Thanks again for another wonderful tip Andy!  Don't ever stop the stream of eco-information! 

Very informative video but now I have more questions!   How do the floor joists get attached?  How are the windows installed? -They must use some structural lumber somewhere.   Personally I don't like the look of plaster not to mention no one really does it anymore....Guess I'll have to go to their site.

Andrew, Thanks for the post. I've never heard of straw built homes before, but this looks great. The homes look nice as well. Any idea of the construction costs? How do mortgagae companies look at these homes too? Guess I'll have to go check out the website.

We have quite a few straw bail homes in and around Tucson and the surrounding areas. They are very atrractive and energy efficient. There also used to be a workshop on how to build them in Elgin Arizona. I will check out the info and psot for you guys

Anne

Thanks Richard I will. 

Jennifer, It is common to still use post and beam construction for the wall and roof supports.  The bales are used instead of 2x4's and insulation.  Floors can be poured concrete or standard joists also from what I have seen.  I have also seen another form of straw construction where the straw is mixed with earth and then compressed into frames.  Because it is wet, the straw is allowed to sprout and then dry out and die before being sealed behind plaster.  People do plaster work are everywhere and can be found.  My neighbor just had beautiful work done her plaster and lathe walls in her 100 year old home.  I personally do my own repairs to my plaster and lathe.  It is quite easy to do and I would never trade it for drywall. 

Anne,  I look forward to your links!

Hi Andrew,

Here is  the link for the company in Elgin.

I had wanted to go to a workshop a few years ago and haven't done it yet :)

http://www.caneloproject.com/

One Achitect who specializes in Straw bale homes for you too

http://www.sunset.com/sunset/Premium/Home/2001/10-Oct/WHA1001/WHA1001straw.html

I followed a "This Old House" project that used the straw last year. It was quite interesting. I had never heard of it, not did I relize it had been around for so long. At the end of the project you would have never known that straw was used.

Very interesting and I really liked the video.  It answers anything that I would have asked or thought about asking.

It is wonderful to be back in town and back to the blog.  Thanks Anne for the link!  I loved it.  I had forgotten about the This Old house show  Chad. I have to go and look it up.  Do you have a link?

this is very cool!