This is the log of my experience building my straw bale home. I am told the pictures do not do the actual finished product justice, however, I am pleased to share it with all who are interested on this site. The trials and tribulations in getting the permit could have brought the project to an abrupt halt, but I knew in my heart that this was something I was meant to do and giving in or quiting was never an option. Enjoy........ and feel free to share with your friends!
Exterior view, prior to bales.. siding B&B siding completed (roof not quite completed)
Hydro/phone line being buried.
Electrical being installed in bale walls.
Front interior - (kitchen, actually) 
posted by Dive the Dream @ 6:50 PM
2 Comments:
A picture speaks a thousand words and the progress of the Orillia Straw Bale house is very well documented in those terms. The whole process is very interesting to watch. What it also does is beg the question, "Why?". Perhaps this is explained somewhere on the site and I've missed the link and, if so, perhaps it should be made more obvious?
This is in no way a criticism of the site. I think it is very well done. I’m just curious about some of the details of the project and wonder if the technical specifications of the project are posted somewhere.
Some Straw Bale house questions/facts that I would be interested in (and perhaps others would also) are:
1. Why would someone build straw bale house? The answer would seem to be to realize significant energy efficiency benefits (warm in winter – cool in summer), but it would be interesting to compare a straw bale house with a similarly-sized/located house (a) built using the current minimum standards for energy efficiency and (b) an “energy efficient” but “conventional” house.
2. What is the typical construction cost of a straw bale house compared to the two options described above, broken down by component:
2.1. Site preparation
2.2. Foundation
2.3. Framing
2.4. Siding
2.5. Roofing
2.6. Heating/cooling system
2.7. Plumbing/sewer
2.8. Electrical (wiring)
3. What is the typical operating cost of a straw ale house compared to the two options described above, broken down by component:
3.1. Winter heating requirement in GJ/yr
3.2. Winter heating cost
3.3. Summer cooling requirement in GJ/yr
3.4. Summer cooling cost
4. Interior “atmosphere” (by room type perhaps?):
4.1. Winter interior max/min temperature
4.2. Winter interior degree-days
4.3. Summer interior max/min temperature
4.4. Summer interior degree-days
5. Other facts of interest in comparing the straw bale house to the other two options mentioned above:
5.1. What type of heating system is assumed for each option?
5.2. What type of cooling system is assumed for each option (eg, heat pump, fans, standard central air conditioning, window air conditioners in specific rooms, etc)
5.3. What is the R-value of the insulation in the (a) walls, (b) ceilings (c) roof, (d) windows?
6. Is there any difference in the expected lifetime of a straw bale house and the other two options?
Would a straw bale house be expected to fare significantly better or worse in adverse weather (high wind/rain) or in earthquakes?
Perhaps the option to leave a general comment on the site should be provided (it seems that you can only comment of specific pictures). - Pat
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