Straw Bale Houses | Home

By RosanaHart
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People who are lucky enough to live in straw bale houses generally love the experience. What is a straw bale house? It is constructed of... bales of straw! The bales are protected from weather and any little critters that might want to live in them by being plastered both inside and out. Frequently an overhang extends out from the house as well.

Typically a straw bale house is built so that the bales are filled in around the framework of the house, which is lumber constructed in a manner called post and beam. Because the bales do not support the load of the roof in this method, it is called non-load-bearing. In most places, building codes require this approach.

In contrast, a "load-bearing" straw bale house has the roof resting right on the straw bales. This requires care in construction so that the weight is properly balanced. This method is more ecological, as it uses less wood.

This approach is considered easier for beginners to tackle. The straw bale walls go up very rapidly, which is pleasing to everyone working on the project. Naturally, they still have much more to do, like wiring and plastering!

Straw bale building is probably most popular in the southwestern desert states of the US, but it is now being done in many other places too. Building codes exist that directly address the specifics of straw bale construction, and some banks will make loans for straw bale houses.

So now, what are some benefits of building or living in a straw bale house?

1. Insulation: The thick walls mean that straw bale houses naturally stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This saves a lot of money on heating bills, and if air conditioning is even needed in a very hot climate, its use will be considerably reduced. Of course, the energy savings will continue for the entire life of the house and thus will add up to a lot of money over time.

2. Renewable resources: When we say that straw is a renewable resource, we mean that it can be grown again and again as needed. An added bonus is that it is grown pretty much everywhere so you do not need to pay high transportation costs. As sustainability in construction is becoming more important to people everywhere, this factor is becoming more important in how people choose to build. Another plus for straw bale houses!

3. The experience of living: Straw bale houses tend to be beautiful, with their thick walls and handmade aspects. The walls make the inside of the house very quiet, with outside noise coming in much less than in a conventional house. The plasters used to cover the bales are lovely, often natural tones.

In conclusion, straw bale houses are not only lovely but they are also earth-friendly. People with little or no construction experience can do much of the work themselves. Of course, anyone who has built a home will tell you that building a house is a big project, but eventually the work is done. Straw bale houses have a lot going for them.

About the Author

If you think you could to build a straw bale house, visit Rosana Hart's website on straw bale houses and her Squidoo page on load bearing straw bale houses.

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