Building with earth - Gernot MINKE (1)

Wall heating systems
In cool and cold climates where heating
systems are necessary, wall heating systems
integrated into earth walls are a preferable
solution. They enjoy many advantages in
comparison with traditional systems. The
heat is radiated, which avoids unhealthy air
movement and dust circulation. Wall systems
are more economical, easier to repair
and less inert than floor systems.
The easiest way to build a wall radiation
system is to fix plastic or copper tubes on
the existing wall and to cover them with
mud plaster, using warm or hot water for
heat transfer.
14.82
Passive solar wall heating system
A residence cum office in Kassel, Germany,
has an effective heating system that runs
exclusively on solar energy (see p. 153). The
solar energy is conducted through a 10-cmthick
insulating layer of thin polycarbonate
tubes to reach a 24-cm-thick loam wall that
is covered with loam plaster. The plaster is
coated with a thin, absorptive black paint.
This wall radiates the heat into the interior
of the house. In summer, when no heating
is required, the translucent slab is covered
by a reflective curtain (sunshade) (14.83).
Glass 5 mm
Sun shade
Tubes
Absorptive paint
Loam plaster
Green bricks
Aluminium 20/100
Timber frame
Weight
14.83
14.82 Bathroom, private
residence in Kassel,
Germany
14.83 Loam wall with
translucent thermal
insulation slab, acting as
passive solar heating
system
134
Designs of building elements