[GSBN] Prefab straw bale systems for TLS

Tue Oct 8 20:07:31 UTC 2013

Hello everybody,

Thanks for all the comments on préfab.
It reminded my that Steen Möller in Denmark (who I last saw 3 years ago) 
also had an interesting sb prefab concept. But I do not have his email.
Anybody have his contact info?

André

PS. very happy that TLS is back and keen to read Chris' article.

Le 07/10/2013 05:07, Chris Magwood a écrit :
> 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
>>
>> Mount Kenya 2015 ANZAC Day <http://theork.com/>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
> -- 
> Chris Magwood
> Director, Endeavour Centre
> www.endeavourcentre.org
>
>
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