insulation questions

Hello All,

I am in the beginning stages of designing a small off-grid cabin using a Grindbygg timber frame, which is the only timber framing method that I have experience with. My best building spot is a very large basalt outcropping, which has brought me to a raised platform on piers type of foundation. So my first question is how, using natural methods, am I to insulate the floor? What would hold up a straw/clay or other natural insulation?

My second insulation question concerns the roof. The Grindbygg style doesn't lend itself to a second story very well, but I would like to use the lofted area for kids bedrooms, which would require me to insulate the roof instead of an attic floor. Is it possible without using SIPS to insulate the roof using some kind of natural insulation?

I apologize if these questions have been answered previously.

Thanks,
Jeff

Hey Jeff!!....welcome...

Before we get into many of your questions...which are great by the way. Tell us more about yourself, where you are, and how you come to be familiar with this rather uncommon system of timber framing. I actually see Grindbygg timber frame styles referenced less than I do Japanese Minka frames. I am sure everyone here is excited to read more about your background and this project.

In the interim, if you search Permies (use search function at top of page) I am sure you will find a great deal of useful info.

In the search function, enter the term you wish to find in the "Search for:" box. Then go down to the "Search forums(s): " box and click on "All available." Then drop all the way down to the bottom of the page and check off the "Permies.com" box under the "google search," and I am sure you will find all types of info that may lead to even more questions...

If you go through many of the posts I have started, I have covered several of your questions many times.

Can you get us photos of the building location?

Regards,

j

Thanks for the welcome,
I initially heard about Grindbygg through a search for round wood timber frame, which led me to take a Grindbygg class at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN. I own about 15 acres of woodland in Western WI and managed to build a small test Grindbygg as a kiln shed last summer. I was mostly attracted to this method because of its use of scribing, which just makes more sense in my head than square rule, and because it allows for the posts, tie beams and knee braces to all be round. I don't have a picture of the proposed build location but I will try to post one the next time I go up to the woods.

thanks,

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

That is very interesting how you learned this style. Not many folks are aware of it, nor learn the more difficult and labor intensive ways of "scribe rule" layout methods, of which there are several styles. In the method you have been taught, is there plumb-bob and lofting done, or is it on of the other methods? I agree that I like scribing better than edge rule, but my reasons are nostalgic, historical and academic more than anything else. "Edge rule" and/or the later "mill rule" are relatively new methods probably less than 300 to 400 years and possibly as young as 275. Scribe rule is thousands of years old and found in many different cultures and craft traditions, particularly nautical which seems to be the archetype forms. As for the next oldest and not that much younger than scribe rule is "line rule," which has its roots in the many ancient Asian traditions. This is what I teach the most as it is simply the most efficient and fast, and like what attracted you to "scribe rule" can and does work in the round, tapered or other organic shapes. I will hopefully be teach a class with Bill Bradbury later this year and that is the method I will be teaching.

Natural Building Asian Timber Framing Workshop

Here are some other post that may address more of your questions.

Post Beams Stone Foundations

Raised Earth Foundations

Line Rule Layout

Korean Hanok

Attaching Roundwood posts Foundation

So my first question is how, using natural methods, am I to insulate the floor? What would hold up a straw/clay or other natural insulation?

Besides the above post, these may also help you get some understanding on this topic.

Mineral Wool Insulation

R Value

Super Insulated Floors

Limecrete Flooring

Is it possible without using SIPS to insulate the roof using some kind of natural insulation?

Yes, but perhaps not required. A double roof system design would work much better. Can you provide a CAD or other diagram/blue print of your intended design? Is there time or means to modify the current concept design?

Regards,

j