Straw Bale Construction

[lmarciniwe]

I've come across an apartment building built with straw bale of straw block walls. I was wondering if anybody had any information on the structural properties or other information on this building material.

Thanks,
Laura

 

[vpj]

I was doing some research on this topic for a home remodel, but the project went away before I got too in depth. A starting point I found is the following link. I hope it helps you out.

http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/owner_builder.htm

 

[epr]

I don't know about you, but I would avoid straw bale construction because of the inherent mold liability.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Rodrnt infestation.

 

[Slowzuki]

Well built straw bales houses have neither mold nor rodent problems. It is cellulose in a slightly different form than the blown in type typically used to insulate conventional houses.

Ken

 

[TPNY]

Where is this apartment buidling located and how old is it?

 

[TPNY]

As far as structural properties, I actually researched this for my grad-school thesis.

As for the pests, mold, etc., if I remember correctly, they wash the straw in boric acid and then dry it; also, it's best in dry climates (New Mexcio, Arizona, etc) and with a breathable membrane, so that if it does saturate the water can escape during the hot, dry times.

 

[lmarciniwe]

Zo40
The apartment building is located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada (just south of Detroit). I'm not sure of the age.

Thanks for your help.

Laura

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Article in the current issue (August 2005) of Structure Magazine, here is a link

http://www.structuremag.org/archives/2005/August 2005/Straw-Bale.pdf

The links given in the article may be helpful, too

http://www.strawbuilding.org/

and

http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/

(see the "Straw Bale Test Program" link at the top of the page)

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net