The straw bale construction used on our newest cottage is just a little bit different than the more commonly used form of construction. It is a mixture between regular stick framing with 2 x 6's and post n' beam when larger dimension lumber is used and spaced farther apart. To make the walls using straw bales the centres between the vertical posts are greater, similar to a post n' beam house, and we use a couple of 2 x6's like most houses have, but they are aligned together to make a thicker wall. In between those spaces are where the bales of straw are stacked "on edge". Hold things together from above are larger box beams which are designed to carry the weight of the roof over those larger spans. In the end, the walls consist of 14" of straw bales and about 2" of a mortar type mix which is smoothed over the straw inside and out.
Our construction has been somewhat stalled this week with the wetter weather. We were hoping to get the steel roof on this week but we'll have to wait 'til next week. The roof trusses are all up and it's starting to look like a house.
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