Can wall
A can wall, or sometimes more specifically an aluminum can wall or tin can wall, is a wall constructed from repurposed empty aluminum or tin cans built around rigid insulation. The cans can be laid in concrete, stacked vertically on top of each other, and crushed or cut and flattened to be used as shingles.
Construction
Cans are laid with a stiff mix of 1 part portland cement and 3 parts sand with the cans positioned 3/4" apart. The mix should not be soupy and the wall's strength comes from the cement, therefore the cans should never touch as this weakens the wall. To create rows, cement is placed in the ridge between two cans of the previous row. Crimp each can to form a "V" shape to push into the mortar. Press the cans firmly against the rigid insulation with the mouth piece facing out and ensure the wall is installed plumb and level. The mouth piece acts as a lath to hold the plaster that is later applied.[1]
If the mortar is stiff enough, lay 2 courses on one side of the insulation and then 2 courses on the other side, before returning to the first side to repeat the process.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Reynolds, Michael. Earthship: How to Build Your Own, Volume 1. Solar Survival Architecture, 1990. p 158.