Hi!

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So, yes, some of you might know that I have been working 6 months in Europe and took a break of 3 months to meet people, learn customs and travel in 2023. Working in the Agriculture filed, has opened many possibilities for me, such as meeting young people that use to buy old houses and restore them with sustainable materials, eco-friendly. And, I want to make this article about that, as a compilation of what I have learned from them, in case you ever buy an old house and wish to restore it.

First of all, I would like to establish a few things that many may not know, then we can move on to potential issues that may arise and the solutions that I consider practical, efficient, inexpensive, and healthy.

One common misconception I often hear is that "earth and wood provide good insulation."
Wrong!
It can be true, but only if walls constructed from these materials have a certain thickness (e.g., a minimum of 80 cm for earth walls, 50 cm for wood walls, or at least 1 meter for stone walls). Despite nostalgic memories of warm homes made from materials like cob or adobe, we often forget that these houses could end up damp, with walls filled with mold or rodents creating channels through them. I will provide an explanation for these issues later, but before that, I want to draw your attention to some things, such as ---> A house will be good from all perspectives if (and this is essentially what an eco-friendly house means):

1. The walls breathe (moisture inside the house can migrate from inside to outside, especially crucial in cold seasons).
   The external walls of the house provide effective thermal insulation (to prevent temperature exchange or losses through the walls).
2. Interior materials form a thermal mass (any material used for interior finishing should have the capacity to absorb and retain temperature, for example, from sunlight or a stove). This can save money, and the climatic comfort inside the house can be pleasant.
3. The materials used in construction should not affect your health or pollute the environment (almost every modern prefabricated construction material contains chemicals that dissolve due to indoor humidity, and residents inhale them, leading to various health issues from allergies to cancer).

In line with these considerations, it's important to know that there are construction materials that form thermal mass, capable of conducting temperature (thermal conductivity varies from one material to another), while others have an extraordinary capacity for thermal insulation, especially those containing air cells. Materials that absorb temperature include earth, wood, stone, sand, and lime, while those capable of thermal insulation include straw, reeds, sheep's wool, among others.

The biggest enemy of all-natural construction materials is MOISTURE! Some materials resist it more (such as stone, but continuous moisture over hundreds of years can erode it), while others may degrade rapidly (e.g., straw).

When buying an old house, the following problems may arise, prompting you to seek effective and inexpensive solutions for repair and restoration:

Cracks (large):

Nowadays, it's not uncommon for landslides to occur (due to fewer trees or ground movements). This can cause structural "ruptures." Another reason could be the intensification of traffic (road or rail) in the area. If moisture has entered the walls for various reasons, it can weaken the structure (especially if wood is affected by mold).
Solutions: Strengthen the foundation through underpinning if the problem comes from below. Many cob houses lack a foundation or plinth. If it's due to moisture, eliminate the affected structure, replace it, and ensure there is no moisture in the walls (as explained above).

Damp walls:
Most houses I've seen, especially in the south, had neither foundation nor plinth. In the Bărăgan region, this might not be a problem, especially if the houses have a wide overhang. The dry soil there absorbs occasional rainfall. However, in hilly areas, the lack of a plinth and foundation can be a problem because the walls may absorb moisture from the ground.
Solutions: Try drainage (properly done), which should help. If you've bought a house with earth walls (cob, adobe) and they are less than 50-60 cm thick, I recommend adding insulation. There are natural, local insulation solutions: straw bales, reeds, sheep's wool. Don't be afraid! For those with specific requirements, there are European-certified solutions, such as wood fiber insulation boards (NOT OSB! - OSB glue contains formaldehyde, causing cancer!), hemp mattresses, cellulose, etc. ... with corresponding prices!

Plaster:
Many complain about the short duration of plaster. Don't be surprised. For financial and commercial interests, we've been "taught" that cement is necessary.
People! We've been building for thousands of years—houses, castles, churches. Many well-made buildings are still standing, some hundreds of years old.
What's the problem with these materials?
You just need to know how to apply them. Meanwhile, cement has been around for just over a century. It pollutes a lot because many plastic waste is burned at extremely high temperatures to produce cement. Besides, cement absorbs and retains too much moisture, especially in winter, leading to damage.
Solution: Use lime plaster on the exterior and clay plaster on the interior. For lime plaster, you can add marble dust or vegetable oil to increase impermeability. Yes, it requires care. Once a year, the family can refresh the walls in a day. It's cheap. It's exercise, it's health.
Anyway, for those with more specific or demanding preferences, there are "durable" solutions where the need for intervention increases by 5-6 times (better said, it extends over several years). I'm talking about decorative exterior plasters based on minerals (breathing walls).

Rodents:
I don't think rodents can smell food inside a 60 cm wall (assuming we're talking about cob). In walls made of straw bales, rodents might enter to stay warm and might find grains in the first year. However, prevention solutions may work even in a cob house, but I don't think it's necessary!
What I've noticed, especially in cob houses, is that most where rodents entered had damp walls, making them softer and easier to penetrate. On the other hand, it's known that rats are attracted to damp places and mold.

Roof:
Insulate the attic or, if using a loft, insulate between the rafters. There are solutions, but insulating the attic is cheaper and more economical than insulating between the rafters.

Windows: Contrary to the belief that a natural, eco-friendly house is a step back, our houses should be more efficient than those of our ancestors, thanks to accumulated experience and innovations. In the past, small windows were made to prevent heat loss. Now we have insulated windows, double glazing. Don't be afraid.
It's not the double glazing that causes mold around the windows! Mold occurs due to lack of insulation at the sills (inadequate finishing). Quick fixes are done both inside and outside, while this area is the most exposed. Insulating the sills is crucial. The accumulation of synthetic materials that does not allow vapor diffusion (breathing of walls) and cheap window frames made of materials with extremely high thermal conductivity (aluminum and plastic) can also contribute.
Solution: I recommend wooden-framed double-glazed windows (I've seen traditionally styled double-glazed windows that are extremely beautiful), well-insulated sills, external blinds, and thick curtains on the interior. Quality insulation is guaranteed.
These considerations are essential for anyone interested in sustainable and healthy housing. Taking into account the local climate, materials, and specific conditions, one can create a comfortable and eco-friendly living space.

So...the journey towards sustainable and eco-friendly housing involves a thoughtful consideration of materials, construction techniques, and a deep understanding of the local environment. Balancing tradition with innovation, we can create homes that not only stand the test of time but also contribute positively to our well-being and the environment.

The insights shared here are just a starting point, and I invite the vibrant and knowledgeable Hive community to contribute their thoughts and experiences. Your feedback, ideas, and suggestions are invaluable in fostering a rich exchange of knowledge. Together, let's continue the conversation on creating homes that are not only structurally sound but also environmentally conscious and conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Join the discussion and share your insights on sustainable housing on the Hive platform. Your input is crucial in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our living spaces. Let's build a community that thrives on shared wisdom and a passion for a greener, healthier world.

Thanks for reading!

With respect,
Zpek

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