Building a straw bale hostel! (pier foundation)

Chasing a dream

As many travelers I've also had the dream to open a hostel. After my trip to Georgia (the country not the state) this dream became an actual plan. I am not a professional business man, architect or builder. I am a student that decided to chase his dream! At this moment I am planning how to build the hostel.

I want to build the hostel using straw bales. I've noticed that most architects don't know how to design with these materials and that most constructors don't know how to build with them. This has so far been pretty frustrating and that's why I've decided to educate myself as much as possible and learn myself how to do these things.

That's why I am making this post: I am looking for books, video's, plans,... really anything that can help me to educate myself. I am especially looking for sources where I can learn how to do the calculations for the load bearing. From the first floor on I would want to use the CUT technique from Tom Rijven. But I do not know if this technique is possible with this kind of building. For the pillars I am still thinking about using concrete or wood. I think wood will be way more beautiful and it's a natural resource but concrete on the other hand is stronger and more durable.

Any suggestions?



CUT technique (cell under tension) - Tom Rijven

Website:
Hostel Tago

The plans so far:


As you see I want the first floor to be open. The main reason is to ventilate the building and protect the straw bale walls against splashing rain as it's build in a humid climate. But I've also chosen to design the building like this for aesthetical and practical reasons. The roof has a big over hang this is also to protect the straw bale walls against the climate. On one of the outer walls I would love to mount a climbing how this will be done is still a mystery to me so any idea's are welcome!

Ground floor (0):


First floor (1):


Second floor (2):


Third floor (3):


Roof (4):


In attachment you will also find the sketch-up and pdf files for the people interested. The Archicad file is too big but if wanted I can send it trough mail.

All plans are free to use for other people who might find them useful!