Light Clay Straw build with Timber Frame - new to this scene and looking for some tips!

Hello, all! Glad to have found this forum. I am currently in the works of building a tiny house using Light Clay Straw insulation and a semi timber frame construction (that is larger timber spaced farther apart than typical 2x4 spacing but not using the Japanese joinery method, mainly bolts and screws).
Does anyone know anything about this kind of construction and have some general tips? Like how many bracing beams will I need throughout the walls to compensate for not having plywood support?
I'm in California, about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. If anyone knows of any farms/construction sites/other places I can collect materials such as clay, sand, or straw bales, would be so appreciated to get some info!
Thanks, and happy building

Jessica -

Welcome to the Permies Forums!  We're glad to have you here!

If you are trying to build a code-compliant structure (and possibly, just a safe structure), you'll probably need to design for dynamic loads in Cali, due to seismic loading.  The traditional Western approach would be to try to create a stiff, well-braced structure which can resist those dynamic loads.  The Japanese approach is to build a more flexible and compliant structure which can sway and move without being damaged.  Neither answer is "right" - they are different approaches to a problem.

I don't think there's an easy answer to your general question about how much bracing you'll need.  One (older) example I have seen used both knee and elbow braces (i.e. top and bottom) in every possible direction, on each post.  Overkill?  I don't know.

You may need to retain the services of a civil engineer, or at least follow a framing plan that has already been approved for your area to be code compliant.  If you don't need/want to comply with your local building codes, then I think you should at least try to find an example or two to imitate; this advice presumes you already know enough about structures to understand which features and details matter.  I'm not sure I do, and I have an engineering background (though not that type of engineering) and have read a lot about timber framing.

If you can afford it, I'd advise consulting with a civil engineering firm which specializes in timber framing.  There aren't very many.  One I know of is Fire Tower Engineered Timber.

You may find additional information about light clay straw construction by searching for "leichtlehm".  Most of it will be in German, but the various online translators are reasonably good, these days.

I have no lead on build materials in your local area.

Again, welcome to our little corner of the internet!

Kevin

I am assuming you have not researched the issue extensively. There is a great book 'Light Straw clay construction, by Building essentials.
Walls 12 inches thick are often used.
This video explains how a thin walled pidgeon loft.

good luck