|
  |
|
|
Straw Bale Houses: Could You Build One?
People who are lucky enough to live in straw bale houses generally love the experience. What is a straw bale house? It is constructed of... bales of straw! The bales are protected from weather and any little critters that might want to live in them by being plastered both inside and out. Frequently an overhang extends out from the house as well. Typically a straw bale house is built so that the bales are filled in around the framework of the house, which is lumber constructed in a manner called post and beam. Because the bales do not support the load of the roof in this method, it is called non-load-bearing. In most places, building codes require this approach. In contrast, a "load-bearing" straw bale house has the roof resting right on the straw bales. This requires care in construction so that the weight is properly balanced. This method is more ecological, as it uses less wood. This approach is considered easier for beginners to tackle. The straw bale walls go up very rapidly, which is pleasing to everyone working on the project. Naturally, they still have much more to do, like wiring and plastering! Straw bale building is probably most popular in the southwestern desert states of the US, but it is now being done in many other places too. Building codes exist that directly address the specifics of straw bale construction, and some banks will make loans for straw bale houses. So now, what are some benefits of building or living in a straw bale house? 1. Insulation: With its thicker walls providing excellent insulation, a straw bale house stays more comfortable year round, cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This saves considerably on energy costs. Of course, this savings continues, year in and year out, and so it will make a real difference in the cost of living in the home. 2. Renewable resources: Since straw is easy to grow, it does not need to be brought in from far away and it is probably being grown anyway. It does not diminish our forests. People who care about building sustainably -- more and more people all the time -- find this very attractive. 3. The experience of living: Straw bale houses tend to be beautiful, with their thick walls and handmade aspects. The walls make the inside of the house very quiet, with outside noise coming in much less than in a conventional house. The plasters used to cover the bales are lovely, often natural tones. In conclusion, straw bale houses are not only lovely but they are also earth-friendly. People with little or no construction experience can do much of the work themselves. Of course, anyone who has built a home will tell you that building a house is a big project, but eventually the work is done. Straw bale houses have a lot going for them. |
Straw Bale Houses
| Load Bearing Straw Bale Houses
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "Straw Bale Houses: Could You Build One?" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
