Clay Settlement "Słomiany Zapał"
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Advantages of living in clay-straw buildings

Clay-straw houses practically do not require any heating, the straw-filled wall gives the coefficient of heat transfer at the level of U=0,12Wm²/K, which makes the house a passive one. Thick walls protect the interior against the cold as well as against summer heats, they do not overheat and provide an enjoyable feeling of cooling, at the same time being a natural barrier against noise. A specific microclimate prevails inside the clay interiors, which is the effect of the abilities of clay and straw to absorb, release and pass through water vapour. That is why a stable humidity at the level of 50-55% is kept. Such microclimate is especially advisable for those suffering from allergic diseases, because clay plasters have air-cleansing properties, they neutralise micro-pollutions, eg. the nicotine smoke, they do not attract dust as they are electrostatic and antiseptic – they slow down the process of developing bacteria and mould on the walls.

The buildings put up according to the strawbale technology have a unique character, most often softly decorated, without sharp endings and edges, which gives the impression of warmth and harmony.

At the same time, it does not mean that they have to be unleavened houses looking like an adobe hut – this technology is used to develop modern, more angular houses which find many admirers.