Alternative Buildings
There are many different types of ‘Alternative Buildings’, the first to be demonstrated at EcoVillage Resort is strawbale structures. Strawbale construction is a building method that uses straw bales (commonly wheat, oats, and rye straw) covered with stucco as both the wall structure and insulation.
Strawbale buildings have many benefits over traditional construction - Ecological, Energy-efficiency, Affordability, Hypoallergenic, etc.
In terms of energy efficiency a strawbale wall is superior to even the most energy efficient homes being built today. Traditional "stick frame" homes of 2x6 construction usually have an insulating value of R14 whereas strawbale walls have demonstrated R values of R30 to R45! We all pay too much on our heating and cooling bills, straw bale construction can lower these costs by 75%!
Conventional insulation materials are synthetically produced and contain non-renewable, toxic, and often non-recyclable materials. Ironically, we burn enough straw in agriculture each year to comfortably insulate most if not all buildings. It is estimated that enough straw is burned each year in the U.S. to build 5 million 2000 square foot homes.
What an ideal use of a plentiful natural resource that we have here in Manitoba!
In addition to being extremely well insulated strawbale structures normally incorporate passive solar design where large roof overhangs shade the building in the summer while at the same time allowing winter sun (which is lower in the sky and not blocked by the overhangs) to enter the windows and actually heat the building. The large overhangs also help to keep any moisture far away from the strawbale walls.
The earliest strawbale structure in North America is thought to be a schoolhouse built in Nebraska in 1896. One of the oldest standing strawbale structures in Canada is a church in Northern Alberta. Built in around 1953, it is now being used as a community hall.
Though it may come as a surprise to some, strawbale buildings actually have two to three times the fire resistance of conventional buildings. As demonstrated in tests by CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) the compactness of the straw, combined with the stucco coating on each side of the bales, does not provide sufficient air to support combustion.
Those interested in building their own strawbale structure will have the opportunity to work first-hand on strawbale projects at EcoVillage. With the guidance of engineers and construction professionals there is no better way to learn!
Our website is powered by 100% Green Energy!! Green Energy!!
Strawbale buildings have many benefits over traditional construction - Ecological, Energy-efficiency, Affordability, Hypoallergenic, etc.
In terms of energy efficiency a strawbale wall is superior to even the most energy efficient homes being built today. Traditional "stick frame" homes of 2x6 construction usually have an insulating value of R14 whereas strawbale walls have demonstrated R values of R30 to R45! We all pay too much on our heating and cooling bills, straw bale construction can lower these costs by 75%!
Conventional insulation materials are synthetically produced and contain non-renewable, toxic, and often non-recyclable materials. Ironically, we burn enough straw in agriculture each year to comfortably insulate most if not all buildings. It is estimated that enough straw is burned each year in the U.S. to build 5 million 2000 square foot homes.
What an ideal use of a plentiful natural resource that we have here in Manitoba!
In addition to being extremely well insulated strawbale structures normally incorporate passive solar design where large roof overhangs shade the building in the summer while at the same time allowing winter sun (which is lower in the sky and not blocked by the overhangs) to enter the windows and actually heat the building. The large overhangs also help to keep any moisture far away from the strawbale walls.
The earliest strawbale structure in North America is thought to be a schoolhouse built in Nebraska in 1896. One of the oldest standing strawbale structures in Canada is a church in Northern Alberta. Built in around 1953, it is now being used as a community hall.
Though it may come as a surprise to some, strawbale buildings actually have two to three times the fire resistance of conventional buildings. As demonstrated in tests by CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) the compactness of the straw, combined with the stucco coating on each side of the bales, does not provide sufficient air to support combustion.
Those interested in building their own strawbale structure will have the opportunity to work first-hand on strawbale projects at EcoVillage. With the guidance of engineers and construction professionals there is no better way to learn!
Our website is powered by 100% Green Energy!! Green Energy!!