STRAWBALE DESIGN ESSENTIALS – by Catherine Wanek

Why Build With Bales?

Super insulation, Fire and seismically resistant, Non-toxic, Reduces wood use,

Utilizes an “agricultural waste”, Reduces greenhouse gas, Owner-builder friendly,

Builds friendships and community, Aesthetic potential

Historical precedents -- Nebraska sandhills, Alabama, Wyoming Norway, Poland

Strawbale homes in varying climates across the U. S., Canada, Europe, Australia & China

Strawbale structure – a “stressed-skin” system of stacked bales with stucco “skin”

Post and beams – Structure of wood, steel, concrete, adobe with straw infill

Load-bearing – Plastered bales support roof loads, most suited to rectangles

Siting& Energy Efficiency – the thermos bottle effect”

Heating climates – Orient to the winter sun, interior thermal mass, airtight

Cooling climates – Shade from western sun, Open windows to prevailing breeze

“Passive solar requires an active owner.”

Design/Build Essentials  “A good hat” – sheltering roof

“Good boots” – Appropriate foundation

“A coat that breathes” – Vapor permeable plasters

Careful window detailing to resist wind-driven rain

Cost Factors – Where does the money go?

Labor and materials – 60 – 40%

Design Choices: Roofs & Foundations, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Infrastructure, Location

Reducing costs: Sweat Equity, Recycled materials

Reduced Lifecycle costs: Energy savings, lower maintenance

Save money by “doing your homework” – books, videos, & workshops

Interior design elements

Accessibility, Sound transfer, Finishing Touches

Resources: Libraries may carry books & videos/ Internet lists workshops

Straw Bale Construction Association (SBCA) – emailing list

The Last Straw – Quarterly Journal + Calendar www.thelaststraw.org

Natural Building Resources – 119 Main St., Kingston, NM 88042

www.StrawbaleCentral.com 505 895 3389 - Books, Videos, Workshops

Recommended titles include The New Strawbale Home, Straw Bale Building, Build It

With Bales, Serious Strawbale, Straw Bale Details, Beauty of Strawbale Homes, etc.

Local Contacts: Deanne Bednar www.uheac.org, ecoartdb@aol.com, 248 628 1887,

Mark Hoberecht www.HarvestBuild.com markh@harverstbuild.com 440 236 3344

Harmony Home Construction, LLC www.harmonyhomeconstruction.com, 231 510 4140