Re[2]: [at-l] Straw Bale House

[Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net> (Bob C.)]

"...In fact a number of straw bale houses have been built in the East."

 It will be interesting to see how long they last and how energy efficient they
 remain as the straw settles. I can't imagine straw being a structural element
 in a permanent building.

 Once you add in framing costs -- especially if the framing is post and beam,
 which is considerably more expensive than stick built (2 x 4, 2 X 6) --
 interior partitions, stucco or other exterior finish, interior finish etc. I
 doubt if there will be any significant financial savings.

 I haven't experimented with straw personally. However, I've gone through
 several house-building and building restoration phases over the past 35 years,
 and being a compulsive accumulator of mostly useless facts I  have read
 everything I've been able to find on the subject of alternative construction
 techniques.

 My two amateur-designed houses, and two amateur-restored structures are super
 energy efficient, low cost and super comfortable, and hopefully sturdy enough
 to last a long time. All are superinsulated, but otherwise use mostly
 conventional construction techniques. Why? Because once one sifts through the
 fine details, conventional seems the cheapest and plenty durable enough.

 I've learned a few things since I wrote a book on the subject, but if anyone
 wants to know about the state of my knowledge in 1880, send an address and I'll
 send you a copy. They're free. But I enclose a brochure from our land trust to
 tempt you for a contribution.

 Weary