bajalera - 5-7-2007 at 10:12 PM
Does anyone have info on houses made with bales of straw, and how they fare in a desert climate that sees occasional rainstorms?
[Edited on 5-8-2007 by bajalera]
Diver - 5-7-2007 at 10:18 PM
Lots of info available on the iternet.
Yes, they are considered most workable for dry climates.
If correctly anchored, they can be very strong.
.
AmoPescar - 5-8-2007 at 01:17 AM
Bajalera,
Here's one thread about Straw bale houses.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=20245#pid1791...
There's quite a few in San Felipe's Eldorado Ranch. Do a Nomad search and you'll find more threads.
Miguelamo 
Straw-bale structures in Conception Bay
Pompano - 5-8-2007 at 04:53 AM
Pta. Arena...the white storage shed ...about 1996. Built for the M&M's.
Bale-built EcoMundo Resort - Posada area
Pompano - 5-8-2007 at 05:05 AM
Bob and Susan - 5-8-2007 at 05:24 AM
again this is "old Tech"
lots of movement with strawbales
EcoMundo is a good example if how they fall apart without constant repair
it was an idea that worked "in it's day" and in completely dry areas...
but hurricanes do come once and a while to baja...
making it not-so-desireable
things like "rasta block" a foam and concrete product you glue together is just better
it's like having a 1955 thunderbird...looks GREAT... but a 2007 is a MUCH better product
Old Tech in the Old World
Pompano - 5-8-2007 at 06:25 AM
One of the most charming places...with thousands of these bale-built homes and thatched (palapas?) roofs..... Ireland. There were small cottages to
large homes, barns, sheds, etc.
Might give you some ideas about the look, style, etc. Hope this helps.
[Edited on 5-8-2007 by Pompano]
capt. mike - 5-8-2007 at 07:02 AM
go with "omni-block"
its the best CMU/foam system out there.
bajalera - 5-15-2007 at 12:48 PM
Thanks for the responses. What I should have added is that my friend isn't concerned with efficiency. He's interested in a straw house because of its
old-rashioned something-or-other [quaintness, maybe?].
bajalou - 5-15-2007 at 12:50 PM
There are lots of Straw Bale houses in the San Felipe area. If properly constructed, require no more maintenance than any other house.
Bob and Susan - 5-15-2007 at 01:51 PM
...and he huffed and he puffed and he BLEW the house down...