[GSBN] Prefab straw bale systems for TLS

[Chris Magwood]

That's interesting that you're finding that prefab is at the high end of 
the scale, because the NatureBuilt crew are able to install them for a 
cost similar to conventional framing and lower than any of the 
site-built bale companies in Ontario... around $16-18/square foot of wall.

The more expensive systems seem to be the ones that are still plastered 
in an upright position, typically on-site after the panels are 
installed. The NatureBuilt panels are plastered in a single coat in a 
horizontal position, and that's where the time/labour/money savings lies.

I'm keen to talk to all the various producers for TLS...

Chris

On 13-10-03 2:48 AM, John Glassford wrote:
> G ' day Andre
>
> I agree with your observations on the cost of straw pre-fab panels are 
> at the high end of the scale as far as straw bale building goes.
>
> Initially the development, testing and marketing side of the panels is 
> costly.  Production costs to make these panels will reduce as the 
> techniques improve and the output increases with experience.
>
> We have been tinkering with all of the above for a long time now and 
> we feel we are now in a good position.
>
> The main advantage is the speed these walls go up ready for roofing in 
> a very short time.  This will reflect in the end price due to the 
> reduction in labour costs.
>
> At the moment the walls only constitute 20-30% of the total build of a 
> pre-fab panel straw bale building.  The other costs are equal when 
> comparing methods used for the foundation, floor, roofing, windows 
> doors fit out and so on.  Then that applies to any straw bale house 
> unless it is a vault!
>
> So there is a saving to be had from pre-fab straw panels if built by 
> professional  builders versus owner builders.
>
> Here most straw bale homes are competitive to any other form of 
> building and most professional builders start at $1,500 per square 
> metre and ever upwards.  Some owner builders in our experience have 
> built for $500 per square metre using straw bales.  We also know of 
> straw bale buildings to cost up to $4,000 per square metre here in 
> Australia.
>
> The pre-fab straw panels offers the professional builder and designers 
> a good option when considering straw bales.  Our experience suggests 
> that there is a good future for this technology.  We are also working 
> on a portable factory system for developing nations where the cost of 
> labour is low and community can get involved to build and finish a 
> home that looks like concrete blocks.
>
> Anyhow think on Andre it maybe a good way to get the professional 
> builders to take up straw bale building, who knows.
>
> Kind regards
> Susan and John Glassford
> Huff 'n' Puff Constructions
> http://www.glassford.com.au
> 61 2 6927 6027
> In Australia (02) 6927 6027
> Mobile 0412 11 61 57
>
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-- 
Chris Magwood
Director, Endeavour Centre
www.endeavourcentre.org

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