
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