subject: Straw bale construction [print this page] Straw bale construction Straw bale construction
Well, tired of babbling on about websites for the past couple of weeks,I wanted to talk about something a little bit more interesting in the form of straw bale construction. As I'm sure everyone has heard about global warming and the need to endeavour into more Eco-friendly and sustainable ways in running our lives, the construction industry is no different in facing the wrath of this ever growing movement. Now whether you believe in global warming or not, our housing stock and the wayit operatesis going to drastically change by 2016. New legislation already in place such as the codes for sustainable homes are going to ensure all new build homes are carbon neutral by this time. These codes were introduced in 2006 and aimed at achieving this target by staged intervals from level one through to levelsix. Levelthree became mandatorythis year, so it is something that's here to stay and we're going to have to adapt as an industry and as a nation. Some people believe that this new way of thinking is anover top chore. I believe not so, and that is why I would like ALN:Architecture and other Architectural designers orHarrogate Architects to embrace these changes.I see them asan opportunity toprogress technologically if anything else, and if that saves the planet along the way then its a win win situation. Ah, but hark back I hear you say. If we are to progress technologically then why do you want to talk about straw bale construction, surely that's old hat? Well technically speaking yes it is, but if we combine modern building methods of waterproofing, damp proofing, air tightness and mod consetc, then we are onto a rightwinner. Straw bales are obviously classed as a renewable building material with a plus side of having a positive carbon footprint. This means the code of sustainable homes loves straw bales as a material and will fit right in with the 2016 ideals. Straw bales also have cracking thermal properties if installed correctly and has a benefit of being cheap due to its abundance in agriculture throughout the land. As well as all these great points, aesthetically you can have it a number of ways as there aredifferentmethods of constructing with bales, so, depending on your method of construction you can dress the vernacular as you please. Some would like a natural earthy rounded appearance with clay renders, where as if the construction was to use a timber frame then in could be clad in many contemporary finishes inside and out. it is a very versatile material. I have ordered some books to research into this area further, as if there was any style of architecture/construction that I found most fascinating, this would have to definitely be the one I'd gravitate towards. If you ever fancied discussing straw bale design further then please don't hesitate to get in touch via the ALN:Architecture website and we could delve further into the depths of this wonderful building material. Thanks for reading, I may get the hang of writing thesearticles one day! Nick Jauncey Theseimages were takenfrom balewatch.com, strawbale.com & low impact living.com
