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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills:  Straw Bale Construction  |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 1:50:55 PM
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I was talking with DH today about our eventual goal of building a straw bale/rammed earth home here on the property, and it made me think- "I wonder if anyone on MJF has made one..." So- anyone ever made a building with straw bales? Do you have any pictures, words of wisdom, or pointers? How about rammed earth?
Thanks, ladies!!
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, and a few dogs. |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 7:42:37 PM
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Natalie, I was going to post the same question! I haven't sold my sweetie on it yet, these things always take time with him =) but it actually looks like something that I may be able to afford and be able to do at least some of the work myself.
I live in a very nice manufactured home, and tho' I'm doing my best to take care of it, I don't know how well it would hold up moving it to a new piece of land...so it is something that I'm very interested in as well.
Happy Autumn!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 9:43:14 PM
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My DH is very survivalist minded. He likes to plan everything for the end of the world as we know it. Ya know, just in case. He likes the Straw Bale home idea not only for its insulation, but general bullet-proofing also. Yes, he really thinks like this.
I sure hope someone has some experience to share, if not- I'll be sure to post lots of info if/when we do build one :)
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, and a few dogs. |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 2:20:35 PM
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Sounds interesting. My dream place is an underground dome.
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 2:46:32 PM
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You have a gorgeous home, Paula! Thanks for sharing your pictures :) How is the rainwater collection working out for you? If you don't mind my asking.
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, and a few dogs. |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 9:08:23 PM
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paula-
You have a beuatiful home! I really enjoyed looking at all of the pictures!
Natalie-
I enjoyed reading your blog~ hope you are feeling well. Looks like the ranch and junior have you quite busy! Best wishes to you!
Smiles,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2011 : 06:55:51 AM
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Hi Natalie,
The rainwater collection has been excellent for watering our garden...we used only water from the cistern that collects the water from run-off from our metal roof. The cistern is buried in the hill above the garden and so it all works on gravity.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
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Suellen5
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Sue
Fife Lake
MI
17 Posts |
Posted - Jul 27 2012 : 4:56:55 PM
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Paula,
I'm very interested in the idea of bale construction. My husband is on board but there are questions. We live in Northern Michigan where there is a lot of snow. Is that a problem? How did you find someone familiar with the construction? I know that my hubby especially likes the idea of bullet-proof walls. The added security can't hurt. How are you heating?
I know I'm asking all kinds of questions but it's a new form of construction. So glad that I have Sisters that can help me.
Sue |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 07:07:15 AM
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Hi Sue,
I would think it would depend on the style of the home construction. Ours has wooden framing with steel studs within the walls. The straw bales only serve as insulation, and are not weight bearing. I could get you in contact with the name of the architect who built our home, if you would like to speak with him.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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Suellen5
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Sue
Fife Lake
MI
17 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 3:12:21 PM
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Paula,
Thank you so much. I woulod love to talk. My email is ssensenbaugh@yahoo.com or he/she can call at (231) 879-4241. Russ is my husband's name so either of us would be interested in find out more.
Sue |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills: Straw Bale Construction |
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Straw Bale Construction
