photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Wm. Bates | all galleries >> Galleries >> Views Of Utah ... by an Outsider > Little Pig One's New House 04_07_06.jpg
previous | next
07-APR-2006

Little Pig One's New House 04_07_06.jpg

Yes, you do see some strange things is Utah. This home being built in Fairview, Utah is certainly one of the stranger things I have seen in awhile.

I'm not sure I have ever seen bales of straw used as walls before. I thought maybe they were using the straw to insulate some new concrete work. Nope, no new cement. Those bales were the wall material.

I sure hope nobodies cattle get loose. Or just maybe ... the Big Bad Wolf might come around and huff and puff and blow there house down.

Canon EOS 20D ,Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
1/125s f/8.0 at 38.0mm iso200 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time07-Apr-2006 18:47:50
MakeCanon
ModelCanon EOS 20D
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length38 mm
Exposure Time1/125 sec
Aperturef/8
ISO Equivalent200
Exposure Bias
White Balance (-1)
Metering Modematrix (5)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Programaperture priority (3)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto
comment | share
Jon Foster26-Apr-2009 16:23
I don't know how I missed this thread...

This isn't anything new. There are tons of homes built like this. They are sturdy and well insulated... But as with anything else these days they are fairly costly to build. Some of the newer insulation and insulating techniques are also on par with this type of construction and do very well in comparison when costs are a factor.

Still cool though!
Todd Schulz31-May-2006 02:05
I looked into building such a structure here in Ky. a few years ago. The straw was to come from one of the western states. Straw bales have a very good insulating factor and are a cheap, renewable building resource. I'm sure this home now has a stucco finish on the exterior. The inside on most straw bale homes are also finished in stucco or can be finished traditionally with sheet rock. Once completed you would have no idea the interior structure is made of straw. Have you ever tried burning a bale of hay? With a stucco finish these homes actually are probably more flame retardent than traditional stick built construction. This homeowner will enjoy years with little heating costs. There are seminars where you can actually learn how to construct a straw bale home via hands on.
Guest 28-Apr-2006 05:36
Yes "off the grid" is off the power grid as well as no outside water connection, no outside sewage.
Usually this is a combination of solar/battery storage and backup generator, well water or rain water collection and water heating in floors, propane for cooking, sewage system, etc. etc.
Debbie B.10-Apr-2006 02:08
Kinda odd building material!
John 10-Apr-2006 01:38
Interesting, I've seen it before also. If they finish it the same way it will be the wire mesh and stucco mentioned below. What I haven't figured out is if the hay compacts over time (which I would think would happen) how do you keep the stucco from cracking?
Guest 09-Apr-2006 22:57
I think he means off the power grid. Sometimes house are designed to be very efficient and have some means of making their own electricity and are often termed "off the grid".
Shayne09-Apr-2006 19:27
Intresting subject ~ well photographed
Guest 09-Apr-2006 13:22
Yes, very intersting. But what does 43cardinals mean by off the grid? I agree too that Utah does seem a little different when it comes to construction.
Guest 08-Apr-2006 18:11
I have read of this construction type but never seen it being done.
Guest 08-Apr-2006 15:05
Yes, this is an example of "green building". Compressed straw then wire mesh and stucco will be used inside and out (maybe something else inside). I bet this is being built "off the grid" as well. Building costs will be reduced as well as energy usage.
Wm. Bates08-Apr-2006 14:46
I figured it would get stuccoed also. It is the first time I have seen this type of construction.
John Lester08-Apr-2006 14:39
Bet they stucco it. That has been used down here also.
Guest 08-Apr-2006 14:26
jhust hope it doesn't get wet, compacted wet hay can generate fire
Gary Blanchette08-Apr-2006 12:48
That is strange. I wonder if it is some kind of sound thing. Like they are going to record there and they are trying it for acoustic purposes?
René08-Apr-2006 05:37
beautiful houses...