Discussion between us inevitably lead to key areas of research and the following expanded points are outlined in a series of pro’s and cons from our mind map:
§ Fibrous Skin; Sugar cane pulp is a by-product from the refining process of sugar and is a strong and stringy fibre we considered as an alternative to straw bale construction or perhaps in the constitution of mud brick construction. The positive attributes noted is this fibre is plant based and recycled.
The implications for this project included how to apply the fibre, as well as negative theoretical impacts such as embodied energy in transport for these fibres to reach the required location as sugar refineries are zoned climatically for growth as far as Northern NSW and regional areas of Queensland. Also the noted health risks from fibre manipulation include chronic lung illnesses[1].
§ Straw bale lining, with cardboard tubular construction. The availability of straw, its insulating properties, and being plant based were this method’s key attributes; however wall thickness/ space consumption and protection from moisture to the cardboard structural tubes were cons that were discussed.
§ Mud skin on cardboard construction as an alternative finish; the conclusion was drawn that adhering mud to the card would be difficult and we explored the use of chicken wire type material to overcome this; although mud would draw moisture to the cardboard; the cardboard generally required a non-porous finish.
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