Strawbale+withMud+and+Lime+Render

= Types of Strawbale construction =

In-Fill (Post and Beam or Stud Frame)
Infill is where the bales are between structural members, such as Post and Beam, Stud Wall Framing, etc.

= Load Bearing = Load Bearing is where the roof sits directly on the Bales. The roof members are tied directly to slab fittings, bearers or other footing members.

Benefits of Strawbale
Strawbale is regarded as one of the best of thermally effiecient building materials and one of the lowest 'emboddied energy' Strawbale construction is very simple. The bales are light and easy to handle. They are also easy to cut to just about any size. Some research indicates that it takes ambient air approximately six months to move through a standard bale. This makes it an excellent thermal regulator.

Disadvantages of Strawbale
Public and regulatory acceptance is the biggest drawback to strawbale. As it is a relitively new construction method, it will take some time for the less adventurous to accept it over brick and tile. Misconceptions and ignorance is the second biggest drawback. People assume that vermin will eat the bales and that it is a fire hazard. Vermin can be excluded with a sealing coat of render and they will burrow through the bale, not eat it. Firefighters regularly use bales to generate smoke, as it is difficult to get a bale to combust. Strawbale has the same fire classification as hardwood. Strawbale construction usually means the house owner does the work, and many builders will not deal with strawbale. Rendering the bales requires a good mix of mud and clay and is physically intensive. Any wall has to be widened by about 900 - 1000mm to accommodate the width of the bale, mud and render.

Types of Bales
Bales should only contain '3rd Cut' stalks of very dry and compacted Wheat, Rice, Oat or Barley. Feed Bales containing green leafy matter and seed heads cannott be used. The chance of them igniting is very great. Bales need to be tightly baled to ensure that the bale maintains a rigid profile. Bales can be tied with string or wire.

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