[Strawbale] Infill of 2x4 walls straw/clay slip forms

[David Elfstrom]

none wrote:
> Please someone buy me a clue! I have been away from straw for some 
> time and am infilling my walls. I wish the infill to be on the 
> lighter side, with lots of air pockets since I am after more 
> insulation value and less heat storage.
>
> I mixed up my clay slip, 4tossed in the straw and then 
> slightly tamped the stuff into the forms. Pulled off the forms to 
> move them up and out came my straw/clay.
>
> So what exactly am I doing wrong? Be nice, Im a little stressed out 
> right now. LOL
>
> Some clues: I did not let the mixture rest covered. Although it has 
> rested now for 2 days while I have been at work. I think with the 
> heat we have been having it will be fermenting though and I will 
> begin again. Will see tom am.
>
> I do have clay not sand/silt. Water? nice well water from town. 
> Straw? Oh its beautiful fluffy new dry straw.
>
>   
I would suggest packing it harder, and with each layer, form a key for 
the next layer by packing harder around the edges and less in the centre.

Perhaps also your clay slip was too wet and didn't thoroughly coat the 
straw.

We used hemp straw which is longer than wheat straw, and were able to 
remove the panels immediately. For photographs of what we did, check out 
the 2nd and 3rd row of photos here:
http://www.sustainablebuilding2006.ca/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=4460&g2_page=3

David Elfstrom
Toronto