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| About
Magnesium Oxide IAbout
Bau Biologie
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Frequently
Asked Questions |
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Plans
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Information
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Bau-Biologie - What is it?
The German term "Bau-biologie" means "building
biology" or "the relationship between buildings and life"
and could be defined as:
the impact of the building environment on human health,
and the application of this knowledge to the construction, or modification,
of homes and workplaces, and the holistic interaction between human
life and other life-forms with our environment.
Statement of Purpose
 The
basic purpose of Bau-biologie information is to help people to realize
that health hazards exist in their homes and workplaces, and that ignorance
of these hazards not only has an effect on their health, but in a wider
sense, on the survival of this planet. More importantly, however, it tells
people what to do to overcome the problems using much knowledge that has
emerged in Europe over the past three decades.
About the Institute
IBE was founded in 1987 in Clearwater, Florida. Its main purpose
is to educate, however, the application of the knowledge is an integral
part of its activities. While the educational program offers home study
courses to both professionals and lay people there are also intentions
to practically apply the knowledge and create healthy homes.
To address the needs of those wanting their homes and offices
evaluated for levels of electromagnetic radiation, indoor air quality,
etc., IBE began a program to train Environmental Inspectors. The almost
50 graduates in North America include architects, electricians, builders,
medical practitioners, home inspectors, engineers and many other environmentally
concerned people. They are listed below.
In addition to these certified courses and classes, IBE provides
other seminars such as "How Buildings Work", "Bio-Harmonic
Architecture", "Feng Shui", etc. Also offered to the public
are consultations, speakers bureau, books, videos, instruments and a Resource
Guide. Call for further information.
For more information on Bau-Biologie, please visit the Bau
Biologie USA web site.
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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
1. What is meant by a breathing wall?
A breathing wall is one that allows outside cold winter air to mix with
warm air inside the wall cavity providing an exchange of air to the interior
space that is preheated by passing through the mass of the wall. In the
summer a breathing wall allows outside warm, humid air to mix with dry
cooler air of the inside wall, providing precooled fresh air to the interior.
2. Why are breathing walls important?
Most modern construction techniques advocate the use of vapor barriers
which only allow between .2 and .5 air exchanges per hour. Medical sciences
tell us that the human body requires between 1 and 2 air exchanges per
hour for balance, registration of body cells and elimination of environmental
toxins.
All our breathing wall systems typically provide between 1.5 and 3 exchanges
per hour providing a nourishing, vital, living interior environment for
healthy living.
3. How will I find a builder who can build with breathing wall systems?
Any professional, qualified builder can adapt to any or all of our
building systems. Certain systems can be adapted with minimum levels of
training. Others require more specialized skills. What is important is
to adapt our building system to your locally available materials and skills.
We offer full consulting services to provide a smooth link between your
builder and our designs. Also, Swanson Associates are authorized representatives
of Durisol and Hebel building systems and have traveling crews that can
install either the "Durisol" or "Hebel" systems.
There may be some initial resistance from your local building professionals
due to a general gap in information about Bau Biologie (the study of building
materials to human health), and environmental building. For more information
on Bau Biologie, call Helmut Ziehe at (813) 461-4371 (www.bau-biologieusa.com).
4. Will banks lend me money to build one of your breathing wall homes?
Yes, all systems can meet and exceed all code and bank requirements
anywhere in the country. However, certain systems which have been pre-approved
by state and federal building officials have proven to be much easier
to obtain bank financing on. Notably the Durisol system with UL approval
and Southern building code approval and Hebel with the National NER code
approvals have been easiest to finance.
5. Can I get insurance for a breathing wall home?
Although all systems can be proven to be fully fire proof, only the
Durisol and Hebel systems have been pre-approved by state and federal
building officials. Other systems may require that the owner provide proof
of fire safety to building officials. Call our office for details.
Will it cost me more to build a home with breathing walls?
The wall assembly of most homes represent between 7-12% of the entire
building cost. Typically, the price of building walls is 20% higher than
conventional construction. So the total increase is approximately 4% of
the total construction cost. This amount is usually saved in lowering
the total heating and cooling loads of the house and reducing or eliminating
the need for central heating and cooling.
7. What are the energy advantages of a breathing wall home?
Through the combined effects of thermal insulation and mass storage
in the floor, walls and roof systems, heating and cooling requirements
can be substantially reduced or eliminated.
- Floors: A breathing floor provides a moisture free connection to the
earth while storing vast amounts of preheating thermal mass to the interior.
The earth's stable temperature is 5 degrees at 36 inches; all our designs
incorporate a minimum of 36 inch deep insulated foundation. What this
means is that we are able to maintain a constant indoor temperature
that is buffered by the earth's temperature. In most cases, this will
eliminate all need for air conditioning, and substantially reduce the
heating requirement of the home.
- Walls: Breathing walls typically achieve between R34 and R55 insulation,
compared to R11 and R30 in conventional construction. This means triple
the resistance to cold entering the house. In addition, all the air
that passes through breathing wall is preheated to between 70% and 90%
of the indoor temperature. This means warm air all winter and a lower
overall energy bill.
- Roofs: Although the roof itself does not breath, an air gap is always
created below the roof to prevent moisture build-up. This gap can also
provide a great amount of heat to the living space when a heat recovery
and exhaust system is used. May of our designs incorporate such systems.
8.What do I need to get started?
- Research all areas of environmental building, design, materials and
systems. This will allow you to be a conscious participant in the creation
of your ideal home. We can best sere you with a common platform of knowledge
and respect of environmental building.
- Put together a comprehensive environmental design/build team. The
ideal team consists of a qualified environmental designer and/or consultant,
builder, structural/civil engineer, landscape designer and others.
- Secure Financing
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Following are examples of plans available from Swanson Associates:
To view larger size, simply click on the appropriate image:
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Plan SV 54 x 54
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Plan SV 28 x 32
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Plan SV 30 x 30
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Plan SV 39 x 45
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Plan 46 x 38
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Plan 30 x 37.5
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Over 20 "not-so-standard" standard plans are currently
available through Swanson Associates. Most are available ¼" = 1'0"
scale in either 12" or 8 " Hebel or Durisol construction—call
for details and prices. (A complete set of 20 "mini" plans with
wall sections along with assorted articles and Durisol and Hebel construction
guides are available for $25. Call or e-mail for details.
Plan Policy
Standard Plan
All of the plans shown above are available in complete form-including
elevations, floor plans, foundation*, electrical, framing, and typical
wall sections and standard detail pages. All the plans have received approval
in various counties throughout the United States; however, local building
code interpretations should be checked along with local regulations pertaining
to set-backs, building heights, easements, and local covenants. It is
highly recommended that a local builder, designer and/or architect review
your plans before submitting them for a building permit in your area.**
How to Order Plans
After reviewing the designs simply contact our office about plan selection
and ordering.
Be sure your plan selection indicates your basement type (check for availability)
and indicate any garage or carport options desired.
Even with uncertainty as to the affordability of building, a minimum of
4 sets of plans is recommended in order to obtain competitive bids on
your project. Also, in getting started you will need extra sets of plans
for the building department (usually two), your builder, and in many cases
your lending agency.
Conditions of Sale
Inasmuch as Swanson Associates has made every attempt to design to the
most recent available Uniform Building Code standards in effect at the
time each plan was drawn, the buyer/and or builder is advised that local
code requirements and interpretations must also be checked before proceeding
with plans. In cases where local requirements indicate changes must be
made, Swanson Associates can offer assistance at cost.
Swanson Associates does not guarantee the availability of manufactured
product suggested or specified on any plans. Availability of all manufactured
products must be verified before proceeding with plans.
Although all dimensions and materials should be checked before construction,
actual foundation and floor conditions may, and often do, require that
dimensions be altered to meet intent of plan.
The purchase of these original copyright designs implies that the plans
are not to be used or resold by the purchaser or any other person for
the construction of any other structure than the one for which the plan
was originally purchased. The plans may not be reproduced in whole or
part without written consent of Swanson Associates.
Custom Plans
Any of these plans can be modified or completely revised to the owner’s
individual tastes. Contact our design office for further information on
design schedules and fees.
*Please note many of the plans have optional foundation
types-also, many other foundation options are available and complete custom
foundations can be designed to meet specific lot requirements.
**This point cannot be overstressed-it has been our experience to have
a great variety of interpretation of the UBC building standards even within
the same state—also different counties may be under the jurisdiction of
additional county codes and may require a local engineer’s or architect’s
stamp on any or all construction drawings.
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For more information about Swanson and Associates, our products
and services, please call
(512-288-9097)or email(gps@flash.net).
We will promptly respond to your request. Comprehensive Info Packet with
20 standard plans and wall section alternatives along with assorted articles
and construction manuals for Hebel and Durisol systems is available for
$25.
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