Mud brick homes are energy efficient
September 6th 2008 06:35
The association has been recognised by Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden, for its work in establishing the sustainability credentials of mud brick homes.
“While the initial measuring tools for establishing energy efficiency indicated mud brick houses were perhaps not as efficient as conventionally-built homes, we now know that they can achieve five and even six-star ratings,” he said.
“As with any housing construction it all comes down to good design.
“Mud brick homes are a feature of the architectural mosaic of this part of Melbourne and it is good to see that the NMA, building industry and government can work together to ensure that any new mud brick homes built achieve the required energy ratings.”
Eltham MP Steve Herbert said the NMA had played a crucial role.
“The NMA has been active in creating a greater awareness, both among its membership and the broader community, of the potential for mud brick homes to be energy efficient,” he said.
“These houses are a great local attraction and the NMA is to be commended for its work in making more people aware of the potential for these houses to be environmentally friendly.”
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said mud brick homes were ready made to have strong environmental credentials.
“These homes are made from natural materials and through good design, especially good window design, they can be very energy efficient,” she said
According to the Earth Building Association Australia, there are many different ways to make mud bricks. A distinction between two variations is the consistency and water content of the material at the time of forming into bricks. Puddled mud bricks of example have high moisture content, with a mud or dough consistency. Pressed mud bricks on the other have have a lower moisture level, comparable with damp soil.
Mud brick houses maintain constant temperatures, and combined with passive solar design such as using eaves over windows, are energy efficient to run. Mud bricks are made from various combinations of soil, and are dried at air temperature when being made into bricks. Therefore there are no greenhouse gas emissions when they are made. Earth building is fire resistant, non toxic and stand up well in earthquake tremors.
Another earth building method include “rammed earth” or “pise” which is earth that is rammed into panels between formwork. The earth can contain gravel, sand, silt, clay, and can be stabilised with 5-10 per cent cement. The rammed earth becomes a wall with no cavity, which has excellent thermal mass. Thermal mass is where the material slows down the passage of heat by absorbing it, and then releasing it again when the surrounding temperatures drop. Rammed earth is structurally sound, and can be used in load bearing, multi-storey construction. It is good insulation for sound as well as temperature.
Earth building is not the cheapest option, with money spent transforming formwork, and ensuring the work is professionally done. However if you are intent on building green, with the environmental and practical benefits, consider the investment.
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