Using straw to build houses makes sense environmentally because it uses a renewable resource that might otherwise go to waste, or worse. “Some straw gets plowed back under” in the agricultural ...

The idea of a straw building might bring to mind a medieval homestead, or perhaps the fairy-tale dwelling of The Three Little Pigs. Used since the 19th century—typically as a rural, rustic ...

The modern practice of straw bale building originated in Nebraska during the late 19th century, when early settlers were looking for the quickest method for temporary housing (although ...

As first-time builders, they combined elements from various approaches ”“ a straw bale house with a gravel foundation, a floor made from second-hand pallets, a composting toilet, and a permaculture ...

U.S. Announces Special Passport Service Across 12 States This June ...

A family like that of Jen Frey and Joe Wirbick can find enough space to build a straw bale house or two on a windy hillside near Mount Joy. They started construction of a temporary first house in ...

“Builders have been importing these products from Europe because straw insulation is a well-worn building methodology there.” Bossie is also hot for the environmental benefits of using straw ...

“Straw-bale or alternative building is an absolutely fantastic experience,” said David Chew. “But it’s not — I would not recommend this to anybody who wasn’t already interested.

This year, straw from Lithuania will envelop a building in the quiet town of Todmorden, West Yorkshire. Barbara Jones and her colleagues at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub have hatched ...

A time-honored method of construction will find new expression as a Columbia building company shows off its home built of prefabricated straw bale panels. The house, which its builders believe is ...

When completed, it will mark the first commercial straw bale building in the Northeast and Binghamton’s first net zero energy building. Construction is underway at 157 Susquehanna St. in ...

Balecob, a hybrid of straw and cob house building techniques, can offer unique flexibility to the natural builder. Start with a strong cob house stem wall. We live in exciting times for natural ...