In a new series of Eco build methods, your host of the Self Build Podcast Jeanette Oates shares with you method number one, Straw Bale. Learn the advantages and disadvantage to straw bale installation and hear the top tips on using this renewable material in your own self-build project.

“Making self-build simple”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Standard concrete foundations, or something a bit more environmentally friendly, it depends on your ethos. But the build needs to be started off ground level to avoid moisture and laid on a base where services will be run through.

Advantages:

• Renewable material that’s eco-friendly
• Usually sourced locally with great sound and thermal installation
• You can attend courses to learn how to lay straw bales and get involved
• You can do a lot of the labour yourself and the material is fire safe and durable

Disadvantages

• Overall it could be a little more expensive when taking into account labour and materials
• Takes up a lot of land due to the width of the walls
• Need to do research in order to secure the right finance deal
• New to the modern construction industry and less well known

BEST MOMENTS

“A building method close to my heart, I long for a straw bale construction, it would be so much cooler and the installations so much better”

“Straw bale creates a stable wall that can then be rendered with a breathable plaster, such as a lime or clay type render”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

http://www.modcell.com/ - Construct a frame to hold straw bales in a safe environment.

ABOUT THE HOST

Jeanette Oates is the Director of Self-Build Coach, a Property Investor and a Developer. She is passionate about everything self-build. She self-built two fabulous homes to a much higher standard than any off-the-peg developers, and all from the much lower budget than you would get from a local state agency.

Jeanette aims to mentor and train all the self-builders out there through the Self-Build Uncovered Podcast. Her expertise could easily help navigate you in self-building, extending, renovating, renewable energy, eco-building, and converting.Jeanette worked for the Local Authority Planning Office. She is also the leader of a team of professional builders, financial advisors, solicitors and architects.

CONTACT METHOD

• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-oates-33379b128/)
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• Info@selfbuildcoach.com

• www.selfbuildcoach.com