We decided to build a strawbale house for several reasons.  First, we wanted a house that required very little heating and cooling to free us from high utility bills and allow us the possibility of not tying in to the electrical grid, but instead use solar electric.  Second, we wanted a house that didn't feel like your average house that everyone else has.  Third, we wanted a house that would allow us to do some of the work without the worry of it having to look perfect; strawbale homes generally have a unique feel with unsmooth walls and slight visual imperfections.  Finally, we just knew that if we were going to build anything, we were definitely going to build a Green Home that was environmentally friendly.

This site shares some of the experiences we had in the building process, some of the green and natural products we used and the techniques we used to build and finish our strawbale house. 

We used a general contractor to build the ordinary components of the house, while we brought together "parties" to help us with the strawbale portions of the house.  It required a lot of work on our part, but all in all, we now have a home we are truly proud to call our own. 

While stacking the strawbales and carrying and applying the mud can be quite strenuous, the knowledge required is quite simple.  If you have some physical limitations, usually preparation of some food and a call for help through hosting a "party" will get you all you need to get the house built.



Our house is a post and beam structure with straw bale infill, earth plastered on the inside and outside, with final outside coats consisting of lime plaster.  It is located in Hereford, Arizona which is in the far southeast corner of the state just a few miles from the Mexico border.  The area is relatively dry most months, with July and August bringing the annual monsoons which can dump very heavy rains in a short period of time. 

We began living in the house just before it was completely finished as we had received our certificate of occupancy.  I began creating this website in a very comfortable 71 degree room.  Outside, the February rain turned to snow, but there had been no heat generated since we burned 2 logs the night before.

Navigating the buttons on the top of this page will allow you to see lots of cool info on the other pages of this site about how great things are, but I think this picture sums up how you'll feel many days during your Building with Bales project!



Throughout the site, you'll see several sponsors' ads.  They are truly what make this site possible.  We believe in their products and feel they contribute to the well being of our earth.  Please visit them and support them.


Should you have any questions on anything discussed on this website, or wish to discuss hiring us for consulting or project managing, please do not hesitate to contact us at natoma520@yahoo.com

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