Description

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

Square Footage		Home Elements
Total Living Area	1944 SF	Levels:	1
Main Level:	1944 SF	Foundation:	Slab on Grade
		Alternate Foundations:	Crawlspace, Pier, Basement
Patio:	710 SF	Lot Type:	Flat
Footprint:	35′-0″W x 66′-0″D	Alternate Lot Types:	Gentle Slope

Room Details
Master Suite:	Main Level
Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	2

Details and Features

Exterior Patio Space	Sliding Partition Walls	Passive Solar Design	Radiant Floor Heat
Large Exterior Fireplace	Super Efficient	Ample Storage
Open Living Space	Lots of Windows

Floor Plan

Included in Construction Drawing Set

Site Plan	Floor Plans	Roof Plan	Elevations
Building Sections	Interior Elevations	Numerous Details	Window and Door Schedule
Foundation Plan	Electrical Plan	Roof Framing Plans