Affordable SB for 2000

[billhunt@pop.burgoyne.com]

So!  That last millenium sure went by fast, didin't it?  Glad we all made it
past the (first?) Y2K bubble!  How about some really affordable SB for the
new
millenium? I'd like to start (someday) with passive solar, shallow frost
protected foundation.  If you have to go 16" or more deep, use 4 foot forms,
come above grade 1.5 or 2 feet.  If you're near a pumice source, use
pumicecrete for stem wall, pumice under slab.  Using pumicecrete up to the
windowsills is a good concept I've heard.  Or 3" of (non-CFC) foam exterior,
stuccoed.  SB walls, light p+b (or loadbearing), trusses (bought or made),
with
cellulose insul over the cieling.  Go small.  Or Townhouses, duplexes,
triplexes. Perhaps 2x2 16ga welded (or bigger, lighter? or bamboo?) mesh
exterior for earthquake, wind, and ease of wall raising, lath at corners,
plaster in and out (lime, cement, or adobe ...).  2-3 ft overhangs, perhaps
porches, protecting the walls.

Please contribute your words of wisdom to this hypothetical cold climate
affordable strawbale for new millenium.

Wasatchbill

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