Plan Number: at-200

Designed by: Arkin-Tilt Architects

This 1944 s.f. passive solar straw-bale home illustrates solutions to ecological living. A compact four-bedroom plan also allows for a future office addition in the cupola.

Although the current home is oriented on a north-south axis to maintain neighbor’s views, the interior temperature of the home stays within 5° of 68°F without additional heating or cooling. The roof is insulated with cellulose (recycled newspaper) insulation and sheathed with ‘Meadowood’ rye-grass straw-board. Plastered straw-bale walls are balanced by fiber-cement clad conventionally framed walls in appropriate locations (i.e. plumbing, bays and the high cupola walls).

A structural wall of exposed framing provides ample storage for books and art while dividing the living and sleeping areas. Bedrooms all feature bed-sized window bays, and two of the children’s bedrooms are separated with movable wall panels, adding further flexibility. Other ecological features include built-in composting and recycling (hatches in the backsplash allow recyclables to be placed in bins which are accessed from the outside), cooling via cupola windows, and passive solar design.

Awards and Publications

Environmental Design + Construction’s Excellence in Design Award

Sunset/AIA Special Design Award

The Green House

The New Strawbale Home

Casaviva June 2004

Real Simple April 2002

Specifications

Details and Features

Floor Plan

Included in Construction Drawing Set

Pricing Details (FREE S&H)