straw bale resource info and co-housing
From: Strawnet (Strawnetaol.com)
Date: Sun, 11 Dec 94 16:57 CST
 Dan Ardoin (71045.2023 [at] compuserve.com) wrote:
"We are seriously thinking over the possibility putting up a straw bale
workshop.  There was some disscussion of a straw bale common house
but the group was mostly uncomfortable with that idea.  One of my concerns
was the code requirements and how they could be met and how fire safe
the construction is.  Our architects have some experience with this type
of construction and even have demos on some local property.
The whole idea sounds fun but we're not sure if it is really cost effective
or
not.  David, can you give us an approx. per sq. ft. figure?
Thanks for brining this up, it is a very interesting development and one
we are likely to use sooner or later.
Dan from    Grell,    Oceano, CA"

Dan
Code issues with straw bale are evolving. This coming summer, in Tucson and
Pima County Arizona, we should have the first adopted straw bale building
code for load-bearing (structural) straw bale.  I have been very involved
with the code and research and testing activities for a couple of years now.
 It is getting somewhat easier to get permits, even for load-bearing (still
not easy most places).  And as for fire, its actually superior to wood frame
with similar wall finishes - Canada and New Mexico fire tests have clearly
demonstrated this. More testing is needed and we're working on that.

Let me recommend some resource info that you might want to get and look at.
What follows is a copy of something I posted somewhere on the internet
recently (I think in was in the alt.architecture newsgroup).  It covers some
general info and where resources are available. Faster for me to copy and
repost this than write it again frequently.  If you have more questions,
please ask and I'll try to answer as time permits.
Glad you are interested in this stuff.  David Eisenberg (strawnet [at] aol.com)
Here's the resource info:
Straw bale construction is for real!  I have been quite actively involved
in straw bale construction over the past 3 years, building, leading
workshops, involved in research, code issues, and writing about s b
construction.  This past summer I travelled throughout the western US
leading straw bale workshops visiting most of the historic and many of the
more recent straw bale buildings, including several in Nebraska (dating
from 1903, 14, 21, 25, 28, 36, 48, 49, 53, 1979-this one is in Washington
state on the west side of the Cascades - and on up to buildings under
construction now, and including the first permitted load-bearing straw
bale house in California - in Philo near Ukiah in a seismic 3 zone).  In
response to requests for info on Straw Bale construction I offer the
following current references:
Best source of general and specific info is: 
Out On Bale (OOB) in Tucson, AZ (my home town).  1037 E. Linden St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719, (602) 624-1673.  They publish an informative and
valualbe quarterly journal about s b called The Last Straw.  I recommend
you subscribe ($28/yr) if you are seriously interested in s b, since it
has the up to date info on all manner of related things, including a human
resource guide. Back issues are available too, and there is an index that
can fill you in on what's in each issue.  Current issue is focused on the
issue of moisture and has submissions from France, Canada, and around the
US.  Also has info on what's happening all over the world in s b
construction.
In addition, Matts Myhrman (co-founder of OOB) and Steve MacDonald have
written an excellent how-to book called BUILD IT WITH BALES.  They also
have other resources available including general info packets, videos, and
other booklets.  Joanne DeHavillan Workshops, at the same address also
arranges hands-on workshops for OOB (I've led and co-led many these and still
do).
Another soon-to-be-available excellent resource is the book THE STRAW BALE
HOUSE, by David Bainbridge, Bill and Athena Steen and me.  It is published
by Chelsea Green Publishing Co. and is due out the end of November, '94. 
It is 300+ pages with over 240 b&w photos, 16 pages of color photos, and
45 illustrations. It is a broad and deep survey of straw bale
construction.  It will be available in bookstores, from The Canelo
Project, HC1 Box 324, Elgin, AZ 85611, from OOB, or from me.  
I hope this is helpful. I am reachable at strawnet [at] aol.com

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