A Sustainable Farming
Demonstration Center

Straw Bale Construction

Bales of rice, wheat or oat straw are laid in a running bond pattern (like bricks), tied together with pins, and then plastered with earth, lime or cement stucco.

Cob Construction

Straw, clay and sand are mixed together until they form a strong mix, then "cobs" (football sized lumps of the mixture) are formed and laid while wet into a wall. When dry, they are plastered with earth, lime or cement stucco.

Cordwood Construction

Firewood lengths ( 18". 24" etc) are laid perpendicularly to a footer, with a course of mortar run parallel to the footer at each end of the log, leaving the middle uncovered. Sawdust is used to fill the space between the mortar runs, and the next row of logs is laid on top.

 

Straw bale house under construction.

Finished straw bale house.