Financing a Straw Bale Home
Perhaps the most commonly asked question about straw bale construction is: "How do I finance it?" There are some things that you can do to improve your efforts and increase your chance of receiving funding.
Debunking the Rodent Myth
Rodents would much prefer to set up residence in your neighbor’s conventionally built house with lovely pink insulation than live in straw bale walls. Watch this 1 min video
How To Make A Cold Frame Using Straw Bales
This is a quick a simple project that you can do to extend your growing season.
Step By Step Guide To Creating Niches
One of the most artistic expressions of a straw bale wall are the niches that are carved into it. I have laid out a step-by-step process for the most common niche I see in straw bale homes: the arch top.
Replacing Rotten Straw in an Existing Straw Bale House
A consulting client recently asked me about the best practice is for removing rotten straw from an existing straw bale house. Whether you need to replace a small amount of straw or an entire section of bales, the process is pretty much the same. Below are the steps to replacing rotten straw in an existing house. Although each specific location may have subtle differences, the basic steps are still the same.
Properly Wet Your Plaster on a Straw Bale Wall
There is far more water used in the preparation and curing process than in the mix itself. If you have a limited water supply, be sure to account for this extra water requirement. Follow these steps to make sure you have the best plaster job available. Be sure to protect your walls from wind, rain, and direct sun by hanging tarps.
Plumbing Details in Straw Bale Construction
You have likely heard me say this before, but it is worth saying again: keep your plumbing out of your bales. Of course, it's not as simple as that when it comes to adding plumbing to a straw bale house. There are obviously more details to consider in…
A Review of Electrical Installations in Straw Bale Houses
Learn high quality installation techniques for installing electrical service in your straw bale home. Knowing these techniques is important whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a subcontractor to do it for you.
Kangaroo Pie with a Dash of Straw
This Perth workshop was truly amazing; standout participants, generously working hard to get as much done on Sarah and Geoff’s place as possible in a stunning landscape dotted with tropical birds, a full moon and the sweet sounds of guitar playing, singing, and laughter each evening. These are the days…
Testing Moisture Levels in Your Straw Bale House
People often ask about testing the moisture content of the bales in their walls after their straw bale house is complete. The best way to accomplish this is to utilize the space behind the electrical boxes throughout the home.
Home Sweet Home: A Straw Bale Workshop Experience
Awesome article from Sutherland Living Magazine is the creation of a straw bale workshop participant, Tiffany Redding. Her enthusiasm and genuine excitement to learn were contagious during that workshop and she will long be remembered by all of those there. Tiffany’s article, “Home Sweet Home, is reprinted courtesy of Sutherland Living Magazine