Straw may sound like an unlikely building material but it is increasingly being used in the construction industry. It is growing in popularity because straw is an excellent insulator that is ecological friendly and cheap.
Working with straw
Using straw in building requires some specialist skill. To make a wall, a timber frame needs to be constructed. The bails of straw have to be tightly packed inside, pinned and shaped. Then several coats of render have to be applied to the straw to give it rigidity.
Ecological office
Oliver Gibbs was commissioned to help build an ecological office in Minsterley using only sustainable materials like straw. The building was designed by a Shropshire architect and is spherical in shape with a turf roof. Inside, the office has three rooms including a wet room and kitchenette. Oliver did the carpentry and helped build and lime render the straw walls.
Sound construction
Straw walls are precarious in nursery stories, but they are a solid investment for the future. To discuss the carpentry and joinery on your eco-building or the construction of straw walls, please contact Oliver in Shrewsbury.
Gallery
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Related pages:
Bespoke office desk
Creating a holiday home
Contributing to illegal logging?
Living Sustainably
Great building! How big is it, out of interest?
Thanks, Al. The eco-office is in the shape of a figure-of-eight but the building is approximately 6 by 7 meters. It has three rooms, including a toilet.