Straw bale house "Hattefall"
Client: Private
Duration: Research
Size: 25 m2
A research project studying the use of modular straw bale elements in sustainble small scale construction.
The building industry in Sweden today stands for almost 40% of Swedens energy related CO2 emissions and the global construction sector is a major waste producer in the world. Modular straw bale elements enable the construction of houses with a low-to-no carbon footprint. The aim with the straw bale project is to study and create a building typology with a holistic perspective, in harmony with nature, with emphasis in craftmenship and spirituality.
The advantages of a straw-bale construction over conventional building systems include the renewable nature of straw, low cost, easy availability, naturally fire-retardant material and high insulation value.The house is constructed with straw bale walls, lime render on the outside and clay plaster on the inside. The house has a structural timberframe and the straw bales are used in between the frames for isolation. The interior walls are plastered with clay plaster, which is less toxic and energy intensive than many other wall claddings and provides a nice indoor climate. The roof is clad with wood.
