Summer 2008

Well, haven't added anything for some time, so thought it was time to update this blog.

Finally, in July, I got my full occupancy permit! After a long road of compliance etc, I am now legally able to live in my strawbale house!
Just a few notes on the heating system through the winter:
The radiant floor heating was amazing - kept the house at a constant temperature, whatever I set it at. I was able to supplement with the woodstove but that was mainly for 'cozy' effect.
Here is the big news: I estimate my hydro usage for the heating to be a little under $500 for the winter season!! Amazing! This was to run the geothermal system (pump). Because of the insulation factor of straw bales, the house remained at the constant temperature. It was a very 'comfortable' heat too - never dry, or fluctuating, which I experienced in previous homes, when the furnace would come on.
As far as this summer has gone, the temp inside has not gone over 23 degrees C and was more often around 18 - 20 degrees C - I occasionally run a dehumidifier on the really humid days and that is sufficient to keep it very comfortable in here.

My main projects this year have been to work on getting compliance for the occupancy inspection and on the landscaping, which will be a work in progress for many years to come.

Stay tuned, as there will be an extension going in, hopefully next year, or in 2010.

Don't forget this years Straw Bale tour is on October 4th. Check out the OSBBC site at :

http://www.strawbalebuilding.ca