Tin can wall

The two main structural methods for building with tin cans are by laying them horizontally in a concrete matrix and by stacking them vertically.

[citation needed] Tin can construction was an attempt to utilize a readily available resource that was normally sent to landfills or recycling centers.

Within time, more simplified and practical methods were developed, such as the earthship tin can wall.

This continues until completed, or the weight of the wall and the hardness of the cement seem questionable in terms of solidity.

Once the wall is completed, the cans and the concrete are covered with a layer of cement or adobe mud mixture.

In the case of adobe mud, once the initial layer is applied and allowed to harden it will crack and will need additional coats.

It can be made out of various “green” or sustainable materials or average run-of-the-mill solid insulation.

The exposed sides of the tin can walls (those not facing the insulation) are finished using methods aforementioned.

The inside part of the wall can be coated with adobe while the outside is finished with concrete and stucco.

Tin can walls are not considered load-bearing using this building method, although two-story circular dome structures have been built.

The basic rule is that it can support considerable weight but should not be used to hold up much more than its own form and shape.

It would not be wise to attach a heavy timber roof to a tin can wall without support beams or frames.

The other tin can wall method that will be briefly described is a system developed by a German artist named Michael Hönes.

[3] He has led community rebuilding efforts in Lesotho, Africa using tin cans to create housing and opportunities for Aids orphans and foster mothers.

Tin-Can Villages) project, Hönes has created buildings using tin cans, masonite, paint, and wire.

So far the TCV organization’s efforts have been concentrated on storehouses, offices, a large weaving workshop for the women of the Elelloang Basali Weavers group in Teyateyaneng, and a solar-powered restaurant[4] that cooks with solar ovens.