News! (updated June 30, 2008)
The Last Straw turns 15!
The Last Straw journal was first published in 1993 and is celebrating its
15th anniversary in 2008. The publication is primarily a
reader-written account of the history of strawbale, and of the development,
research and testing, innovations and experiences of those who have been and
are now involved in its revival as a natural building material and method.
Your contribution of $15.00 or any multiple of 15 to help support the
journal and its continuation would be a welcome expression of appreciation of
support for its future.
Checks and money orders payable to GPFS/TLS may be mailed to:
The Last Straw Journal |
| PO Box 22706 |
| Lincoln NE 68542-2706 |
Or call the TLS office at 402.483.5135
Donations will be acknowledged in a future issue of TLS. A receipt will be sent upon request only.
COSBA News
Thanks to a great group of participants for a wonderful Seventh Annual COSBA Natural Building Conference, "A Systems Approach to the Perfect Dwelling" . Visit www.strawbaleconference.com to stay up to date on next year's conference and send us your thoughts and suggestions.
The spring workshops and classes are starting to take shape. Some are coming up quickly, so check out the events page for more information on green remodeling, HERS integration, plastering and more!
And for anyone whose been wondering what Mark Schueneman, the head guy at COSBA, has been up to, just take a look at this great video (provided courtesy of James at CU's Division of Continuing Education). Thanks to many willing volunteers and two beautiful days, the walls of Mark's future home are up and he's moved on to finish work. (And while Sven and Sarah kept the crew moving, the crew didn't actually work as fast as the video indicates! Check it out.)
Things for Sale!! (may or may not be available by the time you call)
Straw bale home for sale. Magnificent passive solar, SB home for sale. Located a few miles from downtown historic Salida, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on two acres and features 2000 sq ft of heated living space, 3 covered porches equaling 740 sq ft, an oversized two car garage and terrific views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The open floor plan is flooded with light and showcases cathedral ceilings, stained concrete floors and an exposed post and beam structure. A few of the many special features include: water rights allowing irrigation, natural plasters and an indoor/outdoor fireplace. This house is currently under construction with an anticipated finish date of August 2007. Check this one of a kind gem out at www.solarwisellc.com and contact Timbo Scursso for more information. (posted 4/3/07).
Wildfire Prevention Techniques
We all know that bale homes stand up well to fire, but for those of you who either have built, are building or are even considering building in any of the forested areas of our dry state, consider contacting Kristine and Ryan Borchers at Fire Ready for some tips in safe-guarding your home. They can be reached at 970-749-7267 or info@fireready.com and more info is listed at www.fireready.com. Let's hope for a cold, snow-filled winter!
Why straw bale? We have an answer!
Do some of your friends still give you funny looks when you mention building a house out of straw? Do you feel the need to explain yourself when they ask why you can't just have a "normal" house? Check out the response Brian Fuentes, architect and COSBA member, came up with at http://www.fuentesdesign.com/buildings/projects/why_straw_bale.php. Based on both fact and personal experience, his reflections on our favorite building material will provide plenty of answers to that timeless question.
Older News
The Last Straw Back Issues
If it's time to start planning your own straw bale house, look no further than The Last Straw and the accumulated wisdom found in their past and future issues. Back issues are available on paper and CD-Rom and current subscriptions can be received as hard copies or on line. Visit them at www.thelaststraw.org and order now. And of course a TLS subscription makes a great gift idea, too!
International On Line Straw Bale Forum Launched
A bale builder from across the pond (UK) has just begun a forum that touches on all sorts of straw bale topics. He's welcoming input and putting together a panel of "experts", so check out the site at www.strawbaleforum.com/forum or send an email to Trevor Cryer. His own bale pages are at www.strawbale.co.uk.
Straw Bale in Siberia
Jeff Ruppert has returned from a successful trip to the Altai in Siberia - read about his experience and check out his photos here.
COSBA membership
Mission
COSBA is committed to expanding and sharing knowledge, experience and techniques for straw bale and sustainable building. COSBA promotes quality building practices and serves as a resource to building professionals and homeowners.
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