Health
Most of us live and work in buildings literally soaked in carcinogenic and toxic agents. A typical exterior wood wall assembly contains:
acetic acid- alcohol
- alkyd oils
- anti-check end coatings
- antifoam agents
- asphalt treated paper
- calcium sulphate
- colorants
- drying oilsdye
- emulsifiers
- fullers
- fungicides
- glycols
- natural volatile chemicals
- petroleum naptha
- phenol formaldehyde
- phenol-formaldehyde resin
- phthalates
- pigments
- polyethylene
- polyvinyl acetate
- processed oils
- resins
siloxanes- solvents
- spun glass fiber
- stabilizers
- starch
- synthetic resins
- terpenes
- thinners
- titanium dioxide
- urea formaldehyde
- UV inhibitor
And may also contain:
- wood preservatives
- anti-bleeding treatments
- chlorosulphonated rubber
- anti-sapstain chemicals
- moisture-resistant waxes
- phthalates
- boric acid
- potassium sulphate
The underlying issue is that industrialized building products are manufactured with materials that are chemically treated to make them more resistant to mold, decay, or combustion. Rammed earth offers a healthy alternative, with no toxic ingredients. SIREWALL contains:
- inorganic soil
- water
- cement
- steel reinforcement
- sealed foam insulation
Created entirely with inorganic material, SIREWALL is totally benign, will naturally last as long as a rock, and will passively stabilize both the temperature and humidity of interior spaces.
Organic vs. Inorganic
You might select an 'organic' apple at the market, because it has not been grown with synthetic fertilizers and sprayed with pesticides. It is better for the environment, better for your health, and usually tastes better. You will often pay more for it. That organic apple represents a deliberate choice that reflects your values.
Of course, technically speaking, all apples are organic.
The definition of organic is "related to, or derived from living organisms." Organic material belongs to the soil cycle, meaning nature intends for it to return to the soil. It rots, burns, provides food for other organisms and does not have a lot of thermal mass.
The definition of inorganic is "involving neither organic life nor the products of organic life." Inorganic material does not belong to the soil cycle. It will not rot, burn, or provide food for other organisms - and it has abundant thermal mass.
Inorganic material is the obvious choice for building architecture that is non-toxic, durable, and comfortable in the heat or cold.