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Repairing Straw Bale Water Damaged Walls
Water damage in straw bale walls is something that does not happen very often, especially in well built homes; but, even with the best construction practices, it can happen. When it does, it's important to know how to recognize it and how to fix it.
Straw Bale Home is Cover of Fine Homebuilding
For those of you who have been curious what it will take to help straw bale homes become more mainstream, this may be a part of the answer. David Arkin and Annie Tilt (Arkin-Tilt Architects) have received many awards over the years and their straw bale homes have at least twice graced the covers of Fine Homebuilding Magazine, this time in the fall 2014 edition of Small Homes Cabins and Cottages.
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…