Habitat for Humanity in Bend has done something different – a house built of straw, combining affordable housing with ecological soundness in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas in the West.

Due to its low relative humidity, the Bend area has an almost ideal climate for straw bale construction. Its high insulation values help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures through the extremes of the season, with greatly reduced energy consumption for indoor comfort. Renewable energy, such as solar, is a natural and economically sound compliment. This method of construction is simple, and affordable, especially as an owner-built home. Housing demand is the single largest economic force impacting our national forest. Straw bale construction reduces wood consumption in the walls by some 70 percent.

Following construction of the post and beam framework and roof sheathing by Habitat volunteers, a construction workshop was conducted by the architect in May 2000 with over 35 participants who learned hands-on installing the straw bale walls. After completion of the internal partitions, pluming and wiring a stucco workshop was conducted by Tod Wooldrige in September/2000 for the finishing of the exterior walls. Many people have contributed their loving energies to the construction of this innovated house through the efforts of Habitat.

The House

Designed by Lawrence Schechter, Architect

Built by Bend Habitat for Humanity

Features:

• 1160 square feet, internal area
• 3 bedroom, 1 1/3 bath
• straw bale exterior walls set with/in wood post and beam framework (R-45 insulation)
• stucco exterior and plaster interior finish over straw bale walls
• radiant heated integral color floor slab
• scissors roof truss with vaulted ceiling in Great Room and master bedroom

A Do-It-Yourselfer’s Delight

Straw bale construction is easy and economical to build, lending itself to owner-built homes.

Straw bales don’t burn easily. In good bales, the straw is compacted tightly, eliminating oxygen necessary to support combustion.

The bales have not food value, and are not attractive to bugs and rodents.

It’s annually renewable resource, the stems for harvested grain.

Local building codes allow straw bale construction used as not-structural infill set with a post and beam frame. Requires architect or engineer’s stamp.

As we learn from our experience in building healthy, natural and energy efficient homes and business places, we contribute to our lives and those of future generations.

Fred J. Becker, Architect's E-mail