Leichtlehm

Leichtlehm, or light clay straw, is a straw and clay building material that is similar to wattle and daub. Leichtlehm is a German term meaning “light clay” and was developed over 400 years ago. The straw is soaked in a clay mixture. The mixture is packed into a mold to create walls that will require less bracing. Light straw-clay differs in construction technique from adobe cob or compressed earth block. Clay and water create a thick bath for the straw, which should be dipped until it is fully coated. The material is then stuffed into narrow molds made of wood or metal. This building material is inexpensive but may be time consuming and labor intensive. When the clay is nearly dry, it should be packed tightly into the form. The resulting product is a light weight material that can serve as filler between load bearing materials (i.e. timber framing). Leichtlehm is fire-resistant and insect resistant. Also, the hollow chambers between the straw helps to trap air, making it an excellent insulator for walls.