Straw Bale Construction in the Rocky Mountains

With architects increasingly tasked to create nontoxic, carbon-reducing buildings, knowing when and how to safely use natural materials is essential. When designed with sound principles and paired with the right structural system, straw and lime can outperform conventional stud-cavity walls. Straw bale buildings in the Rocky Mountains region provide real-life examples. Join us to explore inspections, repairs, and demolition findings in straw bale buildings over 10 years old, including successful strategies and common pitfalls. You'll also learn about best practices for moisture management in cold climates, plaster options, and myths and challenges associated with straw bale construction.

Learning Objectives

1. Consider where and when this type of wall construction is feasible and how you may apply it to a specific project.
2. Discuss key skills of team members required to implement this type of wall assembly.
3. Discover how easily repairable and flexible the finish options are.
4. Find out how flashing and plaster preparation techniques and details impact materials over time.

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