natural building 101
Overview
conventional construction has issues
In North America the majority of buildings under nine stories tall are constructed with what is called hollow cavity walls. These walls are made from a wood frame that is infilled with insulation, covered with sheathing, other layers for waterproofing and a variety of finishes. This wall system became popular in the U.S. during the postwar era when there was an increased demand for inexpensive, quickly built homes. Hollow cavity walls are still the industry standard because they are cheap and the components are easy to prefabricate, although they present many problems for the modern homeowner.
Wall components such as plywood, insulation, and latex paint are cheap to manufacture because they are made with plastics and other chemicals. However, these artificial materials release harmful toxins called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the building’s air. Air filtration systems were invented to keep fresh air circulating through these modern buildings. And since all of this outside air needs to be conditioned to a comfortable temperature, extensive heating and cooling systems were developed as well. What if I told you that at Texas Healthy Homes we don’t need artificial materials and expensive air conditioning systems to make comfortable buildings?
If hollow cavity walls are designed or assembled incorrectly, they are not able to keep water out. Moisture becomes trapped in the hollow cavity of the wall, contributing to mold growth and dry rot of the wood studs, eventually compromising the structure of the wall. Today it's not uncommon to find black mold growing inside the walls of a three year old house, or to see a brand new house collapse in a windstorm. At Texas Healthy Homes, instead of blaming the contractors who build these failed buildings, we choose to rethink the hollow cavity system itself.
natural wall systems provide solutions
Humans have been building using earthen materials since the invention of architecture itself. The Romans mastered a type of cement called lime concrete which helped their buildings to last over two millennia. Even before the Roman empire, indigenous cultures in the Americas built structures using adobe and earth works that are still around today.
The success of earthen buildings is due to their monolithic structure. (This means the walls are solid, having no cavity.) At Texas Healthy Homes, we take centuries old construction technology and make it accessible to the modern homebuyer. We build using monolithic wall systems and natural materials that are sourced locally. Our walls meet required structural qualifications, surpass insulation requirements, and are completely non-toxic.
Instead of using typical chemical binders in our concrete and plaster, we use lime and clay. Lime is a marvelous binder because it takes less energy and water to manufacture than portland cement, is all natural, and has intrinsic benefits due to its mineral properties. Clay and lime formulas are hydroscopic, meaning they physically remove water from a wall. Mold will not survive in a Texas Healthy Homes wall. Clay and lime formulas are intrinsically non-toxic, meaning indoor air exchange systems are seldom needed. These natural-built walls possess thermal mass properties meaning they protect the building from swinging temperatures outside. (Think of it as a down jacket for your house.) Better insulative qualities and increased indoor air quality means that heating and cooling systems can be majorly downsized. In fact its possible to build a comfortable home without heat or air conditioning using monolithic walls!
what is the difference between green building and natural building?
Environmentally conscious construction has been rising in popularity since the 1970s, helped in part by the LEED rating system and related movements. However, green building is often more expensive and complicated than traditional construction because it still involves building hollow cavity walls but with expensive insulation, LESS toxic (but never non-toxic) finishes, and things like solar panels to compensate for the building’s lack of performance. Natural building is even less common than green building because it completely abandons the hollow cavity wall system. Typical architects and contractors are not educated in how to make buildings with monolithic walls, and so natural homes are seldom built although they have so many benefits. Natural building is also less common because its difficult for the construction industry to make a profit on it, since the materials can be found locally or even on the job site, and the buildings are designed to last for hundreds of years. Developers don’t see a good reason to fund buildings that they will never have to replace. Are you shocked?
At Texas Healthy Homes, we are passionate about building homes that are better for the homeowners and the planet. We are committed to raising awareness for natural building and its superior capabilities. Do you want to live mold and toxin free? Do you want a house that will last your family hundreds of years? Do you want a home that is designed without planned obsolescence? Consider working with us to create your next home.
the case for monolithic walls
hollow cavity walls
Requires added insulation
Complex assembly requiring several sub-contractors
Fights with nature to seal the building from the elements, impossible to construct perfectly meaning mold is inevitable
Designed for a 70 year lifespan (this is to help developers, not homeowners)
Plywood, insulation, and latex paint leak toxic chemicals into the home’s air
Conventional buildings and construction industry account for 36% of global final energy use
Source: IEA (2017), Energy Technology Perspectives 2017, IEA/OECD, Paris www.iea.org/etp/.
natural, monolithic walls
Monolithic system that is naturally insulative
Simple to assemble, no sub-contractors needed
Works with nature and material properties to create an efficient, vapor permeable wall system
300+ year lifespan (the Romans built their coliseum using similar construction technology)
Non-toxic, locally sourced materials
Natural homes have lower energy consumption than conventional, helping the planet and dramatically lowering your monthly energy bills
