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FAQs - Straw Bale Construction

With what kind of Bales can I build with?

One can use various types of straw, including, but not limited to, wheat, rice, rye, barley, oats and similar plants, shall be acceptable if they meet the minimum requirements for density, shape, moisture content, and ties.
Bales used shall be rectangular in shape. Bales used within a continuous wall shall be of consistent height and width to ensure an even distribution of loads within a wall system. Bales used should be baled as densely as possible. 
Bales shall be bound with ties of either polypropylene string/strapping or baling wire.  Bales with broken or loose ties shall not be used unless the broken or loose ties are replaced with ties, which restore the original degree of compaction of the bale.
Moisture content of bales, at time of installation, shall not exceed 20 % of the total weight of the bale.

We advise against using hay bales for construction. Also see "Can I also use hay bales and not straw bales?"

 
 

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"E-WIRE" lights by Andy Horn

The Eco Design lighting range is made from local or recycled materials. Standing Floor Lamps, Desk Lamps, Pendant Lights and Chandeliers are available. The lamp stands are from locally moon phase harvested alien timber. Recycled car parts are used as bases. Various paper shades & low energy LED light bulbs provide good lighting and create a beautiful atmosphere.

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We offer a number of construction & info manuals on our website on natural building technologies which specifically refer to the South African context. The info manual "A LIME DUNG PLASTER RECIPE" has recently been added to the collection.   Click here for more information.

All our manuals are also now available as E-Book downloads. Click here for the E-Books.