| straw bale |
Finished Exterior
Designed as an artist studio, and located in rural Cuyama Valley (where summer daytime temperatures often reach over 100 degrees), the insulating features of straw bale made it the most appropriate building material for this project. |
Straw Bales
The roof is made of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) covered by a standing seam metal roof. The supporting knee braces were made from a fallen Black Walnut tree. |
Interior
A steel or wood frame is required since straw bales are not an approved structural building material in California. The straw bales and frame are then covered with a breathable, natural lime plaster to make them moisture and fire resistant. |
Finished Interior
French doors add abundant natural light to the space that serves as an art studio. Bookcases and display counters were milled from a fallen Black Walnut tree. The exposed concrete floors contain 50% fly ash.
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