Hi, I'm new...wondering about strawbale in TN?

Started by Skip, October 04, 2010, 08:51:04 PM

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Skip

Hi all...we live in southwest TN, currently have a house for sale and bought land this summer with plans to build a much smaller effecient home when this one finally sells...Does anyone know about strawbale...I love the look and the effeciency that is seems to have...I am wondering about building here iwith our high humidity ..also would love to know about plans for very small sqf (800 or less) homes with two bed..2bath..would appreciate any info or ideas anyone has.....thanks

MountainDon

Hi skip.   w*  

Question for you, and I know little about TN so this may be a dumb question.  

Is straw, not hay, but real straw readily available there?  

Trucking it in would add to expenses.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.


dug

I also am a fan of straw bale homes and gave a lot of thought to building one before deciding on conventional framing. Moisture is one of the main concerns but I have seen examples in the midwest and southern states 100 years old and in good condition. Wide eaves and diligence on plaster maintenance would be recommended.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Redoverfarm

 w* Skip

Maybe this thread will help you out. Drew did a fantastic job on his.  Maybe can get some good advice.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3681.260

Mt.Don I think what you will find there is "wheat" straw.  Should be plentiful.


MountainDon

Skip, if you have an area of TN in mind i'd suggest checking with whoever you would have to deal with regarding building permits. They may have some information available. For certain they will be able to tell you if it is advisable in that climate. My state, NM, has specific rules for straw bale. They approve non load bearing straw bale construction, so it needs a framework similar to a stick built home. Not sure if that saves any money?  We have friends who have been talking of building a straw bale home for 12+ years. So far just talk and plans.

I have no idea how much research you've already done. Here are a few links. The first has nothing to do with straw bale. Rather it is a link to Jan Nikolajsen's stick built home here on the forum. Thick double frame construction; well insulated walls. Worth a look...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8833.0


http://www.strawbale.com/straw-bale-design-choosing-your-bales

http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/strawbale/where.htm

http://www.longbrancheec.org/pubs/strawbale.html

http://strawbale.sustainablesources.com/

http://www.rld.state.nm.us/cid/GenBureau/PDFs/ProposedRules/051010/14%207%205%20NMAC-2009%20NM%20Straw%20Bale%205-10-10.pdf

Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.