Imagine this: you’re sitting by the fireplace, warmth embracing every corner of your home, while outside the winter frost rages. Now, the most interesting part—your home’s walls aren’t made of bricks but of… ordinary firewood! Sounds like something from a fairy tale? In reality, it’s true! Today, we’ll tell you how firewood has become a modern alternative to bricks.
The first question that pops up is probably, «How is this possible?» The answer is simple: firewood is cheap, eco-friendly, and… warm!
How is a firewood house built?
It all starts with the foundation. But don’t worry, no complex concrete structures are needed! A simple strip foundation of rubble, just 40-50 cm deep, is enough. It’s so easy to build, it feels like you’re constructing a sandcastle.
Next comes the magic of the walls: you take firewood, about 40 cm long, mix clay with fine straw (to keep it warmer and prevent cracking), and get to work! You need to lay the firewood carefully, just like a game of Tetris, so every piece fits perfectly.
To keep it warm, you leave air «pockets» between the layers of mortar. These «pockets» are your superheroes in the battle against the cold!
To make the walls stand firm, a bit of creativity is needed. Wooden shields help maintain their shape, while wooden straps provide extra strength. Want windows and doors? Just install boxes directly into the walls! The key is not to rush: don’t lay more than three layers at once, as the clay needs time to dry.
What’s the secret of such a house?
- Warmth and coziness: Thanks to the air layers and clay-straw mortar, the house stays warm even in the coldest weather. Frost? What’s that?
- Eco-friendliness: No concrete—just firewood, clay, and straw. It’s like returning to nature, but with a modern twist.
- Cost savings: You don’t need to spend on expensive materials, and the construction process is so simple, even beginners can handle it!
- Beauty: The structure of the firewood walls is so unique, your home will become an Instagram star.
What challenges could arise?
Let’s be honest: there are a few challenges. For instance, you can’t build in freezing temperatures, as the clay will freeze. Also, everything must be done strictly according to the method—otherwise, the walls might start living their own life.