March 4, 2011 - After it became certain that for the realization of Earthresidence on the grounds of the Verbeke Foundation (Kemzeke) no authorization for the use of tires could be obtained, there was an alternative needed.
Geert Verbeke suggested to explore if Earthresidence possibly could be built with sandbags.
Discussion:
Investigation by engineer Bruno Deraedt proved that the strength of a wall of sandbags is strong enough to bear the roof structure.
It should however be ensured that the roof is anchored to the wall through vertical or horizontal steel fittings to cope with lateral forces .
An insulating layer of Argex beads on top of the waterproof layer offers sufficient rigidity as a foundation for the wall. Above the layer of Argex a metal grill should be placed so no problem occur when walking on the grains.
It was also decided the outer wall, which in the original design would also be built from tires, will be replaced by a wall with Argex bean bags. On the outside of this, there is also a waterproof film. Preference is given to both the pond liner as underlay and the vertical layer.
Finalization of the structure remains almost the same as in the original plans.
Initially, Geert Verbeke now needs to ensure that the necessary materials to start with the shell are available. No sooner Earthship Belgium can place a call for volunteers and an exact starting date can be determined.
There has also been looked at the pipes for water and ventilation. For the proper function of the drainage you may still need some preliminary excavation work carried out.
The accumulating capacity of sand-filled bags may be less than tires filled with rammed earth, as it is less compact.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| faster to build |
less durable |
| no special permits needed |
less solid |
| simple |
accumulate less |
| flexible |
no recycled materials |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
