Impressive Straw Bale Home & Dream Family Homestead — Sustainable Green Building

Building an Ecological Home

When we first started this project, our goal was simple: to move into the countryside and build an energy-efficient, ecological home using natural materials. It was a homesteading project, a way for us to connect with nature and become stewards of the land. Little did we know that this labor of love would become so much more than just a home.

The Joy of Living in Nature

Living in nature is a treat that never gets old. The satisfaction of harvesting our own food and using it to create nourishing meals is truly enjoyable. It's hard work, no doubt, but it keeps us feeling healthy and connected to the cycle of life. After 18 years of living this way, it doesn't feel like a burden at all. It feels normal, natural even.

Building with Natural Materials

When it came to choosing materials for our home, we wanted to prioritize health and sustainability. We used natural wood finished with natural oils, natural paints, and silicate-based paints for the walls. Clay finishes and straw bale walls were integrated as architectural features, minimizing the use of conventional materials like plywood and particle boards. We even sourced the straw for our straw bale walls from a local farmer. It was a perfect match.

A Home Designed for Efficiency

The design of our home was carefully thought out to maximize efficiency and comfort. The architect, Martin Leaf, created a beautiful design that included an atrium in the center of the home, which acts as a heat source in the cooler seasons. The bedrooms, or "sleeping pods," are separate from the living area, creating a sense of privacy and tranquility. The post and beam structure, made from parallel stranded lumber, not only reduces environmental impact but also provides the strength needed for our living roof.

The Beauty of a Living Roof

One of the most striking features of our home is the living roof. It feels as if the house is emerging from the ground, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. But the beauty of the living roof goes beyond aesthetics. It helps keep the house cool in the summer and maintains heat in the winter. We planted various plants on the roof, and over the years, even more have found their way up there. It has become an alpine garden that requires no watering.

Prioritizing Thermal Performance

Thermal performance was a priority in our home. The straw bale wall system provides excellent insulation, with an R-value of around 40. While thermal mass is no longer considered the best way to achieve energy efficiency, we still incorporated it into our design by using large windows and plenty of thermal mass to capture and release heat. In addition, we heat our home and shop with firewood, which we carefully select from trees that are either crowded or sick and dying. The wood is used throughout the house for doors, flooring, trim, and cabinets.

Sustainable Heating and Water Systems

To heat our home, we use a gasification wood boiler, which transfers heat to a thousand-gallon storage tank. Solar thermal panels heat the hot water for domestic use, while the rest of the hot water is heated by the boiler. Rainwater collected from the shop's roof irrigates the greenhouse, reducing our reliance on the well. We have a composting toilet and a gray water system, which allow us to recycle waste and nourish our plants. Our septic system is designed to keep everything on-site, minimizing our impact on the environment.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

Building an ecological home comes with its challenges. We constantly calculate risks and plan meticulously to ensure a positive outcome. It requires dedication and a willingness to learn and adapt. But the rewards are immeasurable. We have created a home that not only provides shelter but also nurtures our connection with nature and contributes to the fight against climate change.

Conclusion

Our journey