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, provides security, and enables all other activities. This campaign covers site selection, foundations, walls, roofs, and climate-specific design.
Chapter 1: Site Selection
| Factor | Ideal | Avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | Slightly elevated, south-facing (N. hemisphere) | Flood plains, valley bottoms | Drainage, sun exposure, cold air pools in valleys |
| Water | Within 200 ft of clean source | Directly on riverbank | Access without flood risk |
| Soil | Well-drained, firm | Marshy, pure clay, pure sand | Foundation stability, drainage |
| Wind | Sheltered from prevailing winter wind | Exposed ridgetops | Heat retention, structural stress |
| Sun | South exposure (N. hemisphere) | North-facing slopes, deep shade | Passive solar heating, garden |
| Trees | Nearby (windbreak, fuel, building material) | Directly under large trees | Resources without falling hazard |
| Defense | Good visibility, limited approach routes | Surrounded by cover | Security awareness |
| Drainage | Natural slope away from building site | Low spots where water collects | Prevents foundation damage |
Chapter 2: Foundation Types
| Type | Soil Requirement | Load Capacity | Complexity | Frost Depth | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone pier | Any firm soil | Moderate-high | Low-moderate | Below frost line | Light-moderate buildings |
| Continuous stone | Firm soil | Very high | Moderate | Below frost line | Heavy masonry buildings |
| Rubble trench | Any (drains well) | High | Moderate | Below frost line | Most buildings (versatile) |
| Concrete slab | Firm, level | Very high | Moderate-high | On grade (insulated) | Permanent buildings |
| Post/pole (in ground) | Any | Moderate | Very low | Below frost line | Quick shelters, barns |
| Earthbag | Any | High | Low | On grade | Earth-sheltered, domes |
| Floating (gravel pad) | Wet/soft | Moderate | Low | On grade | Sheds, temporary |
Rubble trench foundation: 1) Dig trench below frost line (width: 16-24 inches). 2) Lay perforated drain pipe at bottom (slopes to daylight). 3) Fill with gravel (compacted in layers). 4) Cap with concrete or stone grade beam (above ground level). 5) Benefits: drains water, distributes load, frost-proof, uses local materials. This is the most versatile foundation for most climates and soil types.
Chapter 3: Wall Systems
| System | R-Value/inch | Cost | Skill Level | Speed | Durability | Best Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Log (round) | R-1.25/inch | Low (if timber available) | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Cold, forested |
| Timber frame + infill | Varies by infill | Moderate | High | Slow | Excellent | Any |
| Cob (earth + straw) | R-0.25/inch | Very low | Low | Slow (drying time) | Good (if protected) | Mild, dry |
| Adobe (sun-dried brick) | R-0.25/inch | Very low | Low | Moderate | Good (if protected) | Hot, dry |
| Rammed earth | R-0.25/inch | Very low | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Hot, dry |
| Straw bale | R-2.5/inch (R-30+ wall) | Low | Low | Fast | Good (if plastered) | Cold, dry |
| Stone | R-0.08/inch | Low-moderate | High | Slow | Excellent | Any (with insulation) |
| Cordwood | R-1/inch | Low | Low-moderate | Moderate | Good | Cold |
| Earthbag | R-0.25/inch | Very low | Low | Moderate | Excellent | Any |
| Wattle and daub | R-0.5/inch | Very low | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Mild |
Chapter 4: Roof Systems
| Type | Span | Pitch | Materials | Complexity | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shed (single slope) | Up to 16 ft | 15-30° | Any | Very low | Good |
| Gable (two slopes) | Up to 30 ft | 30-45° | Any | Low-moderate | Very good |
| Hip (four slopes) | Up to 30 ft | 30-45° | Any | Moderate | Excellent (wind) |
| Gambrel (barn) | Up to 40 ft | Compound | Any | Moderate | Good (more interior space) |
| Living/sod roof | Up to 20 ft | 15-30° | Earth, plants, membrane | Moderate | Good (insulation) |
| Thatch | Up to 20 ft | 45-55° (steep required) | Reed, straw, palm | Moderate | 15-30 years |
| Metal (if available) | Any | 15-45° | Sheet metal | Low | 50+ years |
| Shingle (wood) | Any | 30-45° | Cedar, oak splits | Moderate | 20-40 years |
| Slate/stone | Up to 20 ft | 30-45° | Thin stone slabs | High | 100+ years |
Roof waterproofing without modern materials: 1) Steep pitch (45°+ sheds water fast). 2) Overlapping layers (each piece overlaps the one below by 2/3). 3) Multiple layers (3+ layers of thatch, shingles, or bark). 4) Tar/pitch coating (on flat or low-pitch roofs). 5) Birch bark underlayment (natural waterproof membrane). 6) Proper overhang (18-24 inches protects walls from rain).
Chapter 5: Climate-Specific Design
| Climate | Key Challenges | Design Priorities | Wall System | Roof | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (northern) | Heat loss, snow load | Insulation, thermal mass, passive solar | Straw bale, log, cordwood | Steep gable (snow shed) | South-facing windows |
| Hot-dry (desert) | Heat gain, cooling | Thermal mass, ventilation, shade | Adobe, rammed earth, stone | Flat or low pitch | Minimize west exposure |
| Hot-humid (tropical) | Moisture, ventilation | Airflow, elevation, rain protection | Light frame, open walls | Steep, wide overhang | Catch prevailing breeze |
| Temperate | Variable seasons | Balance insulation + ventilation | Any system works | Moderate pitch | South-facing (passive solar) |
| Wet (maritime) | Moisture, rain, wind | Waterproofing, drainage, wind resistance | Stone, timber frame | Steep, metal or slate | Sheltered from prevailing rain |
Reference Card
- Foundation below frost line (prevents heaving and cracking). 2. Drainage away from building (water is the enemy of all structures). 3. Overhang protects walls (18-24 inches minimum — rain destroys unprotected walls). 4. Thermal mass for temperature stability (stone/earth absorbs heat by day, releases at night). 5. Insulation for cold climates (straw bale = R-30+, cheapest insulation available). 6. Ventilation for hot climates (cross-ventilation, elevated floor, wide eaves). 7. South-facing windows for passive solar (free heating in cold climates). 8. Build for your climate (desert house ≠ arctic house — design must match environment).
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