If you hear the term “straw house”, what do you think of?
The three little pigs? Or one of the most versatile and environmentally-friendly methods of construction on the market today?
Straw bale construction is fast becoming one of the most sought-after construction methods in the UK, thanks to its strong environmental credentials.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the benefits of building with straw – and complementary environmentally-friendly methods to finish off your structure.
One thing’s for sure, if the three little pigs had enlisted Eco Frame to build them a straw house, you can be safe in the knowledge that the big bad wolf could have huffed and puffed all he liked… that house wouldn’t have moved an inch!
Leaders in Straw Bale Construction
Eco Frame is the leading authority on straw house construction in Inverness and the Highlands. The team is passionate about using local materials – many which would otherwise be seen as farmyard waste – to construct modern passive homes and eco-friendly houses.
So, what are the key benefits of building with straw?
Sustainability:
Straw is a readily available, renewable resource that’s a byproduct of agriculture. Using straw bales in construction helps reduce waste and locks carbon within your building – far more than traditional materials like concrete or brick.
Energy Efficiency:
Straw bales provide excellent insulation, keeping homes cool in summer and warm in winter. This can significantly reduce heating costs – saving up to 82% when compared to buildings made of traditional materials.
Disaster Resistance:
Properly constructed straw bale buildings can be surprisingly resistant to fire and high winds. The dense bales can act as a fire barrier, leaving little room for flames to move between rooms.
Cost-Effective:
Straw bales are a relatively inexpensive building material. The simplicity of straw bale construction can also lead to faster construction times and lower labour costs.
Modern Post and Beam Construction
Of course, straw bales on their own may not be enough for your building. Luckily, Eco Frame’s team of eco home builders in Inverness is experienced in modern post and beam construction, using traditional methods to create beautiful, contemporary homes and office buildings.
Why would you choose post and beam construction to frame your straw house? Here are just a few reasons…
Design Flexibility and Open Floor Plans:
Post and beam eliminates the need for load-bearing interior walls, allowing for open floor plans and greater design freedom. According to HomeAdvisor, 72% of homeowners prioritise open floor plans when renovating or building a new home.
Strong and Durable:
Post and beam uses heavy timbers for the structural frame, creating a strong and durable building that can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy loads. A study published in the Journal of Architectural Engineering found that properly maintained Japanese timber structures have exceeded 1,300 years in service.
Faster Construction Times:
Because post and beam construction often utilises prefabricated components, it can lead to faster on-site assembly times compared to traditional methods using bricks or concrete.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The exposed beams and natural materials used in post and beam construction create a unique and visually appealing aesthetic that many homeowners find desirable.
Carbon Storage and Environmental Benefits:
Wood acts as a carbon sink, storing carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed from the atmosphere throughout the tree's lifespan. When harvested sustainably and used in construction, the carbon becomes embodied within the timber structure. According to the Wood Products Council, one cubic metre of wood stores approximately one tonne of CO2. A typical post and beam home can use up to 20 cubic metres of timber, potentially storing 20 tonnes of CO2. This carbon storage can help to compensate for the overall carbon used to build a new building and, of course, mitigate the effects of climate change.
Expert Natural Insulation Advisers
So you’ve framed your passive home in the Highlands using post and beam construction, and built the walls out of straw. But what about the floor and the roof?
That’s where a range of eco-friendly natural insulation options come in. Eco Frame’s sustainable builders work with the world’s leading green insulation brands, providing natural, environmental insulation methods that work in harmony with straw house construction.
Like the straw and wood used in construction, these insulators are made with natural materials – storing carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
Warmcel Cellulose Insulation:
Made from recycled paper products, Warmcel insulation boasts high sustainability creds and contributes to reduced landfill waste. According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), construction and demolition waste accounts for around 50 million tonnes annually. By using recycled paper products like cellulose insulation, we can divert this waste from landfills and contribute to a more sustainable building industry.
Hemp Insulation:
Locally grown hemp offers a fast-renewable resource for insulation with a low environmental impact – and we work with a company in the Scottish Borders that is leading the charge Studies have shown that hemp cultivation can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with estimates ranging from 5 to 10 tonnes of CO2 per hectare captured during its growth cycle. This carbon sequestration benefit contributes to hemp's positive environmental impact as a building material.
Woodfibre Insulation:
Woodfibre insulation, made from recycled wood byproducts, offers good thermal insulation properties and can help regulate indoor humidity. According to the Timber Research & Development Association, wood fibre insulation offers similar thermal performance to other common insulation materials. Additionally, woodfibre insulation can help regulate indoor humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture vapour as needed, contributing to a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.