The House That Didn’t Blow Down
A building material from the past that is the wave of the future. By Sarah Polyakov.
When I first heard of straw bale homes several years ago, I will admit that I balked. Now, straw bale homes, which date back to the late 1800’s in Nebraska, are on the radar again. Though these homes were touted as the ultimate upcycled abode with a carbon neutral footprint, I was skeptical. Still, many enthusiastic and eco-conscious people are again discussing the possibilities of straw bale as a viable building material.
Three Little Pigs
Before investigating straw bale homes more thoroughly, I was unconvinced. After all, doesn’t straw get damp and generate mold? Wasn’t the straw house the first house that got blown down in a wolf-generated windstorm? That does not sound like a home that could be habitable. Then, when I found out a straw bale home could be built for as low as $70/square foot, I very cautiously wanted to learn more.
Fireproof
One of the most compelling facts about straw bale structures is that if they are built correctly, they are almost fireproof. This becomes possible because of the way the straw bales that form the inside of walls of the home are packed. If done correctly, the bales are packed so tightly that there is little room for oxygen and subsequent flames.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
In addition to being almost fireproof, these homes have the potential to greatly reduce the need for heating and cooling. This is possible because the walls of these homes are often three feet thick. Straw bale homes are easy to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter since straw is a wonderful insulator.
Ultimate Upcycling
According to Dwell magazine, “About 200 million tons of straw goes to waste in the U.S. every year. If all the wasted straw were burned, it would add up to nearly 6 percent of the total CO2 emitted annually by passenger cars” (1/1/09). Repurposing discarded straw for homes would be the ultimate way to upcycle while providing carbon-reducing structures for families.
Pest-Free
Because straw has no nutritional value for common household pests and insects, walls generally remain untouched by unwanted critters. This alone saves homeowners from being exposed to toxic chemicals and the bills that come with ongoing pest-control services.
Architectural Masterpieces
The final unique characteristic about straw bale homes is that they are generally very easy-on-the-eyes. Because the walls are so wide, a common feature found in straw bale homes are window seats and bayed windows. The walls are also generally covered with smooth stucco and the stucco is combined with natural wood and stone accents.
Home Sweet Home
After researching straw bale homes and finding many photos of them online, my husband and I have begun to consider the possibility of a straw bale home in our future. Because they are eco-friendly, affordable, and nearly fireproof, I believe they might just be the home sweet homes of the future.
