Alex Fournier

Sean Rauch wrote:Chris, correct me if I'm wrong on this but wouldn't this system create a thermal bridge all around the perimeter of the second floor?

Wood is an insulator. Every inch has an R value of 1. The box is normally filled with straw or insulation.

The bales can be pre-compressed with metal straps. The same that are used to pack skids and crates. Or nylon. The book I read also says the roof can be put on, and the bales can be left a year to compress naturally, then plastered. Not sure if that works in all climates (unless maybe the overhang is wide enough?).

Chris I'm glad to hear it can be done! The box beam sill plate is 2x4s sandwiched between ply? Stuffed with bales / insulation? I suspect there is more to it than just using joist hangers. Thanks so much for the reply! Can you tell me who your engineer/architect was? How was the inspector with 2 stories?

Thanks for the tip. I'd like to get more specific answers for my original questions. Not just random guesses and suggestions.

I would be getting permits for all this and assume the insulation, and gas sealed fire rated drywall ceilings in a garage would be normal code.

I guess stick framing would be a good choice if the bales were cut and fitted around each wall. I wonder how well they would hold up to stucco. Normally a straw bale house holds up better without any kind of vapor barrier, which causes moisture problems in straw bale construction. Sticks would make it tricky. What kind of thickness would I need to support the extra weight of bales on the second story? Are we talking 2x6/2x8 instead of 2x4?

As to my original question, I mentioned using 4 telephone pole or something similar as pillars in each corner, outside of the straw bale walls, to hold up a second floor. I wonder what kind of beams I would need to span 20' without any additional supports.

I should have mentioned the existing structure and foundation would be redone if this project were to happen. I'm looking for someone who might have an alternative to stick frame construction.

I read a good book in 2005 about building with straw and have always loved the idea. I do remember it saying you cannot build a two story load bearing. I would like to build a square 20' x 20' two story structure (existing garage is there). First story is a garage at least 10' high, and second story is a summer seasonal bachelor pad with small bedroom and living room and bathroom with non functional kitchen (cabinets only since I can't get a permit for a kitchen). This is in Central Ontario Cottage Country Kawarthas (lots of straw building in this area apparently). Cold winters lots of snow and hot summers. There is already a cottage on the lot.

I wonder if I could build a second story on 4 piers - like telephone poles, or if there is a way to build two stories on load bearing bales (I doubt it). Can anyone here point me in the right direction? I wonder if there is an engineer / architect out there who I could hire to design the building.

Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!