Loghome
We have built a completely natural loghome in the Swiss Alps. Using all natural materials was very important for us, though not so obvious to the various construction people we worked with. Here is a photo reportage of the construction of Naturalp.
In the winter of 2004-2005, around 40 trees were cut in collaboration with the local forest-supervisor. These trees were of the species pinus sylvestrus. They were cut during the full moon phase and in winter, because at that point in time the wood contains the smallest amount of fluid, which makes it extremely resistible to all sorts of external influences. This enables us to keep the wood natural, without having to treat it with any chemical substances.
The next 1.5 years, the wood had to dry. Again, we did not dry the wood in an industrial oven, because that would cause it to burst. After that, the house was first set up in a workplace. Everything was measured to the mm and set up very meticulously. Finally our house was ready to come to its destined location in Loye.
The giant logs are then just put onto one another (without any screws or glue) and isolated with a natural material.
The first floor floor is made out of 14 cm massive wood.
The roof rests on whole tree logs too and is isolated with a sort of wood-woll.
Now let's take a look at the inside:
And upstairs:
At the moment we are finishing the inside of our "blockhaus". The floor, made of massive 22 mm elm wood is done this week. Further, the interior walls are made. Now we are working on the electricity and plumbing.
We'll be back soon with the rest of the story. Write yourself down for the newsletter if you want us to give you a little sign when we pick up the story!