Amazing Couple Builds the Applegate Cottage on Whidbey Island
I met Paul and Sara in 2015, long before they moved into their very own Applegate Cottage, at my seven-day, hands-on workshop in La Grande, Oregon and was immediately struck by what an awesome couple they are. They had a work ethic like I’d not seen in years, and were always full of smiles and […]
BIPOC Straw Bale Workshop Scholarships
To the Black, Indigenous, and people of color in our straw bale community, I recently received a very powerful message from an African American woman educator in which she shared how important it is for us to clearly state that Black, Indigenous, and people of color are “welcomed and wanted” at our workshops. It became […]
Standing Up for Racial Justice
By now you have all likely seen the horrific footage of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis. Gabriella and I are filled with grief and anger, as I imagine you are too. Adding to this pain is the fact that his murder is one of far too many similar deaths that continue to take place in […]
Straw Bale LEED Certified Quebec House For Sale
This unique and ecological Quebec house for sale is situated at the end of a quiet, secure and very private street in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge. This is a Canadian municipality situated in the province of Québec, in the MRC of Argenteuil in the area known as the Laurentian’s. Grenville-sur-la-Rouge is situated north of the Ottawa River and […]
Tell Me What To Do…An Opportunity To Get YOUR Questions Answered
It’s not every day that I suggest that tens of thousands of people tell me what to do. After all, I try hard to stay ahead of the game and get valuable information out to you via the blog and our newsletter; however, sometimes, it’s best to ask YOU, the readers, exactly what you’re looking […]
Fire Resistance of Straw Bale Walls Outperforms Conventional Construction
The fire resistance of straw bale walls is superior to that of conventional construction. Learn why that matters and how it’s possible.
Affordable Straw Bale Retreat Opportunity!
Andrew and I were recently in Eugene, OR getting our kids settled into the University of Oregon (go Ducks lol!). During our week up there, we had the pleasure of staying in the Dharma Suite at Dharmalaya and can we just say “WOW!!!”? We are sharing some information about this incredibly affordable straw bale retreat […]
Adding Shingles to Gable Walls
Adding shingles to gable walls may not seem like a straw bale specific topic at first glance. That doesn’t mean it’s not an important skill for you to learn for several reasons. First and foremost, a lot of straw bale houses use shingles on the gable end walls. They do so to add a complementary […]
Lead Straw Bale Builder Needed for Nonprofit Straw Bale Project
Y Innovations is looking for a lead straw bale builder for a nonprofit housing project in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. They are building straw bale homes as affordable housing for low-income families in need.
Please Help Support Martin Hammer and the National Straw Bale Code Efforts
If you have not heard about the work Martin Hammer has done in developing the national straw bale construction building code, then you have missed out. Martin has worked tirelessly, and continues to do so, for all of us. He co-authored the code which was approved in the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and has […]
Wildfires and Straw Bale Construction: Four Case Studies From California
The recent wildfires in California have created massive devastation across the state; however, they have also given us an opportunity to see, first hand, just how well straw bale structures perform in wildfires.
Straw Bale Construction Creates Challenges in Claiming Housing Rebates in Canada
If you live in Canada and have built or are planning to build a straw bale house, this article is for you. I must admit that this is a topic I know VERY little about, but I can see the importance of knowing the ins and outs. As such, I’m sharing this article written by […]
Oklahoma to Host the Last Workshop of 2017… Meet the Hosts
Before I head out to Oklahoma to teach, I wanted to give you all a chance to learn a little about the workshop hosts. We hope you will join us in Choctaw, OK for the last workshop of the year…It will be a BLAST!!!
Repairing and Patching Water Damaged Bales in Your Wall
Nobody ever looks forward to repairing water damaged bales, but from time to time, the need exists. I hope you find this recommendation valuable.
The Importance of Having Time
If you’re living your life like most people, you’re missing out on the actual experience of life and the joy it brings. Stop wasting time and start living by learning the impact of gratitude.
Enjoying Your Straw Bale Build
Enjoying your straw bale build is something that many people simply assume will happen. They believe that since they’re really excited about the idea of building their straw bale home that their excitement will turn into enjoyment during the actual process of building or contracting that project. Unfortunately, the reality is often something very different. The good news is […]
Call For 2017 Straw Bale Workshop Hosts
I am currently accepting host applications for the 2017 straw bale workshop season. If you hope to host a workshop on your project, please apply today.
Help Define a New Name for SBC
Here’s your call to action. We need a new name; one we can all get behind and present to the world in a new and powerful way. What ideas do you have? Please comment below with your ideas and share this article with anyone you think may want to help define the way forward for this amazing building technology.
Add Your Straw Bale House to the International Straw Bale Registry
Here’s a simple call to action. Please add your straw bale house to the International Straw Bale Registry!
Heading to the Desert
I’m heading to the desert to celebrate the 20th anniversary of CASBA and to share and learn about straw bale construction.
The Power of Education – A 15 Question Test
It may sound obvious, but learning how to build a house, of any kind but especially a straw bale house, is a good thing to do before you actually start building. Ask yourself the following 15 questions and if you cannot answer them with a high level of confidence, you would be best served to gain some more experience before you start building.
The Importance of Tool Organization
I don’t think that the importance of tool organization on a job site can be overstated. This is true for owner builders and professionals alike.
Simplify the Installation of Roofing Felt Behind Your Plaster
I wanted to share a few great tips as a means of simplifying the installation of the roofing felt needed on wood that lies behind your plaster. As you know (or may be learning…right now…) you have to cover all wood that will end up behind plaster with roofing felt or an equivalent product.
Share Your Straw Bale House Experience
If you have a straw bale house and are willing to share your experience with an international master program, then please fill out the following questionnaire.