The Joys of Strawbale Construction
Anywhere in the world where grain (wheat, rice, oats, barley, etc.) is raised, it is possible to create beautiful energy-efficient buildings from a material that is very cheap and frequently burned just to get rid of it.
I am referring to strawbale construction: using strawbales to create wall systems and roof insulation from the cellulose stalks of grains. Since there is very little nutrition in straw, it is not attractive to rodents or insects; especially when the walls are coated with either a lime or cement stucco.
I know of successful projects in the USA, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Romania, China and Mongolia. It has been used in dry, hot, damp, cold, windy climates. Right now there are strawbale buildings keeping people comfortably warm in the bitter cold and comfortably cool in intense heat.
Between 1994 and 1999, I helped build more than 20 strawbale homes and business buildings. They ranged from small one-room studios to two story buildings to a 3000 sq foot building for pottery production and a retail shop. In addition, I have visited approximately 90 other projects located in different climates.
One of our projects is a building that I use for a guest room, home storage and office. During the 14 years since it was built, maintenance costs have been minimal and energy costs have been less than half of my very well insulated wood house. When I am in the building, it is very quiet. A strong wind can be blowing outside and the only way I know it is by seeing the trees swaying.
Another nice feature is that during building we invited more than 30 people to join us for two fun filled days to put up the strawbale walls. Everyone participated from the very young to the very old, men, women and children. Many of the people had never helped build a house and they were very proud of themselves at the end of the two days. I still get a thrill when I think about how well complete strangers worked together.
When properly stuccoed and detailed, the strawbale building is very fire resistant. Because the cellulose stacks are so compressed during the baling process and then covered with stucco, there is not enough oxygen inside the walls to feed a fire.
Although the building costs run slightly higher than standard lumber framed structures, these costs are easily paid for by the need for less maintenance and lower heating and cooling bills. Add a rainwater collection system and you are ready for a world of higher energy and water prices.
Duncan Echelson worked as a partner with Bowerbird Construction from 1993 to 1999, one of the most active strawbale companies in Texas. In addition, he was one of the three founders of the Strawbale Association of Texas (SBAT) and an active member of the Sustainable Building Association of Texas.
