The Story So Far....

A short video of where we are up to. . . . 

Triangulating Bales

Currently Straw bale buildings can only be applied to the level of the eaves, and cannot fill Gable ends due to their shape. 

But I am sure this is possible? 

I am going to test this theory on a couple of my own bales.  

Being able to build the bales up into gable ends will not only create a consistent building material, but will also make sure the insulation and air tightness is consistent throughout the wall, leaving no gaps.

Wish me luck.....

Baling Needles and how to Split Bales

To make Bales certain sizes, to fit around openings and in the bale courses, it is vitally important to retain the tension and tightness in the twine, holding the straw together.

Baling needles are not available to purchase in the UK, and very hard to find in the USA, the only way is to make your own.
Here I have found some existing designs, two which are used in the construction industry currently, and the third, a custom made Needle used in the baling workshop I attended under Mark Saich.

The needles take two new pieces of twine through the bale, at the level of the original string. 

These are my notes and easy to read and follow guide on how to split straw bales.

Rippledown Pictures

More Photos courtesy of  Mark Saich of our Bale Building Course at Rippledown Environmental Education Centre

Lisa cutting stub stakes to length for the top ladder 

Jonathan and Daphne and I making a simple window profile

Driving in the stakes is hard work!

Lisa and I splitting bales for the window frame.

Daphne and Darren Splitting Bales

 Jonathan sharpening stakes.

Darren and I checking the end profile for plumb

Third course up and ready for first stakes

Daphne and I driving the first stakes in

Almost there!

Trimming the walls with a hedge cutter

All Done!

Straw Bale Building Course

Straw Bale Building Course

Rippledown Education Centre, Ringwould, Kent CT14 8HE

I have just participated in a 2 day strawbale construction course, led by Mark Saich, of Green Building Solutions. 

Day one:

We went through a thorough grounding in the History and techniques of straw bale building, case studies and the basic dos and don'ts. 

Meet and Greet - Small group of us from various backgrounds.  Farmer, Scientist, Homeowner, Carpenter, Environmentalist.

Followed by a small presentation of the History of Straw Bale Construction, then the Uses and various creditable case studies.

 Construction started by cutting fixing and bolting the base plate (which would sit on top of the plinth wall.)

constructed using lengths of 2x4

10mm holes were drilled into each step of the ladder to hold the base spikes.

The most important factor for the start was for the base ladder to be completely straight and plumb.  This we did by wedging up the timber frame.

After lunch (amazing lunch!). we had a group discussion on our methods and work situations, as well as the role of straw bale construction in the modern construction methods.

By the end of day one we had  3 courses of straw bales built up with axe sharpened stakes driven through the 3rd layer, straight downward to stabilize the bales.

There was great skill required in splitting bales using new twine and hybrid knitting needles. 

 

Day two

This started with the introduction to the new classroom build in straw bale - non load bearing - to see the plaster work and the options of framework and finishes.

We formed a sub frame for a window from 2x4 timber with chipboard pieces for diagonal bracing.   The window frame had to be made to size to relate to the amount of compression that would occur in the bales.

As we continued to build up the bale courses (6 in all) it was surprising how sturdy the stack felt, with just timber stakes hammered into them to hold their position.

 

The top ladder was cut and bolted together with holes drilled through the steps just as the base ladder, with small stakes driven through into the top bale for fixing. 

The walls were compressed initially using lorry straps and then permanently fixed with wires. overall the wall compressed down 50mm, whilst being constantly measured with a spirit level to stay plumb on all surfaces. 

To smooth the straw we trimmed the bales using a hedge-cutter.

The two days was very inspirational and educational.  And this has given me the confidence to now design and construct my own build.

http://rippledown.com/eco-courses-kent/straw-bale-courses/

http://greenbuildingsolutions.co.uk/about-green-building-solutions/