Straw Bale Design

Interested in a higher level of energy efficiency and a unique building technology that will maximize sustainable resources? Do you know the benefits of designing and building with straw? It is one of the original green construction materials. Baled straw is a renewable resource that, when designed as part of the walls and plastered, the walls are fire resistant, mold resistant, and energy efficient.

There are five important benefits of straw bale construction.

Increased insulation and energy efficiency
The density of the straw bales provides an increased insulation when used in construction.
We design the building and walls to allow for optimal insulation.

More fire-retardant than traditional wood homes and buildings
While straw is, by nature, flammable, however, when plastered, the walls are fire resistant, mold resistant and energy efficient. The material’s resistance to fire comes from the bales that are so tightly packed. Oxygen isn’t able to enter in between the straws and fuel a fire.

Straw is a by-product, which makes it a renewable resource
Straw is the waste by-product of cereal grains, such as wheat, rice and barley. As an annually renewable agricultural waste product straw is an ideal building material because it is so abundant and is such an excellent insulator.

Recognized by most county building departments throughout southern California
Since the late 90’s straw bale construction systems have become well-recognized by San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial County Building Departments.
Baled straw is used in conjunction with a structural framed wall and is non load-bearing. The Straw Bales are stacked on a foundation as infill between the structural members.

Affordable building resource

Building with straw is not a new concept: natural fibers of all kinds have been used in a variety of ways for several thousand years. It is typically similar in cost to wood-frame construction, but the benefits are longer lasting when it comes to energy efficiency over time.

 As a leading straw bale design firm, Ruland Design Group can assist you in any part of the Straw Bale Construction including:
Design
Site Research
Structural Engineering
Energy Analysis
Pre-construction Planning
Permitting
Construction Consulting
Owner/Builder Support