What happened to the Grand Designs New Zealand house in Otago straw bale?

And the house is still not finished, but the couple say it has been a very useful learning curve – and it has led to a new business venture. Catherine Mann and Mike Hodges are still working on their straw light clay house in Luggate, which featured on Grand Designs in 2015.

How much does it cost to build a straw bale house in NZ?

So far, their straw bale passive house has cost $400,000 to build, but Ben made the point the labour was free, the design costs were minimal and “I have been collecting native timber for years”.

Is it cheaper to build a straw bale house?

A typical straw bale home, built by a contractor, will cost about 10-12% more than a conventional home of the same square footage. Keep in mind that if you compare a straw bale home with a conventional home built the same R-value as a straw bale, the straw bale home will actually be less expensive by about 15% or more.

Are straw bale houses expensive?

A straw bale house may cost the same if not more than the conventional house. Owner built simple structures very little, and there have been homes built for well above $1million. the cost of materials, including bales – these vary depending on where you are, but generally about $5-$7 per bale (delivered)

Is straw bale load bearing?

Straw Bale Construction Load Bearing Method Therefore, the straw bales bear the direct weight or ‘load’ of the roof–in technical terms, that’s called a ‘dead load’–and if there’s any snow resting on the roof in winter the bales have to bear that weight too–such temporary loads are called ‘live load’.

How much does a straw bale house cost?

How much does a straw bale house cost? The cost of a straw bale house will vary depending on where you live. However, the average cost is $2,700 per square meter. The minimum cost for a similar size of a custom designed house is $2,800.

How long do straw bale houses last?

100 years
If built correctly a straw bale home can last 100 years at least. When it’s life cycle is complete, a structure stripped of all but the walls can be tilled back into the earth.

Do straw bale houses rot?

Biodegradable. While a straw bale house can last for more than 100 years when constructed and maintained properly, the core material can be returned to the earth if rebuilding becomes necessary. With a bit of plowing, the straw can be added to soil and will decompose quickly without harming the environment.

What are the disadvantages of straw bale construction?

The Disadvantages of Straw Bale Construction

Labor.
Moisture Susceptibility.
Maintenance.
Structural Movement.
Acceptance Problems.

Are straw bale homes safe?

Fact: Hay provides food value to animals and insects, but straw does not. Actually, a conventional, stick-built house is more likely to suffer a termite infestation than a straw-bale house. As with any home, proper maintenance and repair ensures that your straw-bale home will provide many years of comfort and safety.

How thick are straw bale walls?

Straw bales are an average of 18 to 24 inches thick, meaning that straw bale homes have incredibly thick walls. When full-sized straw bales are used for walls, the structure might achieve an R-value of up to R-60, significantly higher than any other insulation alternative.