Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
top of the window buck, and against the outside edge of the droppers. When in position
fix the window stabilising rail first to the droppers and then up through the head of the
window buck into the stabilising rail.
Packing the cavity above the window with straw
Fill the cavity contained within the wire netting, including between the droppers, with
tightly packed straw. It is important that the straw be tight to avoid heat loss through this
area. Now fix the loose end of the wire netting to the outside edge of the top boxing. If
you so desire, additional timber can be fitted to the droppers to assist in forming the final
shape of the wall.
Allowing for the future installation of window dressings
If you require a greater vertical section above the window for the installation of window
dressing, the clearance between the underside of the droppers and the top of the window
buck can be increased to accommodate the insertion of additional timber.
Compression of bales beneath windows when the window is not centrally
located
It is essential that the bales below a window be compressed by applying pressure to the
centre of the bale. To apply pressure to one outer edge of the bale will cause the bale to
twist and become unstable. In this application two compression timbers are fitted to the
top of the bales. These timbers will require noggings between them to prevent them from
being drawn to one another during compression (see Figure 5.11).
Figure 5.11
Compression timber beneath a non-centrally located window
Compression of bales beneath windows with a window seat
The depth of straw bale walls lends itself to the provision of window seats. Window seats
have a certain charm about them. They inspire the imagination and conjure up pictures
of reading while sipping hot chocolate as rain falls outside and the open fire crackles in
the background. Anyway, enough of the romantic notions, how do you build one?
