Advice on Building a Straw Bale House
January/February 2006
By Chris Magwood, Peter Mack and Tina Therrien
 |
COURTESY NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS; LAURA TAYLOR
|
It may sound odd, but walls made from plaster-coated straw bales
are a popular alternative building option. Advocates say straw bale
houses are attractive, affordable, energy efficient,
environmentally friendly and can be designed in many styles. Here
are expert answers to common questions about straw bale homes,
provided by Chris Magwood, Peter Mack and Tina Therrien, authors of
the new book,
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More Straw Bale Building.
Fireproof? Tests have confirmed that straw bale walls are
naturally fire resistant. When straw is compacted into bales,
there's not enough air for the straw to burn well. The plaster
coating seals the bales into a noncombustible casing.
Moisture? The plaster coating on straw bale walls prevents
moisture migration through walls, and proper construction
techniques, such as raising the bale walls off the foundation and
onto a wooden curb, will ensure that any spills or floods inside
the house will not soak into the walls.
Pests? The ideal homes for pests offer openings, nests and
food?all of which are not found in properly maintained straw bale
walls. Plaster seals the bales with a protective barrier against
pests. Should a gap be left open, the densely packed bales
discourage rodents from making it their home. Stick-frame walls
make a much more inviting space for pests, especially when the
walls are packed with soft batt insulation.
Building Costs? Because bales are more user friendly than
other wall systems, you can save on labor costs on new construction
by doing the work yourself. Most people combine hired help with
their own labor and that of family, friends and neighbors.