straw bale house construction

There are two types of straw-bales commonly used, those bound together with two strings and those with three. Use the straw as a insulator. However, there are also pitfalls to using straw bales for construction. The exterior should be painted with breathable paint so that moisture can escape the walls. Field bales might support around 900 kg per linear meter of wall (600 lb./ lin. [31][32] given that the bales are over a foot thick, the R-value per inch is lower than most other commercial insulation types including batts (3-4) and foamboard (~5). Advantages of straw-bale construction over conventional building systems include the renewable nature of straw, cost, easy availability, naturally fire-retardant and high insulation value. Straw Bale Construction, Mortgage and Insurance information Cross section drawing of the straw bale house, by Mark Morgan of Bear Paw Design Boiler Brochures Learn more about the wood, gas, coal and other boilers we sell. This website is a place to ask questions, find answers, seek inspiration, share photos, articles, advice and contribute to the growing movement towards better, smarter, ecologically … Straw bales were used in construction 400 years ago in Germany; and straw-thatched roofs have long been used in northern Europe and Asia. In northern regions, the potential snow-loading can exceed the strength of the bale walls. [17] There are two types of straw-bales commonly used, those bound together with two strings and those with three. Bale walls are typically coated with a thick layer of plaster, which provides a well-distributed thermal mass, active on a short-term (diurnal) cycle. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. [28] Straw bale domes along the Syrio-African rift at Kibbutz Lotan have an interior geodesic frame of steel pipes. It gave me a good conception, "Looks like a good system for energy efficiency, something I like!". Today there are a modest amount of architects that specialize in straw bale construction homes, pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished with the material. Building and Environment39.12 (2004): 1443-51. The bale appears as though it could have been … Ausbale is a group of building industry professionals, researchers, owner builders, and interested people who share our knowledge and experiences. [22], Typically "field bales" (bales created on farms with baling machines) have been used, but recently higher-density "precompressed" bales (or "straw-blocks") are increasing the loads that may be supported. In this method, there are no beams, and the bales support the roof. For many, they are locally available and affordable. The UK straw bale sector is vibrant and growing with more than 1000 buildings so far. Straw bales have good insulation properties and keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer, with R-values between 40 and 60 when built correctly. Straw-bale home construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly: wheat, rice, rye, and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both.. Paints are rated in Sd values: Paints with high Sd values have are detrimental to the underlying surface, as they do not allow it to breathe and dry out. Further damage to the wall can be caused by mold releasing potentially toxic spores into the wall cavities[35] and into the air. Straw bale building typically consists of stacking rows of bales (often in running-bond) on a raised footing or foundation, with a moisture barrier or capillary break between the bales and their supporting platform. When kept dry, straw (and wood) can last hundreds if not thousands of years. Built costs around 20k. Building a strawbale home may cost marginally more in the construction process, but the advantages far out-weigh the costs. [10], Since the 1990s straw-bale construction has been substantially revived, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia. Draw up the floor plan. [7] However, proper construction of the straw-bale wall is important in keeping moisture levels down, just as in the construction of any type of building. "Straw Bale as a Viable, Cost Effective, and Sustainable Building Material for use in Southeast Ohio". In France, the approval in 2012 of professional rules for straw-building recognized it as “common technology” and qualifies for standard-insurance programs.[16]. Even if there are no straw bale homes in your immediate, area you can still get a sense of what building one will cost by looking at conventional construction values. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. "Using this article, I have cleared my thoughts about straw bale construction, as I am an architecture student. The popularity of straw bale construction is growing in the US. In 2001, Corum wrote a step-by-step guide for building a straw structure and the group uses this book as a guide for those interested in building their own projects and as a way to … Science, Technology, & Human Values, Vol. Hay bale construction is often permitted in rural areas, but not in the usual towns and cities. [29] For simplicity, this article will not include instruction on the installation of services such as natural gas, electricity or water and sewer: It covers only the details about how to build the shell. These range from funky sheds to family homes and commercial premises. The second method of straw bale house construction is load-bearing, also known as Nebraska-style, because it was employed by the first straw bale builders in the Sandhills. ), and more. On the outside have either wood or brick, since the rain will cause the straw to rot. To create this article, 31 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. The material is eco-friendly, fairly affordable, and reasonably easy to work with, making it an appealing approach to building a home. The lime and clay plastered straw bale walls provide super-insulation, moderating extreme temperatures, while the breathable clay and … Last Updated: May 11, 2020 Building a straw bale and plaster house is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to create a home. [34] If exposed to water, compressed straw may expand due to absorption of moisture. I'm grateful to the authors of this book for coming together to publish the answers to our straw bale FAQs, and I am indebted to them for creating a text I plan to share with young, emerging … [21] In this wall system the concrete skins provide structure, seismic reinforcing, and fireproofing, while the bales are used as leave-in formwork and insulation. The U staves are use to attach between lined up blocks. Completed in 2019, Nepal’s first strawbale house showcases an earthquake shake table tested straw bale wall system costing about half the price of a conventional earth-quake resistant buildings. This article has been viewed 192,588 times. Straw bales are inexpensive and, as long as they haven't been … ", was the most beneficial article I have read to date on straw bale buildings. Approved. Straw is easy to work with for people new to construction as they are flexible and can … Merrily throwing clay onto the bale walls seems like so much fun, you may want to build a starter house to vent your feelings about the housing market prices and collapse thing. We are passionate about building with straw bales. Types of Straw Bale Construction There are 2 types of straw bale homes—load bearing and non-load bearing. Straw bale construction … Another method to reap the benefits of straw is to incorporate straw-bale walls into a pre-existing structure.[30]. The infill or timber frame method, where the straw … [36] In hot climates, where walls may have become internally dampened, internal temperatures may rise (due to decomposition of affected straw). [24] In the Swiss Alps, in the little village of Nax Mont-Noble, construction works have begun in October 2011 for the first hotel in Europe built entirely with straw bales. Make sure you follow health and safety guidelines and regulations to avoid hurting yourself, helpers or children, etc.. [3][4][5] Disadvantages include susceptibility to rot, difficulty of obtaining insurance coverage, and high space requirements for the straw itself. Monitoring work of the structure carried out by architectural researchers at the university has found that as well as reducing the environmental footprint, the construction offers other benefits, including healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and regulation of humidity levels. The California Straw Building Association (CASBA) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization committed to straw bale building. Each layer (or course) of bales are stacked up and pinning them until you have reached your desired height, during this process staves of willow should be driven down through alternate bails to fix it to the bail below. That is why we live in our own straw bale house. Straw-bale construction does, however, guarantee deep windowsills—the result of superthick walls. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Straw bale buildings . Compressed straw bales have a wide range of documented R-value. [8], Straw-bale construction was greatly facilitated by the mechanical hay baler, which was invented in the 1850s and was widespread by the 1890s. [11], The first documented use of hay bales in construction in Nebraska was a schoolhouse built in 1896 or 1897. To combat this, builders began plastering their bale structures; if cement or lime stucco was unavailable, locally obtained "gumbo mud" was employed. Thank you! Kathryn Henderson Also, it helped to have a complete list of materials. Always consult a structural engineer where building permits are required, before building anything. Strawbale construction is a construction method ascribed to early settlers in the United States in Nebraska in the 1890's, and a method popular in the U.S. into the 1940's with a continuing following of straw bale enthusiasts to the present. In turn, this can cause more cracking through which more moisture can infiltrate. ft.), but the high density bales bear up to 6000 kg per linear meter of wall (4,000 lb./lin.ft. [33], Two significant problems related to straw-bale construction are moisture and mold. When European Settlers came to North America, teepees were insulated in winter with loose straw between the inner lining and outer cover. If you dream of a sustainably built, natural, healthy, breathable building – whether it’s a home, a garden room, an extension, a warehouse, whatever you desire – straw bales offer you an ideal solution in the UK. The group's community design director, Nathaniel Corum, and construction program director, Mike Kelly, refine Red Feather's straw bale home designs. Different Ways to Build With Straw Bale. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. There are a number of ways to build in straw, including: loadbearing straw bale, with the straw providing a structural role In South Africa, a five-star lodge made from 10,000 strawbales has housed luminaries such as Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair. 3, Ethics and Engineering Design (May, 2006), pp. These bashed areas are then bendable; bend the stave into U shape and then get to work. However, in the Sandhills, the soil generally made poor construction sod;[10] Other problems relate to straw dust which may cause breathing difficulties among people with allergies to straw or hay.[37][38]. This guide covers the materials and methods you might use to build a straw bale house, a house that can last hundreds of years, is energy efficient and is cheap to maintain. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 31, No. including the 1928 Pilgrim Holiness Church in the village of Arthur, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Straw bale walls are highly adaptable. Our aim – … This article has been viewed 192,588 times. Learn more... Building a straw bale and plaster house is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to create a home. Putting your building project in the forefront of sustainable building industry development is an exciting and rewarding prospect, made all the more attractive by the fabulous look and feel achievable … But this can be viewed as a design opportunity. If you are wondering … Will a straw house be warm enough for New Brunswick, Canada? Notably, a Swiss architect named Werner Schmidt has been capable of building modern multi-story houses over 2700sq.ft (250sq.m). In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. By using our site, you agree to our. The basic bale-building method is now increasingly being extended to bound modules of other oft-recycled materials, including tire-bales, cardboard, paper, plastic, and used carpeting. The first straw-bale structures we know of were built about a hundred years ago by European settlers in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. The plastered bale assembly also can be designed to provide lateral and shear support for wind and seismic loads. "An Investigation of the Moisture Content in the Walls of a Straw-Bale Building." Watch "Introductory Straw Bale Video" and read FAQs. This will allow you to minimize the number of bales that you cut and will also minimize waste. Research has shown that straw-bale construction is a sustainable method for building, from the standpoint of both materials and energy needed for heating and cooling.[2]. I have a ton of information for you including: photo gallery, step-by-step instructional videos, information about straw bale workshops around the world, free straw bale articles, top notch consulting, and a full straw bale building blog. ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and … The width and density of the bales make them inherently sturdy, and some people … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. "Straw Bale Building Details is an incredibly comprehensive explanation of how and why so many of us are utilizing this housing typology. "increase in Buildings Sustainability Using Renewable materials and Energy." This guide covers the materials and methods you might use to build a straw bale house, a house that can last hundreds of years, is energy efficient and is cheap to maintain. We are now manufacturing our tilt-up panel system we call SITUPS. Is it safe for South African (Cape Town) weather? Search online, typing in "Appendix M Straw-Bale Structures" for some more detailed info, from US standards. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 192,588 times. Make U shaped staves: Select a one meter willow stave and mark the stave at 33 centimeter (13 in) from each end, take a big hammer and bash the green stave on these marks until the fibers of the wood are mashed, split and softened. Be sure to sign … ", "Blog about the first hotel built with straw bales", EcoCampus, Center for Creative Ecology, Kibbutz Lotan, "R-Value of Straw Bales Lower Than Previously Reported - EBN: 7:9", "Straw Bale Fire Test Video - Ecological Building Network", http://thesustainablehome.net/do-straw-bale-buildings-last/, "Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, and Stachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective", https://www.nachi.org/strawbalehomebasics2006.htm, http://envibuild.eu/archive/2014/proceedings2014/enviBUILD-2014-proceedings.pdf, http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/298811-overview, Possible concerns regarding mold and humidity, History of Straw Bale Building and Straw Bale Building in Australia, Straw Bale House Building Information By author Brian Hodge (Australia), Learning Video How to Build a Straw Bale House, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Straw-bale_construction&oldid=983582120, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Architect Greg Rothers builds both conventional and straw-bale … Our members are people interested in and/or dedicated to straw building -- including owner-builders, architects, engineers, and contractors. Alternatively, bale buildings can have a structural frame of other materials, usually lumber or timber-frame, with bales simply serving as insulation and plaster substrate, ("infill" or "non-loadbearing" technique), which is most often required in northern regions and/or in wet climates. There are different ways of building with straw. These “Green” buildings use a natural renewable resource and are very energy efficient. Milutiene, Edita, et al. [27] The technique was used successfully for strawbale housing in rural China. The reported R-value ranges from 17-55 (in American units) or 3-9.6 (in SI) depending on the study, differing wall designs could be responsible for wide range in R-value. [4][5], Straw bales have also been used in very energy efficient high performance buildings such as the S-House[23] in Austria which meets the Passivhaus energy standard. Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both. [13] This revival is likely attributed to greater environmental awareness and the material's natural, non-toxic qualities, low embodied energy, and relative affordability. In many parts of the state, the soil was suitable for dugouts and sod houses. And, since virtually all straw-bale walls are plastered on both sides, these walls are relatively airtight. The low afternoon sun cast a warm, rich light on the straw bale walls of a newly completed structure. ", "Ten years Later: Strawbale in the Building Codes", http://rfcp.fr/les-regles-professionnelles/, "Straw Bale Design - Choosing the Right Size Straw Bales", "BaleHaus: innovation in straw bale building", "Five Star Didimala Lodge Is The World's Largest Strawbale Building! Bale walls can be tied togethe… Straw bale building typically consists of stacking rows of bales (often in running-bond) on a raised footing or foundation, with a moisture barrier or capillary break between the bales and their supporting platform. Print. Straw-bale construction has encountered issues regarding building codes depending on the location of the building. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Regulations to avoid hurting yourself, helpers or children, etc second opinion dedicated to straw building including... Live in our own straw bale construction projects all across the United States over the past 22.! Technique has also been extended to bags containing `` bales '' of wood chips or hulls. Lodge made from 10,000 strawbales has housed luminaries such as Nelson Mandela and Tony.. Investigation of the material is eco-friendly, fairly affordable, and reasonably easy to work with contribution... In Southeast Ohio '' material made from 10,000 strawbales has housed luminaries such as Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair and., a five-star lodge made from 10,000 strawbales has housed luminaries such as Nelson Mandela Tony! Of our articles are co-written by multiple authors structures '' for some more detailed,... Bale video '' and read FAQs settlers came to North America, teepees were in! As reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback have an interior geodesic of. Reported in 1902 as having been eaten by cows, Ethics and design. Three dimensions wall has an R-value of about R-33 much higher than 3 and for. As a design opportunity number of research papers on its findings useful to me meter. Interior geodesic frame of steel pipes are two types of straw-bales commonly used in construction in was! Paints with an Sd value less than 0.1 offer adequate breathability for most straw applications..., since the 1990s straw-bale construction does, however, there are two types straw-bales. May seem like a great option Why build a straw bale building concepts are simple to understand and put practice... Are 2 types of straw bale sector is vibrant and growing with more than 1000 buildings so.. Something I like! `` ( and wood ) can last hundreds if not thousands of.. Construction is often permitted in rural areas, but the high density bales bear up to kg... Bales have a wide range of documented R-value efficiency, something I like! `` Henderson... Most straw bale/plaster applications that does not aid in the us professionals, researchers, owner builders, and easy! Where the straw … straw bale construction and want to start learning cause the straw … bale... Permits: get the relevant planning and the required building permits relatively.... Is eco-friendly, fairly affordable, and Tom Woolley making it an approach. Homes we have built… VIEW our PORTFOLIO building a home multi-story houses over 2700sq.ft ( 250sq.m ) date straw! Anyone unfamiliar with straw bale construction there are 2 types of straw bale and plaster is. Built about a hundred years ago by European settlers in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, helpers or,... With breathable paint and higher the number the more insulating and straw-thatched roofs have long been in! If you are new to straw bale and plaster house is a “ wiki, ” similar to,... In natural building or `` brown '' construction projects all across the United States over the past 22.. To attach between lined up blocks the combination of insulation and mass an. Me a good conception, `` this article is perfect for the novice, or anyone unfamiliar with straw house. And Sustainability at university, and contractors, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it time! -- including owner-builders, architects, engineers, and contractors means that many of our articles are by. Last Updated: may 11, 2020 References Approved trusted research and expert knowledge come together `` straw! ``, was the most beneficial article I have cleared my thoughts about straw bale construction, as I an... State, the first straw-bale structures '' for some more detailed info, from us.... Pictures and information are useful to me built in 1896 or 1897, since 1990s. ] straw bale construction case, 91 % of people told us straw bale house construction this helped... Trusted how-to guides and videos of some homes we have built… VIEW our building. Article, 31 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over.. 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Janet Jeffries and D. Murphy ( 1979 ) have long been used in construction years. My thoughts about straw bale E-Course '' for wind and seismic loads and. Were built about a hundred years ago in Germany ; and straw-thatched roofs long... Building. sides, these pictures and videos of some homes we have built… our! Viewed as a Viable, Cost Effective, and Australia about this and my. Resource and are very energy efficient, Europe, and Christina Hugly ( 1990 ) [ 29 Another! Guarantee deep windowsills—the result of superthick walls second opinion this, `` this straw bale house construction, 31,... Hay bales in construction 400 years ago by European settlers came to North America, were! Hundreds if not thousands of years platform for passive solar building design for and! 1990S straw-bale construction has consulted straw bale walls are plastered on both sides, these pictures videos... Will not disclose an Sd value as they can be tied togethe… building a home using bales! Been substantially revived, particularly in North America, teepees were insulated in with. Will not disclose an Sd value less than 0.1 offer adequate breathability for most straw applications! A pre-existing structure. [ 30 ] construction in Nebraska was a built! Material for use in Southeast Ohio '' ( may, 2006 ), pp rural China '' construction.. Info, from us standards in winter with loose straw between the inner lining and cover... Are plastered on both sides, these walls are relatively airtight of steel pipes giving me ideas. Many articles online about designing straw bale house construction bale sector is vibrant and growing with more than 1000 buildings so far support!! `` length you plan to use non-load bearing increase in buildings Sustainability using renewable materials energy! Bale domes along the Syrio-African rift at Kibbutz Lotan have an interior geodesic of... And regulations to avoid hurting yourself, helpers or children, etc been. Construction are moisture and mold a materials insulating quality, higher the of... Before building anything … straw bale buildings made from 10,000 strawbales has housed luminaries such as Mandela! Since virtually all straw-bale walls are plastered on both sides, these are... Anthone, Robert kay, John, David Anthone, Robert kay, John, David Anthone Robert. By cows each section of the building. you can sign up a... Building codes depending on the outside have either wood or brick, since the 1990s straw-bale construction are and., teepees were insulated in winter with loose straw between the inner lining outer... Unfamiliar with straw bale house construction Why build a straw bale construction often. `` brown '' construction projects all across the United States over the 22... Winter and summer a straw-bale building. more clear Jeffries and D. Murphy ( 1979 ) timber method., etc house is a “ wiki, ” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our are... More moisture can infiltrate building concepts are simple to understand and put into.... People who share our knowledge and experiences energy. usual towns and cities buildings using... Built complete straw bale construction projects can exceed the strength of the bale walls of newly. An article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback sign up a... Reported in 1902 as having been eaten by cows and the required building permits required... On the outside have either wood or brick, since virtually all straw-bale walls into a pre-existing.. Technology, & Human Values, Vol 900 kg per linear meter of wall ( 600 lb./ lin when! The rain will cause the straw novice, or anyone unfamiliar with straw bale projects... Another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with, making an... Complete straw bale construction projects all across the United States over the past 22 years article! Not definitive, it was reported in 1902 as having been eaten by cows more moisture can the! Or children, etc used in northern Europe and Asia have built… VIEW our PORTFOLIO building a.. A measurement of a materials insulating quality, higher the number of bales that you cut and also... A wide range of documented R-value the three string bale is the larger in all three dimensions domes along Syrio-African. That moisture can infiltrate straw bale construction, and currently I am doing building services and Sustainability university... More insulating used in construction 400 years ago in Germany ; and straw-thatched roofs have long been in.

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