Straw Bale House!

[MarkD]

I'm currently working on a report for a house with Straw Bale construction. I know there is a slight increase in the "R" value and that this non traditional construction is considered "green" but is there anything else I should consider or be wary about before completing the report.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Tom Woolford]

No advice, never done one. Except, is the client aware that it is an alternative technology? They probably will want to run away from it. Take a trip charge and save both of you a bunch of heartache.

 

[HF Mudd]

No huffing and puffing during the inspection?

:laugh:

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

I have completed appraisals of straw bale constructed homes. One thing I do because there hasn't been any resales in my area is make some adjustments to my sketch. I measure the outside dimensions, the width of the bale, I draw the outside dimensions in free form so there isn't any calculations done. Then I subtract 6" from the bale width before I start sketching the walls with the dimensions to calculate livable area. Since the homes I will be comparing to the straw bale home will have 6" thick walls versus 24" think walls, that way I am comparing apple livable area to apple livable area. It is all identified in my sketch and explained in my report. For comparables I have attempted to find homes constructed of high energy efficient construction, like Rasta or Eterna or sold adobe for example. A straw bale home is very energy efficient. One home that has not sold in this area has a heating and cooling bill of about $85 per YEAR. Some of the straw bale homes don't even have heating and cooling systems. What part of Arizona are you located? I understand there are a lot located in Pima County. They last forever, there are straw bale homes in Nebraska over one hundred years old and still usable. Do a lot of research!

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If it is for secondary market and you cannot find at least 2 comparables made from straw, I would not touch this with a 10' pole.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I would prefer to hang out with the third little pig.

http://youtu.be/E34eBjaqmgo

 

[Elliott]

Always be careful of new construction methods. Houses are suppose to last a long time. LP siding was sold as being a great advance (even sold as 'green') and it turned into mush :

"Disadvantages of Straw Bale Construction
1. SInce it is not a conventional building material, the contractor or do-it-yourselfer will need to learn new construction techniques. Although not difficult, they are different.
2. If straw bale building codes are not part of your local codes, it may be a bit more work to get your plans approved. Contact others in your area and see if they can suggest local architects or engineers that are used to working with natural materials and see they can stamp your plans and help with the approval process.
3. Straw bale walls need to be kept dry as moisture is detrimental to not only straw, but to many building materials. Moisture entering the bales from the roof above is to be avoided at all cost. If the walls of your straw bale home are kept dry, they will last for the life of the building.
4. Areas of extreme humidity and rain my not be appropriate for straw bale construction.
......"

http://www.buildingwithawareness.co...raw-bale-wall-construction-in-green-building/

 

[Restrain]

First, the hay must have been dry before construction. Wet hay, big problems. Second, the exterior must be sealed stucco. Cracks can let in water. Exposed hay can let in water and insects. Again, insects, damp hay....mold, infestations, etc. Thirdly, wiring has to be conduit in the exterior walls (moisture, possible insect damage to wiring, etc). Does the ground shift? Is there a potential for exterior cracking of the stucco? Again, bad things. Think EFIS issues.

Now, lets look at market resistance. How many are there in your market? Is there market acceptance?

Have you discussed with the client that this is a hay bale structure? Before proceeding further, STOP! This home is not acceptable for secondary market delivery. PERIOD. The client needs to be aware of all the factors involved (type of home, available comparable sales, etc) before you proceed beyond the inspection. The client may not want you to go any further and you certainly don't want to waste time and have it cancelled when you are 80% done and the client wants to pay a trip charge.

JMO having done one of these. Nothing good comes out of these for an appraiser.

 

[Papoua Jose]

. They last forever, there are straw bale homes in Nebraska over one hundred years old and still usable. Do a lot of research!

Thanks for the info!

Google up Straw Bale Registry, lots of info there.

Photos of NE straw bale homes. http://thelaststraw.org/sban/tour/tour.html

 

[sputnam]

And you have to worry about a goat eating your house.