PUMICE-CRETE

Pumice-crete is a low density concrete made from pumice aggregate, portland cement, and water. It is a mix that succeeds in providing structural strength and insulation in one material. Typically it is poured on site in wall thicknesses of 14" or greater and no additional insulation or structural components are neccessary. Wall surfaces are finished by applying plaster coats on the interior and exterior which further aid the thermal performance by trapping air within the honeycomb pumice-crete mix. The walls are very durable, fireproof, have good noise resistance, and are very aesthetically pleasing because they can be formed to fit many architectural appearances and styles. (description from www.pumicecrete.com Thanks!)

RASTRA BLOCK

is a concrete form system made of a lightweight material 85% of which is  recycled material mixed with concrete.  The blocks are stacked like Lego’s, and then the cavity left inside the wall is filled with concrete and reinforcing metal bars (rebar). The result is a concrete wall with foam insulation on both sides, thus combining insulation with thermal mass.  The recycled insulation offers the ultimate in properties for a wall, such as insulation, soundproofing, fire protection, and is resistant against frost and heat radiation. It does not entertain mold or attract nesting insects.

STRAW BALE

A Straw bale house is just that.  A house whose walls are composed of straw bales.  Bales are placed either in a framework of posts and beams or they are "load bearing" and thus bear the weight of the roof.  Straw bale houses offer excellent insulation. At R 2.7 per inch an eighteen-inch wide bale equals R-48!  Some frame houses (to give you a point of comparison) may have walls of R19.  Straw bale houses are non-toxic and very breathable.  Some people raise concerns about mold and pests.  Such concerns are unncessary when the house is well constructed.  See link below for more details. MORE QUES? Check out this site

ADOBE

Adobe is earth.  Adobe blocks are a combination of earth, sand and clay.  Now many adobe bricks have cement as a stabalizer to prevent bricks from being washed away when there is a roof leak, etc..  The mass of the adobe walls will absorb heat and radiate it back out into the house at night. In the summer the converse is true. Thus the swing in temperature inside the house is very mild.

EARTHSHIPS

An Earthship is a passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials.  The functionality of  utilities is integrated into the design of the earthship and both work together in a harmony.  Windows are positioned for temperture control.  Roofs are fitted for water catchment.  Greywater feeds a greenhouse.  Taos is the hub of such innovative architecture.  These homes are fantastic to live in aesthetically and leave you with little energy costs.   It is just important to get one that is well designed because of the tight integration of  design and functionality.

FRAME

By frame construction one is refering to 2x4 or 2x6 inch "studs " or wood construction which is most common to the construction world.   The skeleton of a house is nailed together and then Insulation fills the gap between wood pieces.  Plywood generally coats the outside of the skeleton and dry wall the inside.  Finally stucco or siding coats the exterior.