Building with bales of straw has become almost mainstream in some parts of the country, especially in the Southwestern United States. Many localities have specific codes for strawbale construction, and some banks are willing to lend on this technique. Straw is a renewable resource that acts as excellent insulation and is fairly easy to build with. Care must be taken to assure that the straw is kept dry, or it will eventually rot. For this reason it is generally best to allow a strawbale wall to remain breathable; any moisture barrier will invite condensation to collect and undermine the structure. Other possible concerns with strawbale walls are infestation of rodents or insects, so the skin on the straw should resist these critters.

There are two major categories of building with strawbales: load-bearing and non-load bearing. A post and beam framework that supports the basic structure of the building, with the bales of straw used as infill, is the most common non-load bearing approach. This is also the only way that many building authorities will allow. While there are many load- bearing strawbale buildings that are standing just fine, care must be taken to consider the possible settling of the strawbales as the weight of the roof, etc. compresses them.

Erecting bale walls can go amazingly quickly, and does not take a lot of skill, but then the rest of the creation of the building is similar to any other wood framed house. In fact strawbale houses typically only save about 15% of the wood used in a conventionally framed house. The cost of finishing a strawbale house can often exceed that of standard construction, because of the specialized work that goes into plastering both sides of the walls. The result is often worth it though, because of the superior insulation and wall depth that is achieved.

LINKS

California Straw Building Association / http://www.strawbuilding.org/
FAQ's, resource directory, technical information, also has memberships, newsletters.

Balewatch / http://www.balewatch.com/
50 Straw Bale House Plans - lots of information about strawbale homes and many plans for strawbale homes.

Strawbale Information Centre / http://genevar.com.au/strawbale/
A brief introduction to strawbale building. Also information from the Strawbale Association of Texas

Surfin' Strawbale Links List / http://mha-net.org/html/sblinks.htm
An extensive collection of links about strawbale houses and other information about strawbale houses. Part of the Masonry Heater Association's Website.

Skillful Means / http://www.skillful-means.com/
An introduction to, information about, and tips on building strawbale houses.

Iron Straw Group / http://www.ironstraw.org/
Stronger communities through straw bale building. A provider of hands-on educational programs to teach strawbale building techniques.

The Rice Straw Market / http://www.ricestrawmarket.org/
From The California Rice Commision. An "interactive marketplace for buyers and sellers of California rice straw and rice straw products."

Burbophobia / http://www.moxvox.com/straw.html
Strawbale Construction in the Colorado Rockies - excellent resource, lots of information.

Internet Hay Exchange / http://www.hayexchange.com/
This website can help you find hay in your area.

The Last Straw / http://www.strawhomes.com/
The grassroots journal of strawbale and natural building.

Strawbilt / http://www.christdesert.org/strawbilt/
Sustainable building and renewable energy - a case study of the sustainable building and renewable energy projects at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert.

(return to top)

ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION LINKS
Adobe I Straw Bale I Cob I Rammed Earth I Earth-Sheltered|
Earthships | Bamboo I Geodesic Domes I Yurts I Tipis
Kit Homes I Sustainable Gardening I Feng Shui