We are in the midst of completing our earthen floor over wood. Our natural build is a little different from the norm. (Is there a norm in natural building?)
For a variety of reasons our structure consists of (12) hardwood round piers 10-14" in diameter, charred in the Yakisugi method, supporting (3) hardwood round sills 9-12" in diameter, upon which rough sawn (true dimension) Eastern Hemlock joists of 2x10 or 2x12 span 11.5-12'. 2x6 hemlock boards run diagonally and comprise the subfloor. The earthen floor is as follows:
1) (3) layers of red rosin paper "float" on the subfloor. The pieces are taped at any seams, but are not attached to the floor or walls.
2) ~0.5" of raw earth
3) ~0.5-1.0" of wet cob applied over dampened earth layer; radiant piping installed.
4) ~0.5-0.75" of wet cob
5) ~0.25" grit-heavy (sandy) cob mix top coat. Very little fiber in this mix. We anticipate some cracking.
6) 4 coats of raw linseed oil
Total thickness = 2"
We have completed the dining room and hallway and will be connecting those with the kitchen later this week. I will try to get some decent pictures.
Initial thoughts: cracks are small and add to the rustic aesthetic, as do the goat hoof prints (when they snuck in), the cat's and dog's foot prints, and a certain little girl drawing in the moist top coat. These all create a custom unique floor. It is not hard like concrete, but gives a little. We are trying to be careful with chairs. For now we are not planning to do any more coats of oil or adding wax. Those two small sections soaked up 2 gallons of raw linseed oil at $45 each. We have not thinned the oil, but applied at full strength, after having it warmed in the greenhouse.
