ADU à la NŌD

A permitted ADU in Vancouver WA

At the heart of this first of it's kind permitted ADU in Vancouver, WA is our innovation -- the StraBloc. This product is the culmination of three years of research & development into making low-tech & plant based, carbon sequestering wall enclosures more viable in the local market place. Comprised of just straw and clay slip, the minipanels are formed and fully dried off-site and installed on-site into conventional 2x framing. The minipanels are immediately ready for earth plaster or other alternate air detailing and wood cladding.

This technique greatly improves previously challenging workflows involving straw -- our regions most abundantly available biomaterial that functions superbly as a fire resitant, humidity regulating, non-toxic insulation. For this project, we've paired the straw with wood fiber board rigid exterior insulation as well as the brand new product from TimberHP, TimberFill, a blown-in cellulose made from low-quality forest thinnings.

We didn't stop at the wall enclosure. We used locally made Faswall ICF blocks for our stemwall. In lieu of conventional foam and concrete, our slab on grade detail uses regionally mined and locally manufactured perlite for subgrade insulation paired with a rich southern oregon clay for an earth floor. Where we have specified a small slab, we're adding 50# of Solid Carbon biochar to permanently sequester carbon. Our framing and finish lumber are FSC certified or sourced reclaimed and we're using more clay and natural lime plasters for finishes throughout.

This project is a case study in the magnificent abundance of our own backyards. We aimed to minimize the inputs to within 250 mile radius to make a case for regional, bio-based building that is healthy of homeowner, homebuilder and our home planet. This model illustrates a new Pacific NW vernacular architecture that is affordable, scaleable, high performing and carbon storing. We can't wait to share our vision!