Wattle and Daub Construction
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Wattle and daub is a traditional building technique that has been used for centuries to construct walls and buildings using natural materials. The technique involves the use of a woven lattice of wooden sticks, called "wattle," which is then coated with a mixture of clay, mud, and straw, called "daub."
To build a wattle and daub wall, the first step is to create the wattle, which is done by weaving thin branches or saplings together to create a lattice or framework. The wattle is then fixed to a wooden frame or to posts that have been driven into the ground.
The next step is to apply the daub, which is typically a mixture of clay, mud, and straw. The clay and mud provide the strength and durability, while the straw acts as a binder and provides insulation. The daub is applied to the wattle in layers, using a trowel or a plastering tool, until the desired thickness is reached.
Once the daub has been applied, it is left to dry and harden. The daub can be smoothed, and left as is, or it can be painted, or plastered over with a layer of clay or lime plaster. The final step is to install the roof, which is typically made of thatch or other natural materials.
Wattle and daub construction is a versatile, low-cost, and sustainable building technique that can be used to construct a wide range of buildings, from small homes and sheds to large buildings and community centers. It's also a good option for creating load-bearing walls, and it can be used for both external and internal walls.
The thickness of wattle and daub construction can vary depending on the specific project and the materials used. However, typical thickness for wattle and daub walls is around 12 inches.
The thickness of the wall depends on the size and spacing of the wattle, the thickness of the daub and the number of layers of daub used. The wattle, which is the lattice-like framework, is typically made of flexible materials such as branches, reeds or bamboo, which are woven together. The daub, which is the mixture of clay and other materials that is applied to the wattle, is typically around 3 inches thick. In some cases, two or more layers of daub are applied to create a thicker wall.
The thermal properties of wattle and daub are good, the walls are thick, and the insulation is natural, the walls are breathable, and the technique is an appropriate one for natural buildings in a moderate climate.
Wattle and Daub Foundations
The foundation type for wattle and daub construction can vary depending on the specific project and the site conditions. However, some common foundation types used for wattle and daub construction include:
Strip foundations: A strip foundation is a shallow trench that is dug along the perimeter of the building, typically around 12 inches deep. The trench is filled with concrete, which creates a solid base for the walls to sit on.
Post-and-beam foundation: This type of foundation uses vertical posts that are placed into the ground and then connected by horizontal beams. The wattle and daub walls are then built on top of the beams.
Pile foundations: Pile foundations are used when the soil is not stable enough to support a traditional foundation. Piles, which are long, cylindrical beams made of wood, concrete or steel, are driven into the ground to support the building.
Dry-stacked foundation: This is a foundation where the cob walls are built directly on top of a compacted soil base without the use of a concrete foundation. This method is used in many traditional cob buildings.
It's important to note that the foundation type chosen should be suitable for the site conditions and must be able to support the weight of the walls and the building.