First about languages:
As most of the sites, videos and specialities found in the Internet are in English, I usually use English [Finglish ;>) ] in all communication. But if there is a need...
Kielistä sen verran että; koska erikoistietoutta on helpointa löytää englanniksi netistä, käytän yleensä englantia myös yhteydenpitokielenä. Sitäpaitsi propagoin aina Suomen puolesta ja silloinhan ei ole kovin paljon järkeä käyttää suomenkieltä. Mutta jos on jotain tekstejä joita tarvitaan myös suomeksi, voin kääntää, ajan ja tilanteen mukaan.
Om språket: Jag brukar alltid använda engelska på nätet, eftersom det är lättast att hitta all möjlig sak-
kunskap just på engelska. Om det behövs en översättning, kan jag nog göra detta men allt beror på hur jag har tid osv.
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Straw-bale builiding.
First some pictures. I do not explain each picture as you can find all the explanations at this address:
http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm



"Some key points of the design and construction:
* Dug into hillside for low visual impact and shelter
* Stone and mud from diggings used for retaining walls, foundations etc.
* Frame of oak thinnings (spare wood) from surrounding woodland
* Reciprocal roof rafters are structurally and aesthaetically fantastic and very easy to do
* Straw bales in floor, walls and roof for super-insulation and easy building
* Plastic sheet and mud/turf roof for low impact and ease
* Lime plaster on walls is breathable and low energy to manufacture (compared to cement)
* Reclaimed (scrap) wood for floors and fittings
* Anything you could possibly want is in a rubbish pile somewhere (windows, burner, plumbing, wiring...)
* Woodburner for heating - renewable and locally plentiful
* Flue goes through big stone/plaster lump to retain and slowly release heat
* Fridge is cooled by air coming underground through foundations
* Skylight in roof lets in natural feeling light
* Solar panels for lighting, music and computing
* Water by gravity from nearby spring
* Compost toilet
* Roof water collects in pond for garden etc."







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As I said, you can read more here about this type of building - and living:
http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

Henry