Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture

straw loam walls which require at least two
layers). In 10 .19, we see a lightweight miner-
al loam wall with a density of 1000 kg/m^3
being scraped by a rake directly after
deshuttering. This forms a nice, roughly
textured surface that need only be white-
washed later, thus saving plaster.

Pumped lightweight mineral loam

Intermediate floors

Lightweight mineral loam pumped in pipes
is especially suitable for ground floors and
intermediate floor slabs. Illustration 10.20
shows a vertical section of a ground floor
with high thermal insulation, which in cold
climates offers a warm, comfortable feeling
upon entering. Illustration 10. 21illustrates
the possibility of using lightweight mineral
loam as a cast in situ infill between floor
joists. If this mineral loam has a density
higher than 1,000 kg/m^3 , it serves as a good
barrier for airborne noise and gives good
thermal storage.

88 Tamped lightweight loam

Carpet

Lightweight loam infill

Thermal insulation

Damp-proof barrier

Coarse gravel

10 .17

10 .18 10 .19

10. 21

10.22

10.20