[GSBN] FW: Straw Bale Construction Inspections

[David Arkin, AIA]

Hello again Don Carter:

I located the following inspection letter in our files, outlining the sorts of things we inspected during construction of one of our residential bale projects:

*  *  *  *  *
This letter is written to certify that I conducted Inspections to observe that the work outlined below was performed in substantial conformance with the intent and content of the project plans.

The observed work included the following:


·       Suitably dense, dry 3-string rice straw bales were installed laid flat between and around the supporting 4x4 posts of the non-load-bearing structure.  Bales were placed tight between posts and plates, and where they were not tight additional loose flakes or straw were placed to provide a sufficiently dense substrate for the finishes.  


·       2” x 2” x 16 gauge welded wire mesh was placed over the entire surface of the bale walls, with edges stapled to the frames and plates at a minimum 4” o.c.  Plates and frames were protected with 15# felt building paper.  Corner ‘staples’ were placed into the face of the bales instead of into the tops.  The structural engineer has approved this installation.


·       Moisture content in the bales was measured on 6.7.01.  Because the roof was in place prior to the bale raising, the bales have been well protected throughout construction.  The average moisture content throughout the building was well below 12%, and areas that exceeded this percentage were never higher than 23%, and found only in one area, near the lower left hand corner (inside view) of the north wall under the tall roof.   [note that 19% is the generally recognized maximum, and bales can survive short periods of higher, so long as it us not sustained]


On the basis of the observation of this work we conclude that the installation of the straw-bales meets the requirements documented in the project plans and specifications prepared by this office.  Hopefully, this report provides the information that you require.  If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact us for further discussion.


Sincerely,


*  *  *  *  *

From the cover sheet of these plans (in Napa County, California), we listed the following inspections: 

•  Bales:  Density and Moisture Content

•  Bale Placement 

•  Pinning or Bracing (for load-bearing systems)

•  Wall Top-Out (all gaps stuffed w/loose straw in non-load-bearing systems)

•  Mesh Attachment

•  Moisture Content Prior to Applying Finishes


Perhaps worth noting is that for our most recent projects, all non-load-bearing (aka post-and-beam with bale infill), no 'special' bale inspections (of the sort that required the letter above) have been required.  These include residential projects in the City of Santa Cruz, several in Sonoma County and also for a commercial project in Napa County.  

Feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Best,

David Arkin

On Aug 1, 2012, at 8:31 AM, Joyce Coppinger wrote:

> Forwarding this message to the GSBN for reply to Don Carter <donc at ci.sandpoint.id.us> and the GSBN list. See below.
> 
> Joyce Coppinger
> 
> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: Don Carter <donc at ci.sandpoint.id.us>
> Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:03:34 -0700
> To: <TLSEditor at thelaststraw.org>
> Conversation: Straw Bale Construction Inspections
> Subject: Straw Bale Construction Inspections
> 
> Looking for information on what to look for when inspecting straw bale homes. Any articles published or books for sale ?
> Thank you
>  
> Don Carter
> Building Official
> City Of Sandpoint
> 1123 Lake Street
> Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
> 1-208-263-3423 Phone
> 1-208-255-6339 Cell
> <donc at ci.sandpoint.id.us>
>  
> 
> 
> ------ End of Forwarded Message
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*  *  *  *  *
Arkin Tilt Architects
Ecological Planning & Design

2012 Fine Homebuilding Home of the Year
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/23225/video-2012-houses-awards-best-new-home
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/23235/off-the-grid-straw-bale-getaway

David Arkin, AIA, Architect
LEED Accredited Professional
CA #C22459/NV #5030

1101 8th St. #180, Berkeley, CA  94710
510/528-9830 ext. 2#
www.arkintilt.com
"There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."
— A. J. Muste 






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