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Posted by Mark Stephens
Researchers at the University of Bath are trying to create the ultimate energy efficient home using straw.
The two-storey building will be constructed on campus using a technique known as ModCell, which consists of prefabricated straw bale and hemp cladding panels, rendered with a lime-based system.
Professor Pete Walker, director of the Building Research Establishment Centre at the University of Bath, explained that until now, straw has been dismissed by the modern construction industry as a credible building material.
However, he insisted that straw has many green benefits to bring to the house building industry.
He said: "Straw bales are an agricultural by-product and the material can be re-grown so is totally sustainable and renewable. The straw can be grown on a farm that is local to the construction site which minimises the carbon footprint of the building.
"Standard bales are 450 mm thick and provide very high levels of insulation so you need very little additional heating"
Eco-enthusiasts will be able to watch the development of the BaleHaus project via a special website that will features blogs, photos and the "Strawcam".
The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2010.
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For further information:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/2009/07/16/balehaus-2/
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