5-6 Dec 2012

A different approach

We've been wracking our brains for ages trying to decide what would be the best insulation and finish for the roof of the dome. You've seen one way we're trying - the fidobe cork insulation covered with papercrete. This week we tried the other way we (well Dave) thought might work, and maybe be quicker to do. This involves cutting the cork sacks in half lengthwise, sewing them up into long sausage shapes (like we did for the sand bags) then filling them with the cork chips. These sacks are then tied to the roof with chicken wire and covered with a 3cm layer of papercrete.

This is a bit quicker, and will definitely be lighter, my only concern is that at a later date, when we need to maintain the roof, maybe the sacks won't be rigid enough to stop the papercrete cracking when leant on.

But we'll see. This is after all our test earthship.

Saffron crocuses

I planted 10 saffron crocus bulbs in a little corner of the berm. They flower this time of year and do well in these conditions. Wouldn't it be lovely to one day see the whole berm in flower with them?!