@Alex Sumerall What design software do you use? I think I need to get one.

@Karen Glass I just finished the slip straw yesterday! After I tore down the many layers of old drywall, paneling, plaster and lathe I had a 1 1/2" difference in the depth of the wall! I had to build it out and I'll add plaster to the other side to make it flush. I also found out that when the old chimney came out (previous owner), they didn't patch the hole with sheathing on the outside. It was just sided over with a wisp of fiberglass insulation separating me from IL winters. No wonder my pipes froze! Overall, the project has been going well. It's very forgiving and once you get a feel for it, it's kind of meditative. If you're interested in it, pick a small section and just dive in. To finish, I'm going to drywall over the part of the wall that sits behind the lower cabinets since no one will see it and it'll be so much faster. I really need my kitchen sink back! I've always wanted to learn to install tile so I'm going to make a tile backsplash that will be applied to cement backer board. Then I'll plaster the rest up to the ceiling. One thing I've noticed since having the insulation done (besides the lack of breeze) is how quiet it is. The difference in quality of the environment is amazing. Or maybe it's just bc I did it and I'm proud of it. 😁

@Alex Sumerall Thank you! The plaster took a little bit of experimentation but I got it after a couple batches. I came to the conclusion that the best consistency is cow splat. 😂 If you drop it from waist height it should splat on the ground without splashing. Very technical, I know! I found I need more water and less straw then I originally anticipated. I used a 1:3 ratio of sand: soil and had a little cracking. I'll increase my sand for the next coat to 1:2 and finish with a 1:1 (no straw). I roasted dinner tonight and had to open a window it was so warm! Amazing!

@Alex Sumerall I'm interested to get more information on the different types of insulation options for the stem wall. For those of us in cold climates, in order to get the most benefit from a passive solar design it's important that we don't lose heat through the uninsulative concrete. I've heard of people using a vermiculite rich insulative concrete mix to fill the interior of the stem wall, expanded clay balls (hydroton), and pure vermiculite. My question revolves around weight bearing issues. How do I add insulation without compromising structural integrity?

Hang in there! Every project has setbacks. They're never fun, but you'll get through it. Think about 5 years from now when you're enjoying your beautiful home, looking back and laughing about this moment that becomes a forever story. You're doing great.