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Outpost of Your Own:  Straw bale homes  |
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Sarah Blue
outbound
37 Posts
Squaw Valley
California
USA
37 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 09:43:30 AM
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Do any of you live in straw bale homes or know someone who does? I dream of building one on our "back 40" someday. The only straw bale structure I've been in is the Real Goods Outlet in Hopland, CA. It's huge and I love visiting to see so many great ideas put to practical use.
"i believe in god, i just spell it nature." - frank lloyd wright
http://www.myspace.com/svgrrrl |
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Clare
outbound
16 Posts
N..C.
Washington
16 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 10:21:43 AM
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| I am also interested in this type of construction. It makes so much sense to me, but I have not had any experience with it yet. I understand there is a cob-style building place in Oregon, where you can go to learn technique and such. A friend has attended and loved it. Not sure of the details, however. |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 4:55:53 PM
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The only negative I've heard about straw bale construction is that the straw is genetically modified and/or heavily treated with something to make it resistant to moisture or pests. Obviously, I don't really know, but it might warrant checking out. I love the thick walls though - makes me think of a European cottage.
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 5:33:15 PM
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Here is a link to a site that has a lot of information about straw bale construction. I haven't ever been in a straw bale structure but I have heard that they are extremely cost efficient as well as heat efficient as well.
Elizaray |
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Sarah Blue
outbound
37 Posts
Squaw Valley
California
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 7:07:32 PM
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Lumber is so expensive and is such a precious resource. I didn't think of straw being genetically modified, but it wouldn't be surprising. I have a cousin who lived in an earth ship and loved it, but I don't know too much about those. I do know that to prevent moisture and pests in straw bale homes, all walls must have a gravel foundation and be well sealed. There's a group of straw bale construction advocates here which is very cool. They've received a permit to build a home in our County, where straw bale construction is not yet legal.
"i believe in god, i just spell it nature." - frank lloyd wright
http://www.myspace.com/svgrrrl |
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 15 2007 : 08:01:39 AM
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There was a similar group starting in Ellensburg, WA (where we moved from in Oct), and the local coffee co built a new straw bale shop just before we left, painted it in natural pigments - very cool. I'd love to see more recycled lumber used. It's gotta be labor-intensive to do things like remove nails, strip paint, whatever, but it just doesn't make sense to burn it up & cut more trees.
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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spiral sage
outthinking
2 Posts
crystal
rock hill
sc
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2008 : 2:52:12 PM
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we are currently building a post and beam structure on our property. We are considering going with strawbale as infill. We have the luck of having a couple of strawbale homes in town and we have talked to the owner/builders. We are just deciding now the small details, if it will be work and cost effective. So far we have done all the work ourselves with help of family and friends. I will keep you up to date if we go with strawbale.
http://www.xanga.com/twistedthyme |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2008 : 2:09:17 PM
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Please do, Crystal - it would be great to get a "real life' perspective on the process. I love the thickness of straw bale walls - feels so substantial. I enjoyed the pics on your website. Shelby sure is a cutie sloppin' through the mud!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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spiral sage
outthinking
2 Posts
crystal
rock hill
sc
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2008 : 09:48:23 AM
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Thanks Jen, She sure is entertaining. A recent book purchase has turned out to be a real jem. Building Green goes through steps of building with strawbale, cordwood and cob. But it also starts at the very beginning, like where to place your home, what you want it to feel like, it's been a real help.
http://www.xanga.com/twistedthyme |
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Outpost of Your Own: Straw bale homes |
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Straw bale homes
