Straw bale houses provide their occupants with many benefits. Before listing some, I'll describe these houses for you. Their walls are built out of bales of straw. The straw needs to be kept dry so it is covered with plaster, on both the exterior and interior sides. An overhang is often added to the outside of the house, providing shade and additional protection to the house.
Most frequently, straw bale houses are built with a post-and-beam framework made of lumber. The bales are used as infill. This method is described as non-load-bearing since the weight (load) of the roof does not bear down on the straw. Building codes that address straw bale building are likely to require this technique.
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 method is simpler for beginners. It is amazing how quickly those straw bale walls can go up! Still, after they are in place, there is plenty more work to do.
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.
What benefits does a straw bale house offer its occupants?
1. Insulation: Because of its thick walls, a straw bale house will be slower to heat up in summer or cool off in the winter. This means energy savings, often considerable ones, every year.... a very nice bonus that the homeowners will probably gloat about to their friends!
2. Renewable resources: When we say that straw is a renewable resource, we mean that it can be grown again and again as needed. An added bonus is that it is grown pretty much everywhere so you do not need to pay high transportation costs. As sustainability in construction is becoming more important to people everywhere, this factor is becoming more important in how people choose to build. Another plus for straw bale houses!
3. The pleasure of living in a straw bale house: These homes are often quite lovely. The hand finishing and the attractive plasters make them very enjoyable to look at. With the thick walls, outside noises are muffled so the house is more tranquil.
In summary, straw bale houses are ecological and beautiful. Beginners can build them. While building a house is never a simple project -- just ask anyone who has done it! -- straw bale houses offer many advantages.
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