Due to the size, efficiency, and materials used in the production of a straw bale vault, its ecological footprint is tiny.

drawing of vaulted straw bale
vault in California garden

Straw bale vaults are charming, extremely well-insulated and thus highly efficient structures.

In a vault, the straw bales extend all the way over the structure, including the roof (the portion of the house where most heat is lost).

The straw bale walls/roof of the vault are structural, and thus the need for lumber is minimal.
vault interior photo

The bamboo falsework is visible
on the interior of the vault
in Point Reyes Station.

Notice the "skylights" through the walls of the structure.

The vertical, end walls are made of cob.

 

 

 

 
affordable housing using solar design for do-it-yourselfers Spring - Summer 2000 Straw Bale Vault Workshop Report
vaulted straw bale structures by women builders Women Build Houses - Who are we?
small houses using natural building just makes sense Straw Bale Beginning Page 

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Artwork by Sandy Dykman Rice
 Photographs and drawing by Shay Salomon.

 
 

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