Nature’s Touch: Crafting Homes with Wood and Clay

Building with Natural Materials: A Look at Sustainable Construction Sites

In today’s world, where environmental awareness and sustainable building are increasingly coming to the forefront, natural materials like wood and clay are regaining popularity. These building materials not only provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials but also contribute to the creation of a healthy living environment.

The Benefits of Wood and Clay

Wood is a versatile and renewable resource that is excellent for constructing load-bearing structures. It offers high stability while being lightweight and flexible. Additionally, wood has a natural ability to regulate moisture, which helps create a pleasant indoor climate. In our construction practices, we ensure that we use only wood from sustainable sources to minimize our ecological footprint.

Clay, on the other hand, is a traditional building material that has been used for thousands of years. Its ability to retain heat and absorb pollutants makes it an ideal material for interior walls. Clay can also be easily processed, and when combined with straw, it creates an excellent mixture for repairing walls. We dig the clay ourselves from the forest on our property.

A Winter-Ready Home

Currently, we are working on several construction sites, including winterizing a house. Here, we focus on keeping the walls in good condition. Holes in the walls are carefully repaired with a mixture of clay and straw. This technique not only provides optimal insulation but also serves as a great example of sustainable resource management. The mixture offers better insulation in winter than fired bricks.

After the repairs, the walls are plastered with a mixture of sand, cement, lime, and water, and then painted white. This not only reflects light but also highlights the beauty of the natural, handcrafted structures.

Responsibility for the Exterior Walls

After completing the interior walls, I now have the honor of overseeing the repair and completion of the exterior walls. This step is crucial for making the house not only aesthetically pleasing but also weather-resistant. In working on the exterior walls, we will employ similar techniques to those used for the interior walls, placing special emphasis on durability against the elements.

Conclusion

Building with natural materials like wood and clay is not only an eco-friendly choice but also promotes the well-being of the inhabitants. In times of climate change, setting sustainable building standards is more important than ever. Our current projects demonstrate how effective and beautiful the use of these traditional materials can be. By making the most of what nature offers, we create safe and warm homes while actively contributing to the protection of our environment.

By Sarah K.