12-28-2004, 02:48 PM
David,
I don't know if straw is available in great enough quanity but I would guess it is, think Parker Ranch. Keeping the straw dry is the key. My understanding is if kept dry it will last indefinitely. You put a vapor barrier down so it stays dry and the plaster hardens to keep it dry as well. WE are looking into straw construction for a few different reasons, it's green friendly, it's easy to work with for do it yourselfers, it's cheaper than conventional building, it's fireproof and termite proof, the insulation is R52 to help keep the place cool and you can do some creative work, you aren't constricted to 90degree angles. Plus i'm kind of an alternative guy and I like alternative ideas.
Glenn
I don't know if straw is available in great enough quanity but I would guess it is, think Parker Ranch. Keeping the straw dry is the key. My understanding is if kept dry it will last indefinitely. You put a vapor barrier down so it stays dry and the plaster hardens to keep it dry as well. WE are looking into straw construction for a few different reasons, it's green friendly, it's easy to work with for do it yourselfers, it's cheaper than conventional building, it's fireproof and termite proof, the insulation is R52 to help keep the place cool and you can do some creative work, you aren't constricted to 90degree angles. Plus i'm kind of an alternative guy and I like alternative ideas.
Glenn