| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Grimnir |
Strawbale builds - the reality?I've read about the strawbale homes both here and abroad but I've never spoken to anyone who has actually gone through the process. Is there anyone here who has actually done this? Are there any good UK sites which have information for those of us who want to do this?What are the benefits of strawbale construction over other green methods? What are their disadvantages? How much would it cost as opposed to other methods? Is there anyone near Cambridge who has a strawbale home? |
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| Gervase |
Amazon Nails is maybe your best jumping-off point for straw-bale building.
As for cost, most of the straw-bale builds I'v come across seem remarkably cheap as they rely on volunteer labour - and some of the craftier builders even have the temerity to charge people to come and work on their project on the basis that it's educational. Nice work if you can get it! |
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| vegplot |
Here's are a couple of examples, the last one was on the same MSc. Course at CAT I completed recently.
http://www.strawbalefutures.org.uk/Rachelshouse.html http://www.homegrownhome.co.uk/01_welcome.htm Lots of advantages, not many disadvantages. Advantages include cheap, very good insulation, excellent acoustic properties, breathable (used with lime renders), quick to build and good fun. They're very comfortable to live in. I can't think of any real disadvantages to be honest, except the British climate can makes it difficult to build with - you do need a period of reasonably dry weather until the roof is on. Life expectancy is unknown but examples in the US are over 100 years old. |
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| Grimnir |
Thanks 
I've thought about this for years and if I can find the right piece of land and get the permissions I need then I think this is the best way I can do it.  Not sure whether my partner will agree though, her father tried a selfbuild project and had a hell of a time! (that's the warm one, with 2 L's Erikht  )
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| Chez |
I second Gervase's recommendation of AmazonNails. They are lovely, AND they run courses where you get to build a real building. | ||
| hardworkinghippy |
You can find out where some straw bale houses are near you from this map. It's always a good idea to go and see folk for a chat and get the benefit of their experience.
http://www.naturalhomes.org/homesmap.htm |
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| vegplot |
We're going on one of their courses at Assington Mills early next month. |
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| Grimnir |
Excellent! Can you give us all a report on it when you get back? | ||
| vegplot |
Sure, not a problem. Amazon Nails are perhaps the definitive people on straw bale build in the UK. They often run the strawbale modules as part of the MSC. AEES run at CAT. |
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| vegplot |
When we actually get around to doing the build we'll be looking for volunteers to help who gain some experience and knowledge and hopefully make a few new friends in the process. | ||
| Grimnir |
Sounds like a plan to me  maybe I can make it, be a nice busmans holiday
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| vegplot |
And in a lovely part of the world, I don't mind saying. |
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| Blue Peter |
Tony Wrench, of the Roundhouse fame, reckoned there were problems with vermin, Peter. |
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| Grimnir |
Vermin? Heh, we have ferrets, who's worried about vermin? | ||
| vegplot |
There shouldn't be. Vermin are attracted where there's food. If the straw still has grain attached then it will more more attractive to mice and rats. Strawbale, once covered in render is pretty well impermeable to vermin although not vermin proof. If vermin is a problem then it's down to the quality of the straw, that is still contain grains. Hay bales houses are prone to this problem as hay is a food source. Also, consider that it may not be the staw itself which is the cause of a vermin problem but some other issue. Bricks and mortar homes can have vermin problem as well. |