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Are there any ways of insulating using local materials?

A good option is "light clay" (or "Leichtlehm"). This is a mixture of clay, straw and sand is mixed together and placed between a shutter framework and compressed. The materials can be sourced from the site itself and is easy to work with. It offers very high levels of insulation for relatively thin walls and roofs.

Another way of insulating using local and natural materials: Pole roof rafters with purlins above.....reed ceilings or edged timber off-cuts to the underside of the purlins then about 60 - 70 mm of thatch running perpendicular to the reeds then coated with a clay sand mix.....also very important to not fill it to the top of the purlins so as to leave a small air gap above the clay sand, so as to avoid the sheets ever touching the top of the clay (otherwise the heat will radiate right through the sheets into the insulation dramatically cutting down on its effectiveness).

 

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"E-WIRE" lights by Andy Horn

The Eco Design lighting range is made from local or recycled materials. Standing Floor Lamps, Desk Lamps, Pendant Lights and Chandeliers are available. The lamp stands are from locally moon phase harvested alien timber. Recycled car parts are used as bases. Various paper shades & low energy LED light bulbs provide good lighting and create a beautiful atmosphere.

Click here for more info & prices.

 

We offer a number of construction & info manuals on our website on natural building technologies which specifically refer to the South African context. The info manual "A LIME DUNG PLASTER RECIPE" has recently been added to the collection.   Click here for more information.

All our manuals are also now available as E-Book downloads. Click here for the E-Books.