Desire to Make Alternative Home Energy? Discover If You Possibly Could Here by Douglas Culver

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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I realize you have noticed that we use a lot of non-renewable energy like oil and natural gas, but wait, how would you like to lower your own reliance from them? When you start to make alternative home energy you may be becoming more independent from needing to use oil and natural gas to power your own home along with appliances.

Many individuals on the planet are beginning to recognize that we now have a heavy reliance on oil. And you also can’t overlook the United states, they go to war over lacking enough oil, they are so heavily dependent on international oil that they go to war about it.

Many people are see that using non-renewable energy to produce power is causing the plant to go to waste with all the greenhouse gas they we are setting off by using non-renewable power sources. With this knowledgeable 1000s of individuals are taking it into their own hands to make alternative power for their houses.

There are seven main renewable energy sources that we can start using right now, they are; solar power, wind power, geothermal power, as well as bio fuels.

But when people begin using those alternative power source, many people just want to use one to create all the electrical power, since these people think one of the is best greatest, but that is simple on the answer. The thing is if we begin using all those source to produce electricity in the situation they are be suited for we will be independent from having to use any non-renewable power source.

Let’s talk about the two main alternative home energy source that you will want to be making to power your house.

The power of sunshine: The use of solar power is become more and more popular each and every day. Many people are using this great energy source to power the following: homes, cars, heating their swimming pool, and other appliances around the house.

Before now it was very expensive to have a solar panel installed on your property, since making a solar panel doesn’t cost much anymore you can build one for yourself for under $200 dollars.

Wind Power: Most of the people think that using the blowing wind to make energy is new, much like the use of solar energy. But windmills have been around for countless years. You see lots of people been using windmill to pump water from wells and to turn heavy rock to grind grain which will make flour, then that flour is used to cook food.

But now a days you do not see many of that any longer. What you will discover now is that is called “wind farms” those are big wind generators acquiring the power of the wind to make green electricity. Since we have been discussing making alternative home energy, you won’t be making a wind turbine the size of the commercial ones on wind farms. Click the following to discover ways to build a small wind turbine that will produce great amount of electricity for your household.

About the Author

Go to http://projecthomenergy.com to learn how to make alternative home energy.

Heat Pumps: Alternative Home Heating Solutions by Andrew Stratton

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Heat pumps are an emerging alternative to conventional home heating systems, and are fast becoming the preferred mode to keeping homes warm and comfortable minus a hefty power bill. Given that they are fuel efficient yet serve dual purposes, home owners are sure to appreciate the minimalism and simplicity that multifunctional home heating offers.

Why Choose Heat Pumps
With ever-rising fuel costs even the most basic home heating systems can turn to be an expensive proposition. Electric heating appliances are the most commonly used because these are invariably easy to install and maintain. From portable heaters and home furnace systems the options available to the home owner are many. Yet, as with most heating and cooling solutions, fuel efficiency can play a key role in deciding the right system for your home. This makes multifunctional heating systems an ideal pick since they take care of both the heating and cooling needs of the home.

Doubling as an air conditioning unit, heat pumps are based on the phenomenon of heat exchange. In essence, these multipurpose heating systems shuffle the air to help condition the room temperature to a warm ambiance in winters, while also cooling the air during warm weather. Working on the principles of uniform heating, exchangers are uniquely designed heating equipment that extract the warmth from a range of sources such as the air surrounding the home or ground water. When temperature differences are not significant enough, the air may be heated prior to circulating within the home interior so that the desired warmth is maintained.

How Supplemental Heating Helps
In many cases, home owners opt for zonal heating as a way to minimize heating costs while still ensuring a pleasant ambience at home. In addition, using alternate approaches to heating can conserve fuel without cutting down on comfort. Supplementing the primary heating source can be beneficial since it helps maintain maximal warmth in specific areas, while still keeping power bills minimal.

Heat pumps may not always the sole heating system used at home, and are usually used in conjunction with central heating. Heat pumps are typically designed with an air filtering system much like the ones used in home furnaces. The thermostat and temperature controls are also usually similar, and most units come with in-built controls for home air conditioning. Additional ducts and vents may be necessary depending on the home structure and the insulation levels expected.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
Regardless of the exact heating choices you make, maintenance is crucial to making the most of the equipment installed. Clear and unclogged air filters offer better fuel efficiency and temperature control, in addition to keeping the circulating air fresh and healthy. In addition, keeping homes well insulated and choosing equipment that are Energy Star certified or are designed to save power will help reduce costs in the long run.

There is little doubt that alternative heating choices are the way to go green minus heavy up-front investments. Heat pumps can therefore serve as a practical approach to supplementing your existing heating without forsaking comfort or convenience.

About the Author

Find a more energy-efficient alternative and contact a skilled eugene or heat pumps specialist that can successfully install one in your home. Find out more information about this system here: “http://www.associatedheating.com

A Review of Custom Made Home Designs by Bradsher Haik

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Getting a home is among the most expensive investments you’ll ever make in your daily life. It is also one of the best investments you will ever make in your lifetime. A home as well since the land it is on, should appreciate over the long run. For any buyer looking to make this sort of investment, you should ensure you get something that you are happy with. Remember, this is a home you are going to spend most of your life in.

You should try to shop around for your custom home designs to get the best deal available. There are many considerations when determining the design of your home be it a low-end or perhaps a luxury home.

One of the things you have to consider is if you want to build your home from scratch or you need to remodel a home that you have purchased. The expected result of course, is a customized home that suits your needs and is according to your specifications. Either way, it is important that as a homebuyer, you look for a company which has a reputation for honesty, reliability, and great work to design and implement a blueprint for you. Ask around and inquire from other homeowners in order to get the best deal available. A reliable real property company should provide some form of warranty for your home.

Getting your custom home also rely on your budget. Never underestimate the power of money to conquer obstacles. In order to get the home you want, you may have in order to dig in deep in to your pockets and bare your bank accounts. There are banks as well as real estate companies that will help you get the luxurious home of your dreams as long as you can afford to pay it off. You can always negotiate a mortgage deal that allows you to get the home you desire.

Location, location, location. No custom designed home ought to be purchased without considering this particular important fact. Location is everything. Where your home is made; or will be constructed, will determine the future value of that home. It is important to consult architects, structural engineers, geology experts and all other concerned experts if necessary to ensure that the land you buy or lease is stable and it has no underlying problems. This helps in decreasing the risk of land and house devaluation. The land on that your custom home stands, should be near all the necessary social amenities if you prefer a sense of community. Alternatively, your home can be built not even close to social amenities if you prefer a sanctuary.

It is important to also factor in the materials used to construct your custom home. There are materials for all purposes under the sun. Lovers of concrete could find houses that are made of that medium. Environmentalists would do well to find homes designed using eco-friendly supplies like bamboo, stone and prefabricated materials amongst others. It is important to note that different materials can cost you different prices depending about the availability.

You will find technology a good tool in helping you discover different real estate companies and builders who may provide you without your custom house designs that to want and can afford.

Alex Dent is a freelance writer who reviews the best custom home designs. Come to our website to read more about how to find a luxury home designs for you!.

About the Author

custom home designs

Solar Energy Facts-Straw Bale Construction by Harry Faris

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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People have been using straw one way and another for building purposes for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the late 1800’s that they began making bales out of hay and straw. In the treeless sandhills of Nebraska around this time, some enterprising person decided that straw bales might make a good house. There was probably a lot of trial and error involved in the first few houses that went up, but eventually they got so good at building houses out of straw bales that some of these houses are still standing-over a hundred years later!

Straw is an agricultural byproduct, much of which is burned to get rid of it. In the United States alone over one hundred million tons is burned annually, which contributes drastically to air pollution. Our solar energy facts show us that using straw in a well thought out design is a low impact resource that benefits not only the homeowner but the environment as well.

There are basically two methods of straw bale construction; post and beam, where the straw is used for infill and the roof is supported by the post and beam structure, which can be made of wood, steel, or concrete. The other method of construction is load-bearing, where the roof is actually supported by the bale walls themselves. A top plate is laid on the bale walls and secured with strapping or metal rods that go all the way to the foundation. The roof is then fastened to the top plate.

Straw bale construction can be used almost anywhere in the U. S, as long as care is taken in wet climates to assure that the bale walls be kept dry. In areas where moisture is a problem special precautions such as: roof overhangs, good foundations, and starting the bale stacks up off the ground, are good ideas. Solar energy facts tell us there are a number of advantages to building with straw, some of which are: superior insulation, soundproofing, and a certain comfort from the combination of straw and plaster. The straw itself is cheap and plentiful in agricultural areas, and the bales are easy to build with, as they are stacked like bricks and then pinned together using rebar, wood, or bamboo stakes. For added strength chicken wire or welded lath is sewn to the bales and then the walls are earth plastered or stuccoed inside and out.

The cost of straw bale construction is comparable to stick and wood, depending on the amount of labor the builder can provide. A great deal of labor is involved in the plastering of the bales. The plastering on straw bale construction is very important. The breatheability of the walls is dependent on the proper mix and application of stucco or plaster. Some people choose not to use a netting on the outside of the straw, but to plaster directly to the straw itself. When using this option, the first coat applied is a thin clay slurry which is absorbed into the surface of the straw. Three more coats follow this to achieve a final thickness of from one to three inches. There are many different recipes one can use for the plaster, which include materials such as: earth, loam, sand, lime, and cement. Many of these recipes use mostly the earth found directly on the building site, combined with lime or cement.

Renting a stucco spraying rig would undoubtedly save a great deal of labor. Some people doing this work invite a bunch of friends and relatives and have a plastering party! It’s important to have someone with experience or at least knowledge of the process. Workshops are offered in many parts of the country and would be a very valuable investment in time and money for any prospective builder.

Our solar energy facts show us that straw bale construction is an extremely important resource in many areas of the country. Habitat For Humanity has built straw bale houses. Mother Earth News has had several articles on building with straw. Here are some books on the process: Serious Straw Bale: A Home Construction Guide for All Climates(Real Goods Solar Living Book) by Paul Lacinski and Michel Bergeron, Building a Straw Bale House: The Red Feather Construction Handbook by Nathaniel Corum and Jane Goodall, More Straw Bale Building: A Complete Guide to Designing and Building with Straw(Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series).

About the Author

Harry Faris has been involved with solar energy for more than three decades. He generated his own power for some twenty years using solar and diesel. “12 volt is great!” strawbale, alternative energy, solar energy facts
http://solaradvocate.blogspot.com

America Needs Survivalists by Ephraim Lowe

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Often we have heard defamatory remarks about survivalists and preppers. Nonetheless, a truth that could be hard to swallow is that preppers and survivalists are important to America.

The following are 10 reasons they are essential, and why it’s essential to have even more survivalists and preppers to be able survive possible future catastrophes.

1) The expense of planning, equipping and getting personnel for each catastrophe that might possibly happen, is inflated.
When disasters take place, government acts swiftly by making statements and making emergency preparations to help victims; however, government support does not reach the victims fast enough and when it does reach victims, it is not efficient.
Preppers and survivalists on the contrary have the ability to act swiftly and without problems to care and secure their own family members and homes. They are also able to provide the much-needed help to other people staying in their areas.

2) An organisation or group of people with special abilities might make remarkable achievements when all aspects and procedures are in place and working effectively, nevertheless, when difficulties arise, the organisation may rapidly fall apart. A survivalist and prepper is a master of one skill, which is survival. Therefore a team of survivalists and preppers with one goal in mind is far much stable and efficient when dealt with by hardship.

3) In the past, we have seen the impacts caused by disasters and wars. It is not just destruction of property and loss of life; they have also caused siege warfare. While a regular city will only have a 4 day supply of food and water, a normal prepper and survivalist will have a couple of year’s supply of food. A city with a huge number of survivalists is much better off, than a city with just a handful of survivalists and preppers.

4) A quick look at Joseph in the Bible who prepared appropriately during the 7 years of abundance. When an extreme famine struck which lasted 7 years, because Joseph had prepared well ahead of time, Egypt survived the famine and was even able to help surrounding countries.

5) Survivalists and preppers not only do they prepare by storing food, water, clothes, and emergency medical supplies beforehand. They have also acquired survival skills this including self-defense skills, which means that they are able to defend themselves and their families when threatened. The average person does not have these kinds of skills and is defenseless if attacked.

6) Tyrants striving to take control of people’s lives will use taxation, confiscation or force to disarm people. Survivalists and preppers are generally effectively prepared and well trained to defend their loved ones.

7) The founding fathers ensured that responsibility was pushed to the federal government as well as the ordinary citizen.

8) A survivalist knows and understands the relevance of being self-reliant. During crisis situations, government can escalate taxes on energy and other resources. A survivalist has the ability to depend totally on their survival skills that such changes cannot affect them in any way.

9) More survivalists and preppers, means less refugees. Furthermore, it means that they will be less stress on medical facilities, volunteer groups, rescue groups, and the government.

10) Preppers and survivalists are able to help their fellow men by contributing food items, water, and clothing. A refugee is unable to help another person.

Survivalists and preppers can be of tremendous help in disaster or crisis situations, as they have food storage, water, and other needed essentials. Additionally, they have acquired survival skills, and understand what actions to take when in adverse situations, not forgetting that they also prepare themselves psychologically. The more survivalists and preppers we have, the more secure our families will be, and the community as a whole.

More info on Survivalist Advisor website http://survivalistadvisor.com

About the Author

Hi my name is Ephraim Lowe. I’m the creator of the website http://survivalistAdvisor.com. I am a successful entrepreneur and the big fan of the human greatness. My passion for the self-sufficient skills, and keen interest in successful mindset and survival programs led me to launch a site devoted exclusively to the Preppers and Survivalists subjects.

Survivalist Vs Prepper, Is There A Difference? by Dhyfeer

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Record numbers of people are purchasing supplies and trying to adopt to a more self-reliant lifestyle. Not so long ago having extra supplies was considered completely normal. Raising livestock, poultry and growing your own garden was a lifestyle, not a hobby. A recent survey found that over half of all Americans have less than a three day supply of food in their homes. Many people have no emergency supplies, not even a first aid kit.

A prepper is anyone who is concerned about not being a helpless victim in case of an emergency. They are primarily concerned about natural disasters, power failure, economic collapse, hyperinflation and job loss. Preppers have a lot in common with the people that lived through the 1930’s in the Great Depression, in that they save, conserve, re-use and try to be prepared for anything. They maintain a long term food supply and can make do at least a few months on the food that they’ve stockpiled. Preppers are the resourceful people in your neighborhoods. Preppers are the kind of people you want to have around if something goes wrong. Not many who call themselves “preppers” would want to be termed “survivalists” however. Many preppers go out of their way to avoid the stereotypes that comes with the “survivalist” label. Prepping is just a new word for a very old way of life.

A survivalist takes being prepared as seriously as the prepper does. Then it’s brought up to another level, with a focus on the complete collapse of civilization. In addition to food and equipment, the survivalist will stock up on guns and ammunition and have a plan for a retreat from populated areas when society collapses. Survivalists believe that there will come a time when they will definitely have to defend themselves, families, food and supplies. The average prepper does have guns and devotes time and energy to self-defense, generally not on the level of the survivalist. Survivalists will be more likely to concentrate their efforts on having a safe stockpiled place where they can retreat to if there are widespread riots and civil unrest. The survivalist is planning for the “TEOTWAWKI” scenario that is known as The End Of The World As We Know It. A survivalist is more prepared to go their own way for the long haul and often by living in the wilds.

Both preppers and survivalists are strongly focused on self-reliance. A prepper or a survivalist think in terms of learning skills to be able to survive while stockpiling the items and supplies that they plan on needing before a change in their living conditions. They share a need for being prepared for a variety of situations and will have survival kits at the ready in case they have to leave. Neither believe that the government will be able to stabilize the threats to our current lifestyle, and they will need to be able to take care of themselves. They look for signs that indicate an event is eminent and have a plan to survive. The fact is that there is not a lot of distinction between preppers vs. survivalists, they have a lot more in common than they do differences. It is just a matter of degrees.

Wikipedia defines survivalism as this:

Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or preppers) who are actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. Survivalists often acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a survival retreater an underground shelter) that may help them survive a catastrophe.

So the differences between a prepper and a survivalist can at times be a little blurred. Which one better fits your attitude and mindset about being prepared instead of being a victim? How much confidence do you have that you will be okay if things start to come apart? Now that you know about some of the differences between a prepper and a survivalist, you can make your own conclussions. Even if you don’t believe that the end of the world will be happening any time soon, you need to make a choice about how much you will become prepared for any emergency. With America’s infrastructure and world economies becoming more fragile every day, it’s a good idea to stock up, just in case. A good rule of thumb is to do what you can as soon as you can. Don’t be part of the many that will be thinking “I wish I would have done… ”

About the Author

Pokki
Home Edition
Skitch
Titanium Backup

Your Wind Power Home Say Goodbye To The Power Company by Mark Greenberg

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Every year without fail the energy companies raise their rates and there is no end in sight.

With a wind power home you can protect yourself, how long can Americans sustain these increases?

The good news in that On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law. This bill includes a significant emphasis on renewable energy, jobs in the sector and a 30% tax credit for home wind power turbines. In addition there may be many more incentives through the federal government and especially your state. If you own a business and install a wind power turbine you can receive your tax credit in the form of a cash grant.

The news even gets better. Federal regulations now specify according to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act Of 1978 better better known as PURPA requires your power company to connect to your power grid and purchase any excess energy generated by your wind power home.

The most significant hurdle in building your own wind energy home will be your local building codes, zoning laws and regulations. Also consider that your will need an average wind speed of 10 MPH, and enough room to install your system.

If you live in an urban environment, live in a housing development or have a small lot then you probably will not be able to have a wind power home, but you probably can utilize solar panels to produce the same savings but at a higher installation cost.

Setting up a wind power home can be expensive if purchased and set up by a dealer.

However most dealer will sell you a complete system, basically a turnkey operation that you can install yourself. If your are going to purchase a system from the dealer, make sure that you are going to get support from the dealer or factory before you purchase your system. The installation of your wind power home turbine will take some skill and understanding how the turbine works.

Another and much less expensive option is to build your own wind power home system from scratch. This will save a tremendous amount of money as a home system can be built for a few thousand dollars as opposed the tens of thousands by purchasing from a dealer.

If you would like to build your own wind power home system you will need a certain amount of general handyman skills and an understand on how your wind turbine will work.

There are many sources on the Internet for plans and instructions for building a wind power home. You will have to approach whether to build your own or buy from a dealer as you would any other major purchase. Even if your build from scratch you will still spend several thousand dollars, so be sure that you obtain product information and literature from a variety of suppliers.

Most important, whichever method you choose, be sure that you purchase from a recognized and reputable dealer that will stand by the product and offer a warranty.

Also ask for references and locations of other wind power homes in your area.

About the Author

http://www.Wind-Power-Home.Info has all the information, videos, news, deals on wind turbines and much more. Visit us today and stop paying your utility company today!

Rammed Earth Homes and Green Building by Justin Meadows

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Green building or construction is the construction of structures that are environmental friendly and resource efficient. Rammed earth structures have been fitted with other green components making such home or building part of the green building that so many people are talking about.
Statistics show that green homes are saving 39% of energy, 12% of water consumption, 68% of electricity and 38% less of carbon dioxide emissions. For green buildings, 30 to 40% save on energy use. Rammed earth homes show similar statistics. A homeowner saves much on energy consumption since earth houses do not require heating and cooling as much as a regular home.
Rammed earth and green homes is more of a philosophical approach in design that is in synchronization with the environment. Green building emphasizes the use of renewable resources like sunlight. Homes made from earth usually include solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and use it in their homes even for a limited use. Other ways one builds green is to increase the efficiency of the building envelope, to use high-efficiency windows, high quality insulation in walls, ceilings and floors, orient windows and walls correctly in accordance to the sun, place awnings, porches and trees to shade windows and roofs during the summer while maximizing solar gain in the winter and providing solar water heating.
Using building materials that are considered green is also a consideration in green building. Many are opting for bamboo flooring rather than traditional wood flooring due to the fact bamboo is rapidly renewable. Others use recycled lumber, stone, metal or other materials either directly or indirectly.
There are several building products made up of recycled materials such as those used to make compressed earth blocks. Then there are building styles such as adobe, rammed earth, straw-bale and such that are also considered green building. Last, green building seeks to reduce waste of materials during construction. In California, 60% of the state’s waste came from commercial buildings.
Building green does not have to be expensive nor complicated. Numerous builders are now quite versed in green construction can make the cost of building green affordable in the forefront of the project and affordable throughout the lifetime of maintaining the home. Additionally, there are rammed earth builders that can advice and implement what needs to be done while building a green home.
Professional and thorough rammed earth home builders are experts in environmentally friendly home construction. Their experience will provide advice on the best available options for every aspect of the home. These builders will be able to advice about the walls, rafters, heating to cooling systems and appliances, through to landscaping is the hallmark of competent and environmentally responsible rammed earth builders.
The Earth Structures Group remains at the forefront of rammed earth construction internationally because they are passionate about what they do – and how they do it.

About the Author

Experienced rammed earth builders provide best results and benefits for those who work with them.For more information,call Rick Lindsay, Earth Structures Group, Phone: 0418 569 985

Weird Homes – Is Beauty Really in the Eyes of the Beholder? by Thomas B. Chuong

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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They say that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I guess when it comes to weird homes that is the most applicable statement to make. Depending on the Country you live in there may be a policy regarding homes that anything goes. In other Countries, they are very strict on the building code. Nevertheless, there are many strange and unusual homes throughout the world.

We have all heard the nursery rhyme of the “old woman that lived in a shoe” but in reality there is quite an attractive home shaped like a shoe. One must admit that this is quite intriguing and would make it quite unusual for living in and entertaining in as well.

As a youngster, most boys would get the most enjoyment out of having their own tree house. However, what about the adults that have decided that living in the tree house on a permanent basis would be quite intriguing. Some attractive ones can be found if you look closely throughout some of the states.

Coming back down to earth lets go the opposite way and thing about a cave home. There is such a home called rock cottage but it is not the only one in existence. There are several others within the area. It would seem that it has not lived in now but was up until 1948. It is necessary see and is unique and really fits into the classification of weird homes.

Perhaps a round the house would be more to your liking. If you were to go to Somerville, you would have no problem finding such a sight. This particular house is totally round and was built in 1856.

Then how about the illusion of living in Egypt as one unusual home can give you. This is easily done if you own a house that is shaped like a pyramid. Then again, maybe Egypt is not for you so how about something by the seashore who knows you can even have your own seashell house as one family does.

Then we have to say that it can get even more intriguing with the cube home. This you can find in India and is simply a glass cube that is balanced on an axis. It is inhabited and it is probably one of the most modern unusual homes in existence at least when it comes to weird homes.

As long as these weird homes are safe in both structure and livable, then one should adopt a “live and let live kind” of attitude. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to be unique and different and if they want their home to be a little bit on the unusual side then so be it and all the best to them.

About the Author

Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Futon, and Trampoline.

Straw Bale Homes, Advantages of Alternate Construction Methods by Tim Davis

Posted on by January 22, 2014
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Let’s face it. This planet is in a crisis. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. To create the energy we needed to sustain our modern comforts, we’ve polluted our atmosphere with countless gasses that will eventually warm the planet. A major part of this is the energy we squander heating and cooling our homes which is produced using fuels that emit greenhouse gasses. The solution is simple. Build homes that use less energy.

Earthen homes are at the top of the list. These are also known by the name of earth ships. Problem is that a majority of the living area on an earth ship is subterranean and doesn’t meet many fire codes for egress as I understand.

One other is the chord wood house. This is also an exellent choice and I don’t believe there are many downsides to this method except it’s walls are nothing but firewood logs cut to length and put together with mortar like a brick house. I say it’s a downside because we really need to save as many trees as possible. No, I’m not a tree hugger sorta guy, I just know that trees are the one element of nature that, if left alive, will scrub many of the bad gasses out of our atmosphere.

So then we come to building homes out of bales of rice or wheat straw. The straw is something we have been actually throwing away as waste in this country for years. Yet when put together as wall units, produce a very high restivity factor of R-39 to R-52 with a wall thickness of 14 to 16 inches. Wow, the common house built in America today using standard building methods is generally R-13 to R-19. R or resistivity is a number measuring a material’s resistance to heat flow. R stands for resistance. Anyway, there is over double the difference in how much heating and cooling these walls can contain. Less energy used, less greenhouse gasses spilled into the atmosphere.

Once the walls are up, then the home is wrapped with a fabric that allows moisture to exit but not enter the walls and then is covered in about one inch of cement. These structures are as beautiful as they are functional. Even better is that only 20% or so of the structure is lumber so trees are saved. The cost is probably 50% less than standard construction methods and they last for ages. There are straw bale buildings in my area of Tennessee that have withstood the elements for well over a century.

About the Author

Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer who has been in drafting and design since the late 1980’s. He teaches Architectural Drafting over the internet at http://homedesign.8m.com, draws House Plans professionally at http://customhouseplans.8m.com and offers Free Strawbale House Plans at http://customhouseplans.8m.com/strawbale/.