of the American Institute of Architects and the Baltimore chapter of the U.S. Greenbuilding Council.
builders and homeowners. The workshop began with
each participant "toting a bale" up the hill to sit on for
a short talk by Polly Bart of Greenbuilders.
Dr. Bart said that unlike many greenbuilding
techniques, straw bale has almost no disadvantages
compared with conventional construction, including
the fact that it is cost-effective. Provided there is
enough space for the thickness of the bale walls,
straw bale is a "no-brainer" as a greenbuilding
technique.
Participants then formed two teams to raise the bale
walls and to plaster all the exposed straw surfaces.
working with straw bale. Straw (not hay, which is
a grass) is the woody waste material left when
cereal grains are harvested. The grain can be
wheat, oats, barley, rice, or other choices. Bales
can be stacked cut edge out as is traditional on
the farm (Greenbuilders prefers this), or on
edge, which produces a slightly narrower wall.
The bales can be covered with wire mesh before
stuccoing, or plaster can be applied directly to
the bales. Reinforcement driven through the
bales for stability can be rebar, bamboo, or
wood. Finally, the coating applied can be cement
stucco, or lime plaster, which is what we use.
Each of these choices has pros and cons;
contact us if you would like more information.
Straw bale question
straw bale construction information,
please click here.
