Traditional Earthen Kang Building Technique !
The rural earthen kang is a traditional bedding facility in rural areas of China !
The earthen kang is generally built with materials such as adobe or bricks and is usually rectangular. There is a certain space inside the earthen kang. The kang surface can be heated by lighting a fire under the kang !
The earthen kang has the following characteristics and functions :
First, heating function
In winter, the earthen kang after lighting a fire can emit heat and provide people with a warm and comfortable sleeping and resting environment. Especially in rural areas in the relatively cold north, the earthen kang is one of the important heating methods !
Second, multi-functional use
The earthen kang is not only used for sleeping but also can be used as a place for people's daily activities. For example, people can eat, chat, and do handicrafts on the kang !
Third, economical and practical
The construction materials of the earthen kang are relatively simple and low in cost. Moreover, crop stalks, firewood, and other materials can be used as fuel, which is relatively economical and practical !
Fourth, reflecting regional culture
The earthen kang is a part of rural traditional culture and reflects the lifestyle and folk customs of specific regions !
What Are The Construction Methods Of The Earthen Kang !
Here Are The Steps :
I. Prepare Materials
1. Adobe Or Bricks
Used for building the kang body !
2. Cement And Sand
Used for bonding adobe or bricks !
3. Slabs Or Cement Boards
Used as the kang surface !
4. Chimney Materials
Such as bricks, cement pipes, etc., used for building the smoke exhaust channel !
II. Determine The Location And Size
1. According to the room layout and usage needs, determine the location of the earthen kang. Generally, choose a location near a window or against a wall for better lighting and Heating !
2. Determine the size of the earthen kang. Usually, the length is about 2 meters, and the width depends on the room size and the number of users. Generally, it is between 1.5 meters and 2 meters !
III. Build The Kang Body
1. Build the kang body in the shape of a rectangle or square with adobe or bricks !
2. Leave a certain space inside the kang body as the Flue !
3. Bond the adobe or bricks firmly with cement and sand to ensure the stability of the kang body !
IV. Lay The Kang Surface
1. Lay slabs or cement boards on the kang body as the kang surface !
2. Ensure that the kang surface is flat and seamless to avoid heat loss !
V. Build The Chimney
1. Build a chimney at one end or side of the kang body for exhausting the smoke generated by combustion !
2. The height and diameter of the chimney should be determined according to the size of the kang and the combustion situation. Generally, the height is above 3 meters and the diameter is about 20 centimeters !
3. Build the chimney with materials such as bricks or cement pipes to ensure the tightness and stability of the Chimney !
VI. Ignite And Test The Kang
1. Put an appropriate amount of firewood or coal inside the kang body and ignite it !
2. Observe the smoke exhaust situation of the chimney and the heating situation of the kang surface. If there are problems, adjust them in time !
3. After the temperature of the kang surface is stable, you can lay bedding and other items on it and start using the earthen Kang !
It should be noted that the construction of the earthen kang requires certain skills and experience. If you are not sure that you can build a good earthen kang, it is best to ask a professional craftsman to build it. At the same time, when using the earthen kang, pay attention to safety and avoid accidents such as fires !
