Strawbale home construction is gaining popularity in the U.S. and Canada due to rising energy and building-materials costs, reports Realtor Magazine Online, quoting a Washington Post article. It goes on to say that as many as 600 strawbale homes are being built in California alone. Strawbales are recyclable and organic, so supporters tout such homes as being eco-friendly. They also have insulation ratings that are three times higher than conventional walls with fiberglass batting, and they are fire-resistant. Though strawbale walls could cost upwards of 15% more than traditional walls, homeowners benefit from lower heating prices in the long run. A professional can build strawbale homes quickly, with the price varying based on the size of the home and the complexity of the design. However, do-it-yourselfers should plan to spend a few months to a year on the project, and they should be prepared to lift bales that weigh up to of 85 pounds apiece. Straw walls are typically covered with "earth plaster" to create a stucco look, but any breathable substance is suitable. Strawbale homes are popping up mainly in rural and semi-rural areas, as city codes make it difficult to build such structures in urban and suburban locales.
