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What is straw bale construction used for?
Straw bales can be designed to provide load-bearing structural support to a building, as well as lateral and shear resistance to wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate, with a separate, load-bearing structural frame, typically made from timber.
Why is straw bale construction sustainable?
Unlike other recycled materials currently used in the building industry, such as car tyres or recycled plastics, straw bale can be used in its raw state requiring no further processing. Once the building is no lo longer required the straw bale can be broken up and will naturally biodegrade.
Is straw bale construction safe?
Typically, straw bales contain fewer toxins than many other conventional building materials. This can make them healthier alternatives to use in construction.
Who invented straw bale construction?
John Swearingen
John Swearingen built the first permitted straw bale building in California with architect Janet Johnston. Since then, he has built 60 straw bale buildings in the state, including this home in Lake County. Photo courtesy of John Swearingen/Skillful Means.
Is Straw bale construction cheaper?
Although straw is cheaper than building materials, such as brick or lumber, constructing a straw bale home will usually cost the same as a conventional home because the wall budget is only about 10 percent to 15 percent of the total building budget [source: Magwood, Mack, Therrien].
What kind of material is used in straw bale construction?
Straw-bale construction. Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both. This construction method is commonly used in natural building or “brown” construction projects.
Where can I get a straw bale house?
Within the continental US (lower 48 states), local straw bales are almost always available locally. Building a straw bale house isn’t as complex as using traditional building methods. Usually, as long as one member of the construction team is highly knowledgeable, they can guide everyone else along.
Why is straw used as a construction material?
Straw bale construction uses the renewable material of straw, in bale form to act as an infill material to timber frame structures or as a load bearing structure to buildings of no more than two storeys. The construction method is considered to have a low environmental impact and provide good thermal insulation properties.
When did people start using straw bales for roofs?
Straw bales were used in construction 400 years ago in Germany; and straw-thatched roofs have long been used in northern Europe and Asia. When European Settlers came to North America, teepees were insulated in winter with loose straw between the inner lining and outer cover.