Straw bale construction - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:19, 11 July 2021

2021-07-11T07:19:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 11 July 2021
Line 67:		Line 67:
	* Thatch roofing.		* Thatch roofing.
	* The Scots reed thatching tradition.		* The Scots reed thatching tradition.
		+	* Traditional straw thatching in times of shortage.
	* Vernacular architecture.		* Vernacular architecture.
	* Wattle and daub.		* Wattle and daub.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 06:42, 30 August 2020

2020-08-30T06:42:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:42, 30 August 2020
Line 53:		Line 53:
	”In terms of durability, we have undertaken laboratory tests and undertaken monitoring of existing buildings and we have also done accelerated weather tests. The results of all these tests suggest that straw is a very durable construction solution.”		”In terms of durability, we have undertaken laboratory tests and undertaken monitoring of existing buildings and we have also done accelerated weather tests. The results of all these tests suggest that straw is a very durable construction solution.”

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Adobe.		* Adobe.
Line 68:		Line 66:
	* Sustainable materials.		* Sustainable materials.
	* Thatch roofing.		* Thatch roofing.
		+	* The Scots reed thatching tradition.
	* Vernacular architecture.		* Vernacular architecture.
	* Wattle and daub.		* Wattle and daub.

−	[[Category:~~Sustainability~~]] [[Category:~~Construction_techniques~~]] [[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Product_Knowledge~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 07:08, 11 December 2018

2018-12-11T07:08:10Z

Editor at 16:16, 31 July 2018

2018-07-31T16:16:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 31 July 2018
Line 69:		Line 69:
	* Thatch roofing.		* Thatch roofing.
	* Vernacular architecture.		* Vernacular architecture.
		+	* Wattle and daub.

	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 16:10, 22 June 2018

2018-06-22T16:10:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 22 June 2018
Line 60:		Line 60:
	* Cob building.		* Cob building.
	* Construction materials.		* Construction materials.
		+	* Daub.
	* Earth building.		* Earth building.
	* Earthen construction.		* Earthen construction.

Editor at 09:51, 22 June 2018

2018-06-22T09:51:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:51, 22 June 2018
Line 58:		Line 58:

	* Adobe.		* Adobe.
		+	* Cob building.
	* Construction materials.		* Construction materials.
	* Earth building.		* Earth building.

Editor at 15:00, 24 November 2017

2017-11-24T15:00:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 24 November 2017
Line 57:		Line 57:
	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Adobe.
	* Construction materials.		* Construction materials.
	* Earth building.		* Earth building.

Designing Buildings at 14:44, 27 September 2017

2017-09-27T14:44:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 27 September 2017
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:Straw-bale-house.jpg]]	+	[[File:Straw-bale-house.jpg\|link=File:Straw-bale-house.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elements, insulation or both together. The use of straw bales is typically found in natural building projects, or earthen construction, and while ~~traditionally~~ a common form of building material in many parts of the world, it has been received increased attention due to its sustainable properties.	+	Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elements, insulation or both together. The use of straw bales is typically found in 'natural' building projects, or earthen construction, and while historically it has been a common form of building material in many parts of the world, it has been received increased attention more recently due to its sustainable properties.

−	Two different types of straw bale are common:	+	Two different types of straw bale are in common use:

	* Bales bound together with two strings.		* Bales bound together with two strings.
Line 12:		Line 12:
	= Construction techniques =		= Construction techniques =

−	The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber ~~are~~ used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh is used.	+	The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber can be used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh can be used.

−	The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clay render, although these should be considered with regard to the local climate conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish ~~will~~ be ~~required rather than~~ a cement-based stucco.	+	The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clay render, although these should be considered with regard to the local climate conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish may be preferred to a cement-based stucco.

−	Straw bales can be designed ~~for~~ load-bearing structural support of a building, as well as to provide lateral and shear ~~support for~~ wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate with a load-bearing structural frame ~~using alternative materials~~, typically timber ~~frame~~. By building a skeletal framework first, a basic roof structure can be provided which protects the bale wall during construction, which is when it may be at risk of water damage.	+	Straw bales can be designed to provide load-bearing structural support to a building, as well as to provide lateral and shear resistance to wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate, with a separate, load-bearing structural frame, typically made from timber. By building a skeletal framework first, a basic roof structure can be provided which protects the bale wall during construction, which is when it may be at risk of water damage.

	= Advantages and disadvantages =		= Advantages and disadvantages =
Line 22:		Line 22:
	Some of the advantages of straw bale construction include:		Some of the advantages of straw bale construction include:

−	* Straw bales are made from a ~~waste~~ product.	+	* Straw bales are made from a low-cost product.
−	* Insulation values of R-30 - R-35 can be achieved ~~using straw bales~~.	+	* Insulation values of R-30 - R-35 can be achieved.
−	* The thickness of straw bale walls ~~helps~~ reflect sunlight ~~through~~ a room, and ~~provides windows with a~~ window ~~seat/shelf~~.	+	* The thickness of straw bale walls can help reflect sunlight into a room, and provide space for window seats.
−	* ~~Relatively~~ easy and cost-efficient to install.	+	* They are relatively easy and cost-efficient to install.
−	* Straw bales have a low-embodied energy ~~(i.e. minimal energy was used in the manufacturing process)~~.	+	* Straw bales have a low-embodied energy.
	* With good maintenance, straw bale construction is very durable.		* With good maintenance, straw bale construction is very durable.
	* Straw bales are 100% biodegradable.		* Straw bales are 100% biodegradable.
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Some of the disadvantages of straw bale construction include:		Some of the disadvantages of straw bale construction include:

−	* Moisture and mould are ~~two~~ significant risks ~~that face straw bale construction~~. ~~Must~~ be kept dry to avoid compressed straw expanding due to moisture absorption, which ~~leads~~ to cracking.	+	* Moisture and mould are significant risks. Straw must be kept dry to avoid compressed straw expanding due to moisture absorption, which can lead to cracking.
−	* Fire is also a considerable risk, however, because of the density of bales, ~~they tend~~ to smoulder rather than spread when an ignition source is removed.	+	* Fire is also a considerable risk, however, because of the density of bales, fire tends to smoulder rather than spread when an ignition source is removed.
−	* As it is not a conventional building material, building ~~codes~~ can present obstacles to its use.	+	* As it is not a conventional building material, building regulations can present obstacles to its use.
−	* Wall thicknesses mean that more of the building’s overall floor space ~~will be~~ unusable.	+	* Wall thicknesses mean that more of the building’s overall floor space is unusable.
	* Unless straw bales can be sourced from near the construction site, the cost of transporting them can be high.		* Unless straw bales can be sourced from near the construction site, the cost of transporting them can be high.
	* Care must be taken to keep rodents and other small animals from infiltrating straw bales during construction.		* Care must be taken to keep rodents and other small animals from infiltrating straw bales during construction.
−	* Straw dust can cause breathing difficulties for people with allergies ~~to straw or hay~~.	+	* Straw dust can cause breathing difficulties for people with allergies.

	= Research =		= Research =

−	In 2014-15, the University of Bath undertook research into straw bale construction. They focused on ’ModCell’ panels, which are prefabricated panels consisting of a timber frame infilled with bales and with a breathable lime-based render.	+	In 2014-15, the University of Bath undertook research into straw bale construction. They focused on ’ModCell’ panels, which are prefabricated panels consisting of a timber frame infilled with bales and with a breathable lime-based render. They found that straw bale construction provided for healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and humidity regulation.

−	~~Architectural researchers found that~~ the straw bale ~~construction provided for healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation~~ and ~~humidity level regulation~~.	+	As a result of this, the first straw houses to be offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. The purchase price was below average, and it was estimated that fuel bills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.

−	As a result of this, the first straw houses to be offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. As well as the purchase price being less than average, it was estimated that fuel bills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.	+	Peter Walker, from the University of Bath, said:
−		+
−	Peter Walker, University of Bath, said:	+

	”We have conducted a number of fire tests that have demonstrated that fire resistance from straw bale construction is remarkably good and better than many contemporary forms of construction.		”We have conducted a number of fire tests that have demonstrated that fire resistance from straw bale construction is remarkably good and better than many contemporary forms of construction.

Editor: Created page with "File:Straw-bale-house.jpg = Introduction = Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elem..."

2017-09-13T12:25:33Z

Created page with "File:Straw-bale-house.jpg = Introduction = Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elem..."

New page

[[File:Straw-bale-house.jpg]]

= Introduction =

Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elements, insulation or both together. The use of straw bales is typically found in natural building projects, or earthen construction, and while traditionally a common form of building material in many parts of the world, it has been received increased attention due to its sustainable properties.

Two different types of straw bale are common:

* Bales bound together with two strings.
* Bales bound together with three strings (these are larger in all three dimensions).

= Construction techniques =

The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber are used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh is used.

The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clay render, although these should be considered with regard to the local climate conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish will be required rather than a cement-based stucco.

Straw bales can be designed for load-bearing structural support of a building, as well as to provide lateral and shear support for wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate with a load-bearing structural frame using alternative materials, typically timber frame. By building a skeletal framework first, a basic roof structure can be provided which protects the bale wall during construction, which is when it may be at risk of water damage.

= Advantages and disadvantages =

Some of the advantages of straw bale construction include:

* Straw bales are made from a waste product.
* Insulation values of R-30 - R-35 can be achieved using straw bales.
* The thickness of straw bale walls helps reflect sunlight through a room, and provides windows with a window seat/shelf.
* Relatively easy and cost-efficient to install.
* Straw bales have a low-embodied energy (i.e. minimal energy was used in the manufacturing process).
* With good maintenance, straw bale construction is very durable.
* Straw bales are 100% biodegradable.
* Properly-constructed straw bale walls can offer better fire resistance than conventional timber frame construction.

Some of the disadvantages of straw bale construction include:

* Moisture and mould are two significant risks that face straw bale construction. Must be kept dry to avoid compressed straw expanding due to moisture absorption, which leads to cracking.
* Fire is also a considerable risk, however, because of the density of bales, they tend to smoulder rather than spread when an ignition source is removed.
* As it is not a conventional building material, building codes can present obstacles to its use.
* Wall thicknesses mean that more of the building’s overall floor space will be unusable.
* Unless straw bales can be sourced from near the construction site, the cost of transporting them can be high.
* Care must be taken to keep rodents and other small animals from infiltrating straw bales during construction.
* Straw dust can cause breathing difficulties for people with allergies to straw or hay.

= Research =

In 2014-15, the University of Bath undertook research into straw bale construction. They focused on ’ModCell’ panels, which are prefabricated panels consisting of a timber frame infilled with bales and with a breathable lime-based render.

Architectural researchers found that the straw bale construction provided for healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and humidity level regulation.

As a result of this, the first straw houses to be offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. As well as the purchase price being less than average, it was estimated that fuel bills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.

Peter Walker, University of Bath, said:

”We have conducted a number of fire tests that have demonstrated that fire resistance from straw bale construction is remarkably good and better than many contemporary forms of construction.

”In terms of durability, we have undertaken laboratory tests and undertaken monitoring of existing buildings and we have also done accelerated weather tests. The results of all these tests suggest that straw is a very durable construction solution.”

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* Construction materials.
* Earth building.
* Earthen construction.
* Green building.
* Hempcrete.
* Masonry.
* Sustainable materials.
* Thatch roofing.
* Vernacular architecture.

[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:08, 11 December 2018
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elements, insulation or both ~~together~~. The use of straw bales is typically found in 'natural' building projects, or earthen construction, and while historically it has been a common form of building material in many parts of the world, it has been received increased attention more recently due to its sustainable properties.	+	Straw bale construction is a method of building that uses bales (or bundles) of straw. Straw bales can be used as structural elements, insulation or both. The use of straw bales is typically found in 'natural' building projects, or earthen construction, and while historically it has been a common form of building material in many parts of the world, it has been received increased attention more recently due to its sustainable properties.

	Two different types of straw bale are in common use:		Two different types of straw bale are in common use:
Line 14:		Line 14:
	The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber can be used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh can be used.		The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber can be used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh can be used.

−	The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clay render, ~~although these should be considered with regard to~~ the local ~~climate~~ conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish may be preferred to a cement-based stucco.	+	The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clay render, depending on the local climatic conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish may be preferred to a cement-based stucco.

−	Straw bales can be designed to provide load-bearing structural support to a building, as well as ~~to provide~~ lateral and shear resistance to wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate, with a separate, load-bearing structural frame, typically made from timber. By building a skeletal framework first, a basic roof structure can be ~~provided~~ which protects the bale wall during construction~~, which is~~ when it may be at risk of water damage.	+	Straw bales can be designed to provide load-bearing structural support to a building, as well as lateral and shear resistance to wind and seismic loads. They can also be designed to serve as an insulation substrate, with a separate, load-bearing structural frame, typically made from timber. By building a skeletal framework first, a basic roof structure can be installed which protects the bale wall during construction when it may otherwise be at risk of water damage.

	= Advantages and disadvantages =		= Advantages and disadvantages =
Line 24:		Line 24:
	* Straw bales are made from a low-cost product.		* Straw bales are made from a low-cost product.
	* Insulation values of R-30 - R-35 can be achieved.		* Insulation values of R-30 - R-35 can be achieved.
−	* The thickness of straw bale walls can help reflect sunlight into a room, and provide space for window seats.	+	* The thickness of straw bale walls can help reflect sunlight into a room at openings, and provide space for window seats.
	* They are relatively easy and cost-efficient to install.		* They are relatively easy and cost-efficient to install.
	* Straw bales have a low-embodied energy.		* Straw bales have a low-embodied energy.
	* With good maintenance, straw bale construction is very durable.		* With good maintenance, straw bale construction is very durable.
	* Straw bales are 100% biodegradable.		* Straw bales are 100% biodegradable.
−	* Properly-constructed straw bale walls can offer better fire resistance than ~~conventional~~ timber frame construction.	+	* Properly-constructed straw bale walls can offer better fire resistance than timber frame construction.

	Some of the disadvantages of straw bale construction include:		Some of the disadvantages of straw bale construction include:

−	* Moisture and mould are significant risks. ~~Straw~~ must be kept dry to avoid compressed straw expanding due to moisture absorption, which can lead to cracking.	+	* Moisture and mould are significant risks. Bales must be kept dry to avoid compressed straw expanding due to moisture absorption, which can lead to cracking.
−	* Fire is also a ~~considerable~~ risk, however, because of the density of bales, fire tends to smoulder rather than spread when an ignition source is removed.	+	* Fire is also a risk, however, because of the density of bales, fire tends to smoulder rather than spread when an ignition source is removed.
−	* As it is not a conventional building material, building regulations can present obstacles to ~~its~~ use.	+	* As it is not a conventional building material, familiarity among builders, and building regulations approval can present obstacles to use.
	* Wall thicknesses mean that more of the building’s overall floor space is unusable.		* Wall thicknesses mean that more of the building’s overall floor space is unusable.
	* Unless straw bales can be sourced from near the construction site, the cost of transporting them can be high.		* Unless straw bales can be sourced from near the construction site, the cost of transporting them can be high.
Line 43:		Line 43:
	= Research =		= Research =

−	In 2014-15, the University of Bath undertook research into straw bale construction. They focused on ’ModCell’ panels, which are prefabricated panels consisting of a timber frame infilled with bales ~~and~~ with a breathable lime-based render. They found that straw bale construction provided ~~for~~ healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and humidity regulation.	+	In 2014-15, the University of Bath undertook research into straw bale construction. They focused on ’ModCell’ panels, which are prefabricated panels consisting of a timber frame infilled with bales, with a breathable lime-based render. They found that straw bale construction provided healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and humidity regulation.

−	As a result of this, the first straw houses ~~to be~~ offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. The purchase price was below average, and it was estimated that fuel bills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.	+	As a result of this, the first straw houses offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. The purchase price was below average, and it was estimated that fuel bills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.

	Peter Walker, from the University of Bath, said:		Peter Walker, from the University of Bath, said:
Line 71:		Line 71:
	* Wattle and daub.		* Wattle and daub.

−	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]