they may compress as the thatch slowly degrades reducing the overall thickness of the cladding. After approximately 21 years of use (similar to the lifespan of asphalt), the fibres will have reduced from roughly 60cm to 18cm, at which point the wedges can be removed and re-fitted with new thatch blocks, while the old block stubble is composted back into the soil. The thatch in these cladding blocks is impregnated with clay, which would inevitably erode near the exterior while fireproofing the inner mass of the cladding.
from top: dimensions of the basic thatch block Section showing prototypical thatch block, strapped and attached; not to be confused with the canvas straps holding the thatch together. Diagram showing typical rates of erosion Thatch blocks installed.
all drawings Olive Lazarus
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on site review 48 :: building materials
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