Re: SB: SB in Sri Lanka (was Re:Please join to discuss.)

[Mark and/or Jan Bigland-Pritchard <hyphen@dial.pipex.com>]

Tharaka Herath <trkarice@sltnet.lk> wrote:
> 
> > I'm a young rice miller in srilanka, and a university student.
> >
> > 1] Are there any institution in the world , to have
> > knowledge and financial support for straw bale constructions.
> >
> > 2] Could I found a any person or group or organization to arrange a joint
> > venture for above purpose.
> >
> > 3] Could I arrange a "discussion" in this discussion group ,for have a any
> > effort.
> >
> > 4] If any thing cant arrange for this purpose ,
> > what is the best alternative for these straws.{ I mean do some thing
> > without burning]
> > Tharaka Herath.
> 

"Robert W. Tom" wrote:

> Greetings Tharaka;
> 
> I had to look at an atlas to learn where Sri Lanka is located. That should
> provide you with an indication of my level of knowledge about the Sri Lankan
> climate. (None).
> 
> However, given your proximity to the equator and the fact that the country 
> is completely surrounded by ocean, one assumes that high temperatures, high
> humidity and copious amounts of rain would be the characteristics that 
> define your climatic considerations and as such, straw bales would not be 
> the material choice that immediately come to my mind for the walls.
> 
> That being said, I can tell you that the United Nations (UNEDP ?) and a 
> couple of church organisations (Seventh Day Adventists and Mennonites, 
> whose acronyms also escape me at the moment) have been involved in a number 
> of multi-million$ SB housing projects in Mongolia and northern China... 
> cold climate regions where the superinsulation qualities of SB walls will 
> help to significantly reduce fuel consumed for space heating, thereby 
> bestowing the numerous benefits that are reaped as a result.
> 
> In the case of Sri Lanka, it appears that the scenario would be closer to 
> that of California, where the primary motivation for using straw is to 
> reduce air pollution by not burning the straw that is a byproduct of the 
> rice growing industry. I'm sure that the Californians on this List can 
> speak more knowledgably/accurately than I on this matter but I think that 
> the impetus to promote the use of straw has come from the Rice Growers 
> Association and SB building enthusiasts rather than from aid agencies and 
> govt.
> 
> I suspect that in order to introduce SB construction to Sri Lanka, it will 
> have to be through private initiative... ie find a client or sponsor that 
> is willing to build one... and then use that as a demonstration project to 
> generate interest.
> 
> I don't have any idea what the exchange rate for Sri Lankan currency is and 
> I have no idea what your material costs might be, but I'm guessing that if 
> you make a credible case for SBC in the Sri Lankan climate and can provide 
> the humanpower to execute the building project, the financing could be 
> arranged through a fundraising project on this List, and it may be that 
> groups like Builders Without Borders or CASBA could be encouraged to 
> provide some teaching materials.
> 
> --- * ---
> Rob Tom
> Kanata, Ontario, Canada



Herath,

Personally I'm not convinced that strawbale building makes a great deal
of sense in a high-humidity tropical climate.  Surely you have
vernacular methods which are much more geared to the climate? - high
ventilation rates, low insulation levels, etc  (I know absolutely
nothing about Sri Lankan architecture, so you'll have to tell me...)

(Or are you up in the mountains, where somewhat higher insulation levels
might make more sense?)

As for what to do with the straw, I guess you have the same issue as our
wheat farmers have over here - stubble burning was banned here in the
1980s.  Much of it is now dug in to the ground, or used as mulch, but
from what little I know about rice I don't think those would be options
for you.

Despite what you say, I think there are definitely places where burning
it is the best option - not in the open fields, but in purpose-built
power stations with proper emissions controls.  Then you can use this
free waste material to provide electricity and hot water for (say) a
village.  I don't know if this is anything like a viable option for you,
Herath, but the expertise exists in a number of European countries and
probably much closer to you as well.

Please tell me if I'm talking a load of nonsense as regards your own
situation!

Mark Bigland-Pritchard
Bristol, England



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