Is It Common to Use Urban Waste in Cordwood Masonry?

Incorporating Urban Waste in Cordwood Masonry

Cordwood masonry is a form of log end wall construction that can incorporate various materials, including urban waste, to create a sustainable and eco-friendly building technique. Urban waste, such as cardboard, paper, and even plastics, can be used as insulation in cordwood masonry. For example, shredded newspaper or cardboard can be mixed with cement and water to create a mortar that also serves as an insulator.

Urban Waste Mortar Mix

A common mortar mix for cordwood masonry using urban waste includes a combination of 1 part cement, 1 part shredded newspaper or cardboard, and 1/2 part water. This mix can be applied to the log ends, providing a strong bond between the logs and additional insulation. The use of urban waste in the mortar mix reduces the need for traditional insulation materials and can help create a more sustainable building technique.

Log End Walls and Insulation

When building a log end wall using cordwood masonry, it is essential to leave space between the logs for insulation. This insulation can be achieved by using urban waste materials, such as shredded newspaper or cardboard, which can be stuffed into the gaps between the logs. This technique not only provides additional insulation but also helps to create a more sustainable building method. A typical log end wall might consist of 6-8 inches of logs, with 1-2 inches of space between each log, which can be filled with urban waste insulation.