Ecological characteristics
- Elegant, open-concept design.
- 温暖的工业-乡村建筑风格。
- Intentionally "micro": approx 2100 sq.ft (approx 200 sq. m) subject to buyer verification (the walls are approx 22 inches thick so it affects measurements)
- Approx 1300 sq.ft (121 sq. m) finished deck & patio.
- Post & Beam, larch and reclaimed industrial fir.
- Custom-bound Organic straw.
- Home fire-safety value GREATER than conventional homes (insurance DISCOUNT). Wildfire provings (California).
- Minimal heating costs. Solar potential. Passive air conditioning.
- 化学品和废气排放量最低。时候墙面装修。
Insulative Values
The strawbales are packed extremely tight, therefore the home is more firesafe than conventional homes. Strawbale homes do not 'breathe' air or temperature through the wall. Studies have shown that the transmission of fire generated heat is less than conventional homes.
The insulative R-Value is approx R70. Innotech windows have a higher R value than conventional windows.
Operating Costs for the YEAR (Canadian Dollars)
包括每年的泳池补水，我们一年的水费是最低的(没有草坪)。2015年全年的水费低于150美元，从来没有达到分配的基本费率。
With an R value of above 60, walls 22 inches thick, and Innotech windows this Elegant Strawbale Ecohome has lower heating costs than conventional homes. Cozy. Quiet. Warm. Zzzzzz.
Our property taxes were $1400 for last year.
Strength
稻草屋具有抗拉强度，使它们在地震地区被公认为理想的安全(相对于棍框架或块)。我们的草包已经用柱子和横梁进行了结构改造。
Solid Wood Materials
Instead of "veneers" or "timber accents", our home features thick larch posts, and reclaimed industrial fir beams. The floors are not laminate, but rather thick plank floors. Most of the wood was milled by the builder, with the help of a local family-owned small mill. Wood has been treated with non-toxic linseed oil (flax), plant wax, distilled cedar resin, or other oil stains.
Builders
This site was prepared by a retired professional builder, framed and built to occupancy by the owner and a professional builder. It has engineering stamps including structural, and mechanical. We maintained close contact with local building inspectors, despite having engineering. This home far exceeds code in numerous ways.
HVAC
This home is passively air conditioned, The stucco walls give heat in winter, and coolness in summer. In July and August the windows must be closed from 10am-9pm in order to preserve coolness.
The Innotech windows on "tilt" create cross-flows without drafts. Careful planning and an open concept eliminated stagnant areas. Intentional window placements minimize the worst heat of the day in the summer, and allow for low angle sunlight in the winter. Kitchen window placement allows for passive air conditioning afternoon to evening May-October.
地板辐射采暖是在一个封闭的系统中，由自己的水箱产生的热水(水箱不需要更换)。家庭用水是分开的。从11月到次年3月，整个家庭都使用附近有木材资源的环保催化转化柴炉取暖。(2绳木头)。
The house scores well for solar potential for part of the year, with a south-west slanted roof (we have not had the time to convert to solar).
