Is A Straw House Better Than Brick?
House built into the side of a hill: cool. House built into the side of a hill with sustainable systems and a low environmental footprint: cooler. House built into the side of a hill by two guys for £3000 ($6,019.99 USD): Cool as crap.
Simon Dale and his father-in-law just built one of the greatest houses I’ve ever seen, and wish I could see in person. It’s insulated by straw bales encased in lime plaster. The entire frame is made of spare lumber, and the roof is made of dirt. I can just imagine Frodo Baggins on the porch barefoot.
On the flip side, I’ll also be interested in hearing about the maintenance involved, termite issues, drainage, and the lifespan of a house made so organically. I have misgivings about the fortitude, not to mention fire hazards or mold issues with so much unprotected wood & straw. We’ll see.
Technorati Tags: construction, architecture, sustainable systems, straw, mud
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 am
IIRC the straw bales are treated with a flame retardant. The unprotected wood is no more of a risk than any other ballon frame house. Provided you keep water out properly (an issue with all homes - don’t get me started) mold shouldn’t be an issue in a straw home any more than traditional construction. Straw bale homes aren’t as new as you might think.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Fine and dandy, but his sub-floor is wood pallets. How isn’t that a moisture issue?