MATERIAL 1: STRAW

WORKING:
It produces its own heat through agricultural fermentation. During the cold months, dried straw is
composted in acrylic cases within the house using the low-odor Japanese bokashi method. The
fermentation naturally heats up the house by generating 30 celsius heat for up to four weeks.
During the hot summer months, the natural shelter dries straw inside transparent window shelves. These
shelves serve as heat shield panels, and they release cool moisture as the straw dries. In the winter
months, the straw is composted indoors to produce a source of heat through microbial fermentation.
DURATION:
The houses grass walls need to be changed a few times throughout the year, but they provide a natural
system of heating and cooling that requires zero energy.

MATERIAL 2:
CLAY BRICKS
Clay bricks are moulded or cut to shape from selected clays and then red at high temperature. The
ring process transforms the clay into a building component with high compressive strength and excellent
weathering qualities. Bricks are a heavy, readily available, mass produced cladding manufactured in ef
cient factories. Bricks are regularly tested for quality. Brick veneer cladding is perceived as being safe in
terms of the weather tightness risk of the cladding.
EXTRACTION AND MANUFACTURE:
Impact of extraction:
1) Removal of clay creates a visual impact.
2) Industrial waste products such as y ash, glass, plastics, and even hazardous waste can be
incorporated in the mix to make clay bricks.
Energy use:
1) Embodied energy of clay bricks is quoted as 6.7 MJ/kg (7.2 MJ/kg for a glazed brick).
By-products/emissions:
1) Clay bricks are inert once red.
SOURCING:
Material sources:
Clay bricks are made locally.
Availability:
Clay bricks are readily available.
Cost:
Clay bricks are a low to medium cost building material. Installation costs are relatively high. Maintenance
costs are low.
Transport to site:
Clay bricks are heavy and bulky to transport.
Construction/installation:
Health and safety during construction/installation:
1) Safety equipment is required when handling cement for mortar (gloves, overalls) or cutting
brickwork with a masonry saw (ear muffs, safety glasses, mask and overalls) to eliminate risk of
skin irritation and lung damage.
Ease of construction
1) Clay bricks as a veneer cladding have a signi cant history of satisfactory use. Bricks can easily
be handled by site labour.
Adaptability:
1) Once installed, bricks arent easy to replace.
Performance:
Health and safety during life of building:
1) Clay bricks are inert, non-toxic, and not prone to off-gassing of volatile materials.
Expected durability (assuming correct installation and maintenance):
80+ years
Waste disposal/recycling/re-use:
Re-use:
Bricks can be re-used if they are able to be removed in good condition and the mortar removed.
Recycling :
Crushed bricks can be used as basecourse or hardll.
Waste disposal :
Brick demolition material is inert and non-toxic. Its heavy to transport.