The construction of Maison Sampson
"If we do not abandon our present path, we will surely, and tragically, end up where this path leads." Chinese proverb
Matts Myrhman and S.O. MacDonald, straw bale pioneers and authors
In the beginning…
First we had to create a level slab on which to build the house. This involved pegging out, digging and pouring the foundations, creating the "platform" and embedding bamboo pins for staking the bales.
The wooden framework
Using locally sourced Douglas fir, we then created a load-bearing structure to support the roof and accomodate the walls. We used a "modified post and beam" framework and pre-fabricated roof trusses.
The roof
Using terracotta Roman tiles, we had to create a seamless entity from what effectively amounted to three separate roofs. We used poplar battens with a plastic weatherproof membrane, interlocking DC12 tiles from Terreal and extruded copper-coloured aluminium guttering from Araltec.
The straw bale walls
We had to fill the voids between the wooden posts with stable and secure bale walls using a running bond seven bales high, then protect them from the elements until they were rendered.
The floor
We then had to create a perfectly level floor that would accommodate the terracotta floor tiles and the under-floor heating. We used a self-levelling anhydrite screed (gypsum) rather than more concrete.
Rendering the walls
Then we were ready to create a breathable sand-and-lime "skin" to protect the bales from the elements and to give them their unique look and feel. This involved a hell of a lot of preparation and almost as much St. Astier lime.
Ceilings, internal walls and roof spaces
With the perimeter walls rendered, we could finish the ceiling and put up the internal walls. We used Fermacell boards rather than the standard plasterboards. Made of gypsum and re-cycled paper, they're stronger and more healthy. Later we insulated the roof spaces with two transverse layers of Batiplume (feathers, sheep's wool and cellulose).
Finishing-off
The last stage before the programme's deadline was to turn a mess into a home. We are particularly indebted to Choice for the lovely fitted wardrobes, RED and the Shelfing Store for the shelfing systems that have helped to organise our clutter, Kinetico for the indispensable water softener and ECOS Paints and Holkham Linseed Paints for their beautiful breathable solvent-free paints.
Next
Four sq. metres of solar panels provide domestic hot water between roughly April and October. We collect rain water for the garden in four 500l plastic barrels (one per downpipe). Time and funds permitting, we hope to install a heatpump to power the underfloor heating using "air-thermal" technology. And maybe one day a small wind turbine will help us become more self-sufficient.