There are many benefits of straw houses, a green building technique that is being perfected and spreading more and more especially in Great Britain and the States: in addition to being eco-friendly, straw houses have the advantage of being unique, beautiful and full of comfort. We have chosen 10 around the world
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Do you remember the story of the Three Little Pigs? In the funny fairy tale one of the three pigs decided to build your own house with straw, but unfortunately she hadn't come to terms with the big bad wolf who with a blow threw her down and ate the pig. This in the fable, but in reality she so-called them STRAW BALE HOMES, the houses made with bales of straw, they really exist and are much safer, more robust and environmentally friendly than you think!
In fact, there are many benefits of this technique which is improving and spreading more and more especially in Great Britain and the States. They are high-rise houses energy efficiency as they manage to maintain athermal insulation and optimal acoustics and to guarantee energy savings. using a natural and "waste" material such as straw. But in addition to being eco-friendly, thatched houses have the advantage of being unique, beautiful and full of comfort. We have chosen 10 around the world.
1) STRAW BALE HOME, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
This beautiful and unique thatched home is located in California, Oakland and sold for approximately $ 1.100.000. The straw used in the walls isolates it and gives it the strong appearance of a house from past eras. The straw bales located within the walls they absorb the sun's heat and release it slowly giving rise to a constant temperature environment with low energy consumption. In addition, the straw isolates the house from outside noise, making the house an oasis of tranquility in the center of the city.
2) STRAW BALE HOME, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
This beautiful house, located on the top of a hill, offers a splendid panoramic view and excellent comfort. Behind the project for the construction of this house there was an ecological as well as a practical motivation. The owner, having found that i solar panels would not have been very practical, he decided to insulate the walls with straw, being aware of the sustainability of the product. The warm and rustic dwelling goes well with the position which is that of the region of the famous Californian wines.
3) STRAW BALE HOME, BATH, UK
The project for the construction of this house was financed by theUniversity of Bath who monitored the building for a year looking at the insulation properties, humidity levels andsound insulation. The research team of the University of Bath is still carrying out in-depth studies to verify whether materials such as pgarlic and hemp can be used more widely in the construction sector so that the UK can achieve the goal of significantly reducing domestic emissions by carbon dioxide
4) STRAW BALE HOME, SQUIRE CANYON, S. LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
The architects who built this house were able to prove that a thatched house can be beautiful, comfortable, modern and sustainable. They have in fact added gods solar panels which ensure that the internal temperature never drops below 15,5 ° C during the winter and never exceeds 23 ° C in the summer. And all without the use of mechanical heating or cooling methods.
5) STRAW BALE HOME, S. YNEZ VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
This large house was designed as a studio for an artist away from the sweltering heat of California's S.Ynez Valley. It features, among other things, low-voltage lighting, compost toilets and systems for the water saving.
6) STRAW BALE HOME, PEMBROKESHIRE, UK
Behind the construction of this house, which looks like something out of a storybook, is the desire to learn from the land for rediscover a way of life in close contact with the surrounding nature. What makes this fantastic house built on two levels truly unique is the total absence of a wooden frame. Basically the house was designed in such a way that the straw bales are the load-bearing walls. Made with locally sourced materials, the house blends perfectly with the natural context that surrounds it. It has its own composting system, take advantage of theenergia solar to produce heat and also has a powered stove inside biomass. It also has a rainwater collection system.
7) STRAW BALE HOME, VIRGINIA
This large house was born from an idea of Bob Hanson, who owns the company GREEN BEES (Acronym for Green Building for Economic and Environmental Sustainability). For the consumption of electric energy of this house, just think, they spend only 20 dollars a month! The basic structure is a wooden frame filled with straw bales which are then covered with plaster. Like other thatched houses, this property features a roof capable of collecting rainwater, solar panels for heating and a composting system. The owner claims there is nothing more comfortable than living in a thatched house!
8) SPIRAL STRAW BALE HOME, DENMARK
The peculiarity of this structure is the spiral shape that resembles that of a shell. The house is part of a eco friendly village located in Denmark: an entire community of houses made only with sustainable materials with truly unique and curious shapes!
9) HOBBIT HOUSE, WALES
Hobbit houses really exist! The inventor of this marvel is Simon dale, who has built for himself and his family a fantastic refuge respecting the environment. It was carved into a hill to ensure minimal visual impact and shelter. For walls and foundations they were used stones and mud while the floor, walls and roof were insulated with straw. On the roof there is a cistern that collects therain water and conveys it to a small lake near the house ei solar panels they ensure electricity.
10) STRAW BALE HOME, SCOTLAND
Tucked away in the heart of Scotland, this beautiful cottage made of straw and with a roof decorated with grass and wild flowers, is the fulfillment of the dream of its inventor, Steve James. But don't be fooled by the rustic look of him: it has a modern and luxurious interior, just think that the shower box it is made with marble from Morocco. It took only 10 months to build and the owner claims he can withstand the vagaries of Scottish weather.
Energy saving, respect for nature and healthier environments in which to live: these are the advantages of those who choose straw instead of brick! Still not convinced? Watch the video:
Chiara Fornaro
