Want to learn more? Find out more about our straw bale construction workshops Contact Melanie Caspary at melaniec@semmesco.com or at 805-466-6737, ext. 201 Want to know another good reason to build with straw?  There are tax credits available for the purchase of California grown rice straw.  Read more at: straw bale tax credit

Building Methods

Straw Bale Construction

Straw bale construction is a centuries-old technology that has been revived by people desiring a healthy and ecological alternative to wood framed construction. The thick walls of these homes help them to be energy efficient, economical, durable, and fire retardant. We use rice straw, a waste product of California agriculture, which has a high silica content, making it resistant to rot and termites. Seismic studies have proven that straw bale construction performs very well in earthquakes.

Straw bale construction is a natural companion to the passive solar, energy efficient house. The thick walls add a component of insulation and mass difficult to obtain with a wood framed building. A well-designed straw bale home remains cool and comfortable on the hottest summer days with no air conditioning, and is exceptionally economical to heat in winter.

The beautiful walls lend themselves well to old-world and new-age styles alike. A straw bale wall can be constructed fairly simply, making it conducive to homeowner and community participation. Straw bale raising parties are common.

Come to one of our straw bale construction workshops, learn about the technique and be a part of the construction of a natural house!