We want to build a 200 sq. ft shed for outside cats with an attached pen so they can still enjoy living outdoors and at the same time, be protected from predators.
This type of building is new to us so I'm trying to establish a game plan. Can you guys tell me if I'm on the right track with my thinking?
- A 10x20 shed with a front wall height of 6' and a back wall height of 5'. I've calculated needing about 100 bales of
straw (ones that are 14"x36" in size). Does this sound right?
- Our plan is to build a wooden deck and then build all 4 walls strictly out of straw bales (with the exception of the door frame) up to a 5' wall height all around. Then, attach a top plate to the top of all 4 walls and build the roof frame out of lumber and cdx plywood with corrugated panels being attached to the cdx. Then, apply wire mesh to the straw walls and cover in an earthen lime plaster.
- Our plan for the attached pen is the same basic principle: build a wooden platform outlining the pen walls, build the walls up from there with straw and
chicken wire, then build a roof and cover the straw walls in an earthen lime plaster.
Does it sound like we're on the right track? Is there anything we're overlooking? Also, we live in Alabama where summers are hot and humid and winters are fairly decent with freak snow occasionally and temps ranging from 20-35 degrees.
I have attached 2 pictures. One is of our
yard where the shed and pen will be built. It's unlevel which is why we are going to build a deck to build up from. The other is of an image we found that resembles what our shed will look like except ours will be a sloping shed roof and not an A frame.
Any and all help is appreciated! Especially with estimating cost.😊