Salix – A Straw Bale Home

“Salix” is a “symbol of the changeable human spirit and immortality” as well as a species willow native to the site.

This 1500 ft sq two bedroom home on 10 acres of dry highland desert country, often endangered by the potential of wild fires, required serious fireproof planning. The resulting design therefore has plastered straw bale walls. ( well documented for their fire proof ratings), concrete columns, a metal roof and metal window frames.

Construction sequencing was an important factor in developing the overall design concept. Once the basic concrete foundation was complete, a “family” or series of concrete support columns were poured to support the roof framing over which was laid the metal roof. This allowed next, the straw bales to be laid in dry conditions. As one can see from the floor plan this also allowed us to free form the walls as they wove in and out of the supporting concrete columns, no interior stud walls are used, rather the integrity of the straw bale walls was maintained throughout.

Heating is provided by an under the floor radiant system, as well an efficient wood stove is situated in the center of the great room, warm air is dissipated by two ceiling fans at the vaulted ceiling height.

Summer time cooling is maintained with a double roof with circulating air space, deep roof overhangs, and screened opening windows, plus the ceiling fans

This project reflects continuing commitment of our firm to creating sustainable and timeless architecture, building that are sensible and related to the site and the owners, buildings that are true to the nature of materials. Too many straw bale homes are just another unimaginative box built of straw bales.

Overall this home has the desired “centered repose”, has the potential to enhance the cellular experiences of the owners, Dwane and Katherine.

Credits