Q. Is Strawmark suitable for wetter areas of New Zealand?
A. Strawmark commissioned a Moisture Performance Test by BRANZ/BIA, which sets the building code. Their test results state that our method is suitable for all areas of New Zealand.
Q. What about fire?
A. Compressed Bale buildings are exceptionally solid and fire resistant. Because the bale walls are compressed and plaster sealed they do not hold enough air to permit combustion. Overseas tests have proven the straw bale wall system has a far greater fire resistance than the 30 minutes provided by timber frame walls.
Q. Can you build over two storeys?
A. Yes multi-storied homes can be built.
Q. Can the homes take the weight of a standard roof?
A. Yes you can have anything from corrrugate to a heavy roof such as Italian tiles or any other material.
Q. How thick is the wall?
A. The completed wall is @ 500mm thick. Can be soft and rounded, or more contemporary and straight while remaining soft to look at.
Q. Do straw bale homes appreciate in value?
A. To date, homes we have built have been sold at upwards of 145% over and above building costs.
Q. How does the roof fit on?
A. The roof is fixed to the top plate timbers above the bale walls, just as you would a traditional frame home.
More at the source: Strawmark
Note: I’m running three stories about Strawmark because their success is a big deal for natural building. As reported earlier, their strawbale homes withstood the quake in Christchurch. Now the building authorities and customers are gravitating toward rebuilding with strawbale construction.