Earthbag/Strawbale Hybrid Cottage
Specifications: 444 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 24′ x 42′
Description: This unique cottage combines the best features of straw bales and earthbags. The north wall uses 24″ earthbags to support earth berming. Remainder of lower walls also use earthbags, all filled with scoria or other suitable insulation to create an insulated foundation. Bales start at 3 feet above floor height. An optional pantry can be built against the north wall.
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I like this design, I was just wondering if you had imagine building an aditional bedroom. If so, where would you place it?
An other option of a similar Arc (kind of) option with 2 bedrooms?
Thanks!
I like your site very much. Thanks for sharing.
The best place is probably on the west end behind the living room. That way the bedrooms are separated.
I’m bulding in a high (7,200′) desert. If I flipped the design with the convex wall facing south, could I add windows to maximize solar exposure? Then the concave patio would provide cool outdoor space during the brief, mild summer. (It could still be bermed.) I could place the wood stove in the apex (beside the door) to radiate to both “wings” and – most importantly – into the bathroom.
But what about the roof? I just can’t see how to do it.
Thank you so much for your time and help. Who knows how much greener the earth is due to the ripple effect of your shared expertise?!
What you propose is a great idea. Each plan has to be situated to match the local site, and that’s what you’ve done so well.
The roof is tricky, that’s why I haven’t finalized the computer renderings (plus, no one has bought it yet). Originally I planned a pole truss roof with radiating poles on the ends, but maybe it’s too much work for most people. It will be far easier to buy factory trusses. Just take the drawings to any truss manufacturer and they’ll give you a free estimate.
Owen,
I live in Vermont and I am trying to find the difference (advantages/disadvantages) between straw bale timberframe and earth bag construction. Could you point me in the right direction?
Consider using both earthbags and bales in climates that get cold and wet. Here’s one option. Build the timber frame and roof first. Use scoria bags up to windowsill height to protect against moisture damage from snow drifts. Use straw bales above for maximum insulation and ease of construction. Make an insulated earthbag foundation using scoria bags. Research “shallow frost protected foundations”. Adapt the basic idea using scoria filled bags and save thousands of dollars.