Construction

Valhalla will be built primarily by volunteer post 9/11 soldiers, combat veterans, and civilian contractors who worked in war zones. Most of the structures will be straw bale or cob buildings because they are economical, relatively easy to build, extremely fire resistant, offer the highest R-values (insulation) per dollar spent, and can also be quite beautiful.

Note that the land itself will dictate the design and placement of buildings so specifics are not included here yet, although we've compiled some videos to introduce you to straw bale building basics here.

Using salvaged wood for framing will help to reduce lumber costs, click here for notes and videos regarding how we might salvage such materials.

The first buildings to be constructed should probably be very small, simple mini-cabins with load bearing walls -- thus allowing us to learn the basics of straw bale building and plastering techniques before starting larger projects. Tiny buildings that are exempted from the building codes could be constructed without building permits, and they would also offer the opportunity to learn about pouring foundations and the installation of small solar power systems using minimal materials (thus at very low cost).

A 120 square foot mini-cabin like this one may be exempt from building codes
and permit requirements, but still large enough to temporarily house
two or three people who would otherwise be camping outside.

Taking advantage of passive solar heating and cooling will require limiting the number of windows on the north, east, and west walls. This raises interior lighting issues that can be overcome with solar light tubes, which have much smaller footprints than traditional skylights. Click here for notes and some fascinating videos, including one showing how people in Brazil have rigged their own interior lighting systems for less than a dollar per unit.

Our IRS application for nonprofit status is being processed, 
yet you can still donate to help Valhalla today!