Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Timber panelling
Any of the wall linings from conventional building systems can be used to line the face of
the timber framed walls. If you choose to use timber lining be aware that the cost will
vary enormously between common and exotic timbers. If you opt for timber lining and
want to keep the cost down I would recommend the use of a downgrade pine lining
known as 'merch. pine lining'. I have used this on many occasions with great success. The
difference between select grade and merch is that it will have more knot holes and may
have some saw marks on one face of the timber. You will certainly discard more of this
timber than the higher quality material, but it still works out much cheaper. You can glue
or nail an offcut behind the knotholes so that the hole does not go through to the cavity
of the wall. The smaller holes can be filled and are hardly noticeable. The material with
the larger knotholes can be fitted inside cupboards and under stairs, generally in places
where the knotholes will not be noticed.
Hessian and paper
In the past, timber framed walls have been lined with hessian (a coarsely woven fabric),
onto which sheets of paper are glued like a huge papier mâché, using cooked flour glue.
With this method it is quite simple, if not automatic, that the wall will have small
undulations rather than to be dead flat, as with plasterboard. If you want to have a wall
that blends a little more with the appearance of the straw bale wall this could be worth
considering, although it will be quite time consuming.
Lathe and plaster
The old method of lathe and plaster will give a rendered finish to match the straw bale
walls, however the cost of the timber lathe will be prohibitive unless you have access to
waste material free of charge. With this method, strips of timber approximately 6 to
10 mm thick are nailed to the face of the wall. Lime render is then applied to the lathe in
three separate layers, allowing the render to dry between each coat.
Plasterboard
There is also the conventional system of plasterboard that is used in the majority of brick
veneer and weatherboard homes. This is without a doubt the quickest to apply and will
result in a dead flat surface with sharp square corners. I have seen these walls where the
paint has been applied using a sponge to give it a softer appearance so that it will blend in
with the straw bale walls, but I think it is a lost cause. If plasterboard is to be used, I
suggest that you take advantage of the flat surface that it creates rather than to try to
disguise that which cannot be disguised.
Connection of timber framed walls to straw bale walls
Compression of the walls must be completed first
Compression of the straw bale wall must be completed prior to connecting it to a timber
framed wall, otherwise the connection will actually fight against the compression process.
