I have been a lover of straw bale homes ever since I saw my first one under construction about 13 years ago when I lived in Flagstaff, AZ.

Straw Bale is an amazing construction technique and provides you with a super insulated, very quiet, comfortable and suprisingly  fire resistant home.  Thanks to the blog on low impact living I was introduced to a website and blog that I had never seen before strawbale.com.  This website is a valuable resource to anyone interested in or considering a straw bale building.  From what I can see everything is free and the information is very valuable.  They also offer a free 7 day e-course on straw bale construction.

Straw  bale construction techniques change regularly as people build more of these homes and buildings and this site is well updated and a valuable source of information.  I can wait to take the e-course.  So check it out at www.strawbale.com

 

Here is a nice video they posted on there site that share some of the myths and truths of straw bale construction.  CHECK IT OUT!

 

 

10 Comments on daily stuff - November 7, 2007 - Straw Bale Homes

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

11/07/2007 11:06 AM by Martinelli Caputi & Associates, Ltd. (Martinelli Caputi & Associates, Ltd.)


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.

11/07/2007 11:07 AM by JenRan Realty, LLC


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.

11/07/2007 11:12 AM by Andrew Trevino Wilkes-Barre Homes For Sale (TradeMark Realtors Group)


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

11/07/2007 11:15 AM by Tucson Real Estate Experts Anne and Eddie McKechnie (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


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!

11/07/2007 11:23 AM by Andrew Stone - EcoBroker® (Windermere Real Estate)


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

 

11/07/2007 11:39 AM by Tucson Real Estate Experts Anne and Eddie McKechnie (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


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.

11/07/2007 11:45 AM by Chad Baird (Re/Max Spirit)


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

11/07/2007 12:59 PM by Mehmet Met Dilsiz (FND Photography)


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?

11/13/2007 08:51 AM by Andrew Stone - EcoBroker® (Windermere Real Estate)


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Real Estate Agent: Andrew Stone - EcoBroker®  (Windermere Real Estate)
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