Constructing a plaster and straw bale house is an eco-friendly and low-cost way to make a house. In fact, a straw bale house is a house, which can last for many years. Aside from being cheap to maintain, it is also energy efficient.
Below are some of the things to note when building a straw bale house:
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Create a Plan
How small or big do you want to build? Have you thought of the rooms you like to build? Where are the doors and windows going to go? What are the services you like? Consider creating a floor plan. You must sketch the room layouts as well as locate drain lines accurately for concrete slab where toilet drain, bathtub, and shower connections will be. Every section of its exterior wall must be a multiple of standard length of bale to use. This will let you reduce the bales you can cut and minimize waste as well.
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Determine the Kind of Base You’ll Use to Support Your Ground Floor
The usual choices include a timber base or concrete pad that consists of double outside band with the center beam supported by the columns and connected by the floor joists on 16-inch centers. If you consider the traditional wood frame, check the building code of your local area for the frame element’s dimensions.
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Prepare Foundation Footings
Check your area’s building codes for the composition and size of exterior wall foundation. Electrical wiring, fresh water plumbing, and natural gas pipes would be added under the timber floors, above the slab, above ceilings or in walls.
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Construct a Frame of Metal or Timber
Frame transfers the roof load down to the foundation and must be strong enough. Cables can be stretched through the structure’s bales if you want stability to share stresses of bale shifting or possible bulging.
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During Construction, Stay Dry Through Putting the Roof
Consider putting the roof on before you add the wall bales since you do not like your bales to get soaked with ice, snow, and rain.
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Create a Straw Bale Wall Using Straw
Take note that straw is from the harvested grain stalks. These should remain dry, tightly bound to avoid moist air, and less than twenty percent moisture content. Both of such factors are essential to prevent rotting of bales after construction. To create the wall, you must sharpen some staves and secure them in the concrete or wood base.
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Plaster Walls
There are numerous kinds of soft plaster to use. Some are based on the formulations of available materials locally. Select the finest one through balancing the cost, effectiveness, and availability for your climate. Make sure to apply using traditional plastering tools for smooth finish or for rustic finish, you can use your hands.
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Put in Doors and Windows
You must have left some holes for doors and windows. Install your door and window casings through securing them to the framing posts or to the plastered walls outfitted with the staves.
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Consider Applying Breathable Paints
Search for the mineral silicate paints that are free of petroleum solvents, resins, and biocides. Applying a breathable pain isn’t different than applying a conventional paint, yet you have to follow manufacturer guidance because products differ from one another. To paint, see to it that the walls are dry, free of oils, and clean.
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