building
With straw bales there are two forms of construction: 'Load-bearing' (often referred to as 'Nebraska-style' where it originated in the 19th century), and Post-and-Beam.
In load-bearing construction the weight of the roof is supported by the bales in combination with a thick layer of plaster or stucco on either surface. However, the wall require a strong stucco which typically necessitate the use of a cement-based material. Because of this, and also because I have a background in wood-working, I favour the post-and-beam system using traditional European joinery techniques. This method dates back many hundreds of years and uses 'dry' (unglued) pegged joints to secure the pieces together in a way that is inherently strong, stable, and resistant to earthquakes.
In load-bearing construction the weight of the roof is supported by the bales in combination with a thick layer of plaster or stucco on either surface. However, the wall require a strong stucco which typically necessitate the use of a cement-based material. Because of this, and also because I have a background in wood-working, I favour the post-and-beam system using traditional European joinery techniques. This method dates back many hundreds of years and uses 'dry' (unglued) pegged joints to secure the pieces together in a way that is inherently strong, stable, and resistant to earthquakes.
Traditional post and beam joint construction.
The effectiveness of this form of wooden construction has been proven in countries like Japan where the structures are able to absorb the energy of earthquakes and then settle back into position once the distrurbance has ended.
Douglas Fir is my first choice of wood - preferably reclaimed - due to its tremendous strength, workability, natural resistance to rot, and its indigenous nature. It also is renewable.
With a post-and-beam framework the straw bale walls are referred to as 'infill' and merely provide insulation but no support.
Douglas Fir is my first choice of wood - preferably reclaimed - due to its tremendous strength, workability, natural resistance to rot, and its indigenous nature. It also is renewable.
With a post-and-beam framework the straw bale walls are referred to as 'infill' and merely provide insulation but no support.
Links... (hover over links for info)
The Living Building Challenge
Fotoprint
John Gower - Gower design group
Chelsey Braham - C D B Design
Earth Futures
BCSEA
SIPDistribution.ca
Chemicallime.com
Perlite.com
Strawbale.com
HomesteadHouse.ca
Eco-Sense.ca
Building Limes Forum
Straw bale fire test movie
Straw bale earthquake test movie
Susanne Dannenberg - visual artist
Goodshepherdwool.com
Elke Cole