Jesse Griem

Sawdust cement is a thing, though not used in the states. The merits of the material arent really in question here, I'm more so interested in experience with the material and advanced block laying techniques.

I am building a structure, call it a shed, roughly 600sqft.

If I were to make a hollow block mold, and used sawdust cement:

-Do you think any problems would arise from filing the cavities at the end? My main concern being about drying properly.

-Would advanced techniques still apply? Would it be feasible still to not fill each cavity?

I want to go about the mold and hollow block route for material cost, weight and efficiency. I know I can make solid blocks just a easy and avoid this whole question, but I figured it'd be wise to fully work out the possibilities.

Also, I would love to hear about peoples experiences with sawdust cement, in particular Timbercrete. This material isn't in the states and though I've found a great wealth of information on installation, I have nothing to go of off but the directions and I'd really appreciate a more hands on perspective.

I'm looking into combining various aspects of natural building but have to stick to certain conventions for one reason or the other.

Long story short: I'm curious about the merit of dense packing finely chopped straw mixed with borax or lime in a conventionally framed wall.

I don't see why the material wouldn't insulate decently, and with the right ratio it wouldn't rot.

Concerns that come to mind for me are: 1)if straw won't pack dense enough and I may need to cut it with cellulose. 2)Finish material required on the interior. 3)If the exterior will be fine with conventional house wrap, sheathing, etc...

My thoughts are I can treat it exactly like I would cellulose as long as I can get the right size chop on the straw and right ratio to borax or the like.

The framing you used in your barn is inspiring. However, I can't find any info on the web about this kind of construction. I would really like to know more.

I'm in the very early stages of planning a straw bale house and I decided on a modified post and beam frame. Looking to cut costs and labor as much as possible, I felt confident in using 4x4's.But now I wonder if I can cut down even more.

2x4 framing like this seems very efficient.