Testing slipstraw · Cob & Natural Building School

Testing slipstraw

Hi, about a month ago, I tested making a slipstraw panel. I made a frame from leftover scrap wood, but the catch is that the framing was 2x3s and leftover plywood for the . I made the clay slip, mixed in the straw, and lightly packed it. After a few hours, I removed the plywood forms and left the panel to dry a couple of days. When I checked back, the frame looked good, but when I picked it up, the solid slipstraw mass fell out of the 2x3 form.

This made me wonder a couple of things. Was the frame too thin being a 2x3? How does the slipstraw remain in place in between the framing when used as a wall structure? Perhaps I did not pack it tightly enough? I love slipstraw, and I never thought about this issue until it happened, but now it concerns me about applying it to my own scenario. I know people sometimes use bamboo or chicken wire to secure it a bit more, but are these necessary?

I added the one "in progress" photo I took just when checking my progress.

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