Could Straw Bale constgruction hold up in South West Michigan?

Question

I'm intrigued by Straw Bale construction and from what I understand of it, it could be used to surround my existing home, as if building the outer walls of a house.  I live in south western Michigan and we can have very wet, heavy snow and very wet weather in the springs.  Would this type of construction work for my area?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Although the modern straw bale movement started in the South West, there are straw bale buildings all over the world.  They do well in almost every climate (though they are not well suited to hot and humid climates like Hawaii).  In some climates with a lot of driving rain, they use a rain screen (basically siding or something that is installed over the plastered bales with an air space) that protects the bale walls from erosion.

I know someone who has been successfully building straw bale homes in British Columbia so I'm sure it can be done in Michigan.  A quick search turned up some resources that might be helpful to you (see below).

Don't be put off by the nay sayers, straw bale building is a great way to build in any climate as long as you get the details right!

? · Answer

to my understanding hay bale construction is suited to dry climates, think SW. the wet weather you have in Michigan and we in FL would not work, the hay would rot.

STEVEN F · Answer

I doubt straw bales would hold up long exposed to ANY weather.  I KNOW it won't hold up long in wet weather.

Anonymous · Answer

in areas like yours they put another wall over or in front of the straw
and a roof
if you follow the types that have been already proven  there is no problem

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Could Straw Bale constgruction hold up in South West Michigan?

4 Answers