Sovereignty Module: Raise the Walls
Raise the Walls
Complete Shelter and Construction: From Foundation to Roof
Complete Shelter and Construction: From Foundation to Roof
Shelter protects from weather, predators, and enemies. This campaign covers site selection, foundations, walls, roofing, insulation, and heating for all climate zones.
Chapter 1: Site Selection
| Factor | Ideal | Avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | Slightly elevated, not hilltop | Low areas, flood plains | Drainage, cold air pools in valleys |
| Aspect (sun) | South-facing (northern hemisphere) | North-facing (cold, dark) | Solar heating, garden potential |
| Wind | Protected (trees, terrain) | Exposed ridgetops | Heat loss, structural stress |
| Water | Within 200 yards, uphill from waste | No water within 1 mile | Daily need, gravity advantage |
| Soil | Well-drained, firm | Swampy, sandy, expansive clay | Foundation stability, moisture |
| Trees | Nearby (building material, fuel, windbreak) | Directly overhead (falling risk) | Resources, but safety first |
| Slope | Gentle (2-5%) | Steep (>15%) or flat (no drainage) | Drainage without erosion |
| Access | Near trail/road | Completely isolated (unless intentional) | Supply, community, trade |
Chapter 2: Foundation Types
| Type | Soil Requirement | Load Capacity | Cost | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone pier | Any firm soil | Moderate-high | Low | Moderate | Light-moderate structures |
| Rubble trench | Most soils | High | Low-moderate | Moderate | Most buildings (excellent drainage) |
| Concrete slab | Firm, level | Very high | High | High | Heavy structures, workshops |
| Post-in-ground | Any | Low-moderate | Very low | Low | Temporary, small structures |
| Dry stone wall | Any firm soil | High | Low (labor) | High (skill) | Permanent, no cement needed |
| Earthbag | Most soils | High | Low | Moderate | Curved walls, domes |
| Gravel pad | Any | Moderate | Low | Low | Sheds, temporary buildings |
Rubble trench foundation: 1) Dig trench 2 ft wide, below frost line depth. 2) Fill with gravel (compacted). 3) Lay drain pipe at bottom (daylight to downhill). 4) Top with concrete grade beam or first course of stone/block. Benefits: excellent drainage, no concrete below grade, frost-proof, uses local stone.
Chapter 3: Wall Systems
| System | R-Value | Cost | Skill | Speed | Durability | Best Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Log cabin (round) | R-8 to R-12 | Low (if timber available) | Moderate-high | Moderate | Excellent | Cold (massive thermal mass) |
| Timber frame + infill | R-15 to R-30 | Moderate | High | Slow | Excellent | All climates |
| Straw bale (plastered) | R-30 to R-40 | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Good (if kept dry) | Cold/dry climates |
| Cob (earth + straw) | R-3 to R-5 | Very low | Moderate | Slow | Good | Mild/warm climates |
| Rammed earth | R-2 to R-4 | Low | Moderate | Slow | Excellent | Hot/dry climates |
| Adobe brick | R-2 to R-4 | Very low | Low-moderate | Moderate | Good (if kept dry) | Hot/dry climates |
| Earthbag | R-4 to R-8 | Very low | Low-moderate | Moderate | Good | All (especially curved/dome) |
| Stone | R-1 to R-3 | Low (if local) | High | Slow | Excellent | All (add insulation for cold) |
| Cordwood | R-12 to R-20 | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Cold climates |
| Stick frame (modern) | R-13 to R-21 | Moderate-high | Moderate | Fast | Good | All climates |
| SIPs/ICF | R-20 to R-40 | High | Moderate | Fast | Excellent | All (especially cold) |
Chapter 4: Roofing
| Material | Lifespan | Cost | Weight | Skill | Fire Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thatch (straw/reed) | 15-30 years | Very low | Light | Moderate | Poor | Temporary, traditional |
| Wood shingles/shakes | 20-40 years | Low-moderate | Light | Moderate | Poor | Timber-rich areas |
| Slate | 75-200 years | High | Very heavy | High | Excellent | Permanent, stone available |
| Clay tile | 50-100 years | Moderate | Heavy | Moderate | Excellent | Permanent, clay available |
| Metal (standing seam) | 50-75 years | Moderate-high | Light | Moderate | Excellent | All climates |
| Sod/living roof | 20-50 years | Very low | Very heavy | Moderate | Good | Cold climates, camouflage |
| Tar/pitch + fabric | 10-20 years | Low | Light | Low | Poor | Flat roofs, temporary |
| Bark (large sheets) | 5-15 years | Free | Light | Low | Poor | Emergency, temporary |
Chapter 5: Heating Systems
| System | Fuel | Efficiency | Heat Output | Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open fireplace | Wood | 10-15% | Low-moderate | Low | Cooking + ambiance (poor heating) |
| Masonry heater (Russian) | Wood (1-2 fires/day) | 80-90% | High (stored in mass) | Very high | Cold climates (best efficiency) |
| Rocket mass heater | Small wood/sticks | 80-90% | High (stored in mass) | Moderate-high | Cold climates, small fuel |
| Wood stove (cast iron) | Wood | 50-70% | Moderate-high | Low (install) | All cold climates |
| Kang (heated bed platform) | Wood, straw, dung | 70-80% | Moderate (where you sleep) | Moderate | Extreme cold (sleep warm) |
| Hypocaust (underfloor) | Wood | 60-80% | High (whole floor) | Very high | Permanent buildings |
| Passive solar | Sunlight | 100% (free) | Variable (climate dependent) | Moderate (design) | All climates (supplement) |
Rocket mass heater: Burns small sticks at extreme temperature (1,500°F+) in insulated combustion chamber. Heat captured in thermal mass (cob bench, stone). One 1-hour fire heats mass for 12-24 hours. Uses 1/10 the wood of open fireplace. Build: insulated vertical burn chamber → horizontal heat riser → thermal mass exhaust path → chimney.
Chapter 6: Insulation
| Material | R-Value/inch | Cost | Availability | Fire Risk | Moisture Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straw bale | R-1.5 to R-2 | Very low | Agricultural areas | Moderate (plastered = low) | High (must stay dry) | Walls (thick) |
| Wool (sheep) | R-3.5 to R-4 | Low-moderate | Sheep-raising areas | Low (self-extinguishing) | Low (absorbs/releases) | Walls, attic |
| Cellulose (shredded paper) | R-3.5 | Low | Anywhere with paper | Low (treated) | Moderate | Attic, walls (dense-pack) |
| Wood shavings/sawdust | R-2.5 to R-3 | Very low | Sawmill areas | Moderate | Moderate | Attic, walls (loose fill) |
| Cattail/reed | R-2 to R-3 | Free | Wetland areas | Moderate | Moderate | Walls, attic |
| Moss/lichen | R-2 to R-3 | Free | Forest areas | Moderate | Low | Log cabin chinking |
| Cork | R-3.5 to R-4 | Moderate-high | Cork oak regions | Low | Very low | Walls, floors |
| Earth (dry) | R-0.5 to R-1 | Free | Everywhere | None | Low | Mass walls (thermal lag) |
| Air gap (sealed) | R-1 per inch | Free | Design feature | None | Low (if sealed) | Double walls, windows |
Reference Card
- South-facing: orient long axis east-west. Maximum windows on south wall (solar gain). Minimum windows on north (heat loss). Free heating.
- Rubble trench: best foundation for most buildings. Dig below frost line, fill with gravel, add drain. No concrete below grade. Frost-proof.
- Thermal mass: heavy materials (stone, earth, concrete) absorb heat during day, release at night. Stabilizes temperature. Essential in all climates.
- Roof pitch: steeper = better for rain/snow shedding. Minimum 4:12 for shingles. 8:12+ for thatch. Flat roofs = problems (leaks).
- Overhang: extend roof 2-3 ft beyond walls. Protects walls from rain. Shades summer sun. Lets winter sun in (lower angle). Free climate control.
- Ventilation: buildings need air exchange. Ridge vent + soffit vents = natural convection. Prevents moisture buildup, mold, rot. Don't seal too tight.
- Rocket mass heater: burns sticks, heats thermal mass for 12-24 hours. 1/10 the fuel of open fireplace. Build in any cold-climate shelter.
- Straw bale: R-30 to R-40 walls for almost free. Plaster both sides (fire protection + moisture barrier). Best insulation value per dollar.
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