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.
earthquake resistant
Live from Indonesia: 10 Years After the Asian Tsunami
The devastating 2004 Asian tsunami was pivotal in my life. The tsunami occurred while I was working for Builders Without Borders. Intensive research into every conceivable house building method I could find all pointed to the conclusion that earthbag housing is the safest, strongest, lowest cost and most appropriate housing method for disaster prone regions such as Indonesia. Here I am 10 years later visiting the region as part of my tour to promote natural building.
Basalt Reinforced Domes
I’m not a fan of concrete monolithic domes, but the use of basalt roving reinforcement is an interesting technique that could be used with other building methods. It’s very strong and doesn’t rust. Consider using it in hurricane and earthquake zones.
The Straw Bale Yurt Bible
“I worked for a couple years ‘til I got lucky on a 160 acre State of Alaska homestead parcel and took up residence there on the Gerstle River in interior Alaska, 47 miles by road from Delta Junction. I cleared the 25%, built a cabin and lived there two years and proved up, while raising my son. Been living on the ranch since about ’97 (starting out in a wall tent, again). Got tired of being cold, and built my own straw bale yurt in ’98. It’s now ’05. I’m still living in it and working on a bigger one complete with plumbing, etc.
Strawmark Strawbale Homes and Buildings
Strawmark built the home in yesterday’s blog post. Be sure to see their stunning gallery.
“Straw houses the way of the future?
With the aftermath of devastation in Christchurch, the focus is now more than ever on safe, affordable, ‘Earthquake’ strong housing.
We are happy to say all our homes within the quake-ravaged area have stood the test, and passed with flying colors, with no damage reported.
Volunteer on Earthbag Build in Nepal
“We would like to tell you about our very exciting Earthbag build project in Nepal. We are a New Zealand registered charity providing quality early childhood and school support projects in rural Nepal. Our projects have been so successful that we now want to offer training to as many teachers as possible. Therefore, we are constructing an earthbag building Teacher Training Centre in our project area, 3 hours north of Kathmandu in 2014/15. Fundraising is well under way for the project and we hope to be able to start on schedule.