Tuesday 27 January 2009

Britain's first council house made out of... straw

Britain's first council houses made out of straw are to be built in a bid to cut costs and energy consumption.
The six semi-detached homes will be built from 500 bales but will be indistinguishable from normal homes because of their lime-washed walls.
At £60,000, the three-bed properties will cost £20,000 less to build than a conventional house.

They are being built as an 'experiment' by North Kesteven County Council, Lincs., to cut construction costs and meet energy consumption targets.
Marion Brighton, leader of the council, said straw with its exceptional heating properties had massive potential.
She said: 'It's all about affordability, sustainability and cutting down energy consumption. It's the first time it has ever been tried in the UK.
'The straw houses tick all the boxes - cost and energy efficiency. Also, we have a lot of straw in the area. It makes sense to make use of it.
'The properties will look similar to conventional council properties except the outer walls will be whitewashed with lime rather than red brick.
'We hope to continue building with straw and to encourage other councils to follow suit.'
Two semi-detached units each containing two three bed properties are due to be built in the village of Martin, Lincs., in April.
Construction of a further one semi-detached unit is set to start later in the year in Waddington, Lincs.
A spokeswoman for architects Amazon Nails, Todmorden, York., said household bills for the straw homes, said to have a lifespan of 100 years, will be low.
The houses will be on the National Grid but gas would only be supplied for cooking.
The straw walls will be airtight and superinsulated and natural light will be used to maximise warmth.
Each property will have a wood burning stove for the very coldest winter spells.


full article

No comments: