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The Wall of Truth

If you have ever had the opportunity to visit a Straw-bale house you may have see something the owner called "The Wall of Truth". This is usually a place in the house that is framed to show the truth that the house is indeed made of straw.

As building materials go, few things are more versatile, inexpensive and forgiving as straw-bales. This makes them ideal for owner-builders who may lack experience, cash or both. Bales can be formed into curved walls and arches, they can be notched, gouged, cut in half, split in half and if they still don't fit they can be persuaded with 'bale whackers' - a square block of wood mounted on a wooden handle.http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/strwbale.htm

The style, size, floor plans of a Straw-Bale vary like any other house. But the bales offer opportunity for imagination. As the picture of the cat shows the window sills and walls are thicker and provide R-35 to R-40 insulation. They also force you to decorate a little differently. One house I visited had shudders, wooden fence panels on hinges or large plants providing privacy.

Bales come with two-wires or three-wires (or strings) holding them together. Two-wire bales weigh about 50 pounds and three-wire bales, 75-100 pounds. Two-wire bales are usually 14 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 32-40 inches long (typical in Texas). Three-wire bales are 16-17 inches high, 23-24 inches wide, and 42-47 inches long (typical in western states).

Source : http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/strawbale.html

Reasons build or buy a Straw-Bale House

Energy efficiency;
Affordability;
Resource-efficient building technology;
Use of local materials;
Community involvement and use of local labor;
Cultural compatibility; and
Design simplicity, adaptability, and comfort.

Source: http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings

Posted by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor on 12/02/2006 09:22 PM

Comments (7)

green, strawbale, colorado, dena stevens

7 Comments on The Wall of Truth

Dena, Nice photos! I am wondering if it would effect hay fever sufferers?

12/02/2006 09:37 PM

by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 (The Berkshire Group Realtors)

KK - I asked the same question myself. As long as the straw is completely sealed; allergies, mold, mice and fire should not be a problem. If it is not sealed or stuccoed properly all of these things could be an issue.

12/02/2006 09:42 PM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

Since straw bale are traditionally a waste product, this is really good for the environment. Do you know anyone who has lived in this type of construction? Is stucco or mud the only exterior material that is used? Your use of photography really is helpful.

12/02/2006 10:09 PM

by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)

Yes, I've known several families that have lived in Straw bale homes, all finished with stucco. All in all, everyone seems to like them. The power bill is probably their favorite part of the experience.

12/02/2006 11:28 PM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

You already answered my first concern - what about fire hazards. Is thre any special training that inspectors need to be sure it's sealed and succoed properly?

12/03/2006 05:17 AM

by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

Sharon - To the best of my knowledge, you do need an inspector who knows what he/she is doing. I'm fortunate that we have an inspector who is an Energy Efficient Inspector. He loves this kind of stuff, also belongs to the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and other groups.

12/03/2006 08:23 AM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

Really? Straw is traditionally a waste product? Not if you have horses! It is then, first, a bedding product, and then it's a manure pile, and then it's compost to be sold to those in the city with gardening lust and no horses!

I know people who built and live in one of these. It's quite attractive. Being in Austin, it's easier to get these kind of alternative buildings approved (or even encouraged) by the Powers That Be than it is in some places.

Meant to post some information on underground homes. There's one of those (a very nice one, indeed) on our MLS righ tnow.

12/06/2006 10:38 AM

by Tricia Jumonville, EcoBroker® (ERA Colonial Real Estate)

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What does the graphic say?