Energy Efficient Homes

Day 3 | Straw Bale Retrofit

As part of our straw bale retrofit we have to extend the roofline on the house – for how simple that process of thinking THAT was see the previous post – however, we really need to think about how wide our overhangs are going to be.  The problem is they need to do a number of things and they are not always compatible.

1. Protect the walls from the weather
2. Protect the windows from the summer sun
3. Let the winter sun as far into the house as possible
4. Look fantastic
5. Be reasonably simple to construct and
6. Not cost us a fortune.

I’m beginning to remember quite clearly about our daily compromises while doing the straw bale addition.

We’re now working through this list so see what is the most important, where compromises can be made to let us meet as many of these objectives as we can and what we might just need to give up.  Our thinking so far looks a bit like this…

1. The walls are pretty tough and will have a good thick layer of lime based mortar both inside and out so weather shouldn’t worry them too much so long as we keep an eye on them and take care of any maintenance issues when they arise.  Plus, I’ve seen lots of walls with what I thought was inadequate shelter and they are doing just fine – maybe I’m being a little paranoid?
2. This is VITAL in our Summer climate.  Direct sun hitting the window is like turning on a 1kw heater for every metre of glass – not a good look when it’s 40 degrees C outside.  So probably the biggest priority so far.
3. We really want the winter sun – REALLY want it.  We compromised on the straw bale addition so that we could have a good area of roof cover over our huge doorways and windows – that cuts winter sun inside the house by about 3 weeks each season and I’m quite sad about this.  So this is an area where we will be trying to  make up for that earlier compromise.  Could be tricky but I think we are up to it and we are seeking some advice from a very experienced ‘eco’ builder we have become friendly with – if you are reading this Rob… we are coming to see you!
4. I’m not worried about this one really – it will.
5. This is quite important but we are willing to pay for someone to help us out with this one – it’s important that we get it right as the main ‘bad’ weather will hit this pretty hard so we want to ensure it’s done properly and can withstand whatever comes it’s way.
6. The above point may impact on affordability but given the importance this could just be a take it like it is situation.

So there are a few areas on our straw bale retrofit project where we will give a little and some where we will stick to our dreams – always the way and having some hindsight is informing our choices this time round.

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