Strawbale house

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!

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

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
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3 Comments:

At 10:38 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your occupancy permit! In preparing to build our own strawbale house, we've heard about some of your "adventures". And from what I've heard, this is no small feat. The strawbale world is very small....

I'm glad you posted about the cost and temp! This has been one of the main reasons we decided to go strawbale.

I'm looking forward to your continuing "adventures"!

 
At 8:31 AM , Blogger Rachel said...

Just wanted to say that your house looks gorgeous and thanks for the blog. My fiance and I hope to build a "green" house, probably with straw bales, in a few years, and the information you're providing on the building and permit process is wonderful and so helpful!

 
At 9:09 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have just stumbled in a moment ago...
I purchased land and doing research into straw bale building in Ontario - Warkworth. I would very much like to do the tour for 2009 but cannot find the link on the OSBBC's new web site.

Laura

 

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