straw bale house

Plan-it Earth Roundhouse Holidays

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Strawbale Roundhouse -- the reciprocal frame roof and roof light express beauty and clever design
Strawbale Roundhouse — the reciprocal frame roof and roof light express beauty and clever design

It’s grueling hard work surfing the Internet for beautiful natural homes, but someone’s got to do it! Today’s website features two stunning roundhouses that can be rented out for vacations.

“Staying in our Roundhouses in Cornwall is a truly magical experience. It offers the perfect combination: back-to-nature living, without compromising on all the luxuries you would dream of for a perfect Green Holiday. Roomy, with comfortable beds, cosy wood burners and beautiful lanterns, this is luxurious Eco Living! This year we have two Roundhouses, situated in the orchard and large vegetable garden. The Roundhouses provide a unique family holiday or honeymoon destination.

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Building with Jumbo Straw Bales

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The Holiday Apartments
The Holiday Apartments

“The Holiday Apartments Straw House – farm Holiday
The strawbale house was constructed with jumbo strawbales allowing superb insulation and a healthy, very comfortable atmosphere. The appartements have been arranged with all natural materials such as wooden furniture, terracotta-flooring and clay walls. The room atmosphere is magnificent, and is enhanced by large windows, light colours and decoration. The appartements are ideal for families, friends or a couple wanting to spread out. An little fireplace makes evenings in the mountainous surrounding cosy and warm.

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Post and Beam Hardware

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Numerous readers have requested advice on the quickest, easiest way to build post and beam frames. I suggest using standard galvanized metal wood connectors by companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie. (I’m referencing Simpson anchors because they’re widely available. Shop and compare. All brands meet code.) Deciding which connectors to use can be a bit confusing … Read more

$7.50/sq. ft. Straw Bale Home

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Stephen and Nena MacDonald’s post and beam strawbale house in Gila, New Mexico that was built in 1988-1989. The initial shell was $5/sq. ft. and the finished cost was between $7-$8/sq. ft. – Permaculture.org “Build our house out of straw?” When our neighbor suggested the idea as a solution to our housing problem, both my … Read more