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Straw Bale Houses
A shortage of trees (thus lumber) made alternative home construction a necessity in the late-1800's Nebraska plains. Straw bale homes were a natural choice, since materials were cheap and readily available. Straw bale homes are making a comeback today as people become more aware of their durability and efficient use of energy.
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"The Straw Bale House" - Book Review
"The Straw Bale House" is one of those rare reference books that cross over to provide us with a healthy dose of inspiration.
"The Straw Bale House" is one of those rare reference books that cross over to provide us with a healthy dose of inspiration.
Bale Watch (Straw Bale House Plans)
This site offers plans for 50 straw bale houses. Homes average around 1000 square feet, because the designer's original intent was to provide plans for economical homes. He states he is now working on plans for larger versions.
This site offers plans for 50 straw bale houses. Homes average around 1000 square feet, because the designer's original intent was to provide plans for economical homes. He states he is now working on plans for larger versions.
FAQs About Straw Building
Informative facts about building with straw. From the California Straw Bale Association.
Informative facts about building with straw. From the California Straw Bale Association.
Keeping Your Bales Dry
John Swearingen offers tips to help you keep your straw bales dry between the time they arrive on site until they are used within your home.
John Swearingen offers tips to help you keep your straw bales dry between the time they arrive on site until they are used within your home.
Straw Bale House Project at Swarthmore College
Students built and monitored this straw bale house from 1994-1998. Read facts about straw bale houses in general and find out what the students learned from experience during this project.
Students built and monitored this straw bale house from 1994-1998. Read facts about straw bale houses in general and find out what the students learned from experience during this project.
Structural Components
A discussion of the structural components of a straw bale house, including foundations, floors, walls, window and door bucks, roof plates and wall pre-compression, roof structure and roofing, plus associated costs.
A discussion of the structural components of a straw bale house, including foundations, floors, walls, window and door bucks, roof plates and wall pre-compression, roof structure and roofing, plus associated costs.