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I have written in the past about performing the steps necessary to identify the perfect place to build your house. I fully believe in the importance of knowing your site before you build or even design and furthermore suggest that the information regarding your building site be premiere amongst the important data you work with when designing your home.

As a contractor, there is another site evaluation that needs to happen. Consider that the building plans are already complete and the siting of the house has been decided. What else is there to consider about site evaluation?
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Below is the link to the recent briefings on Straw Bale Construction at the US Congress. This is a potentially exciting move for the world of straw bale construction. I know how slowly the US Congress can move, so my breath is bated although not held!
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Last summer, an F-5 tornado ripped through the City of Greensburg, Kansas and destroyed much of the City. Officials there have made a commitment to rebuild their city using green technologies. As it stands now, they plan to use conventional construction methods and simply add green features. I would like to see something bigger. I would like to see the City embrace a whole new style of construction for their rebuild: straw bale construction.
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I want to live in a country that supports Green Construction and healthy living. I want to see more people building green homes and driving efficient vehicles. I want to see the health and strength of my community grow. That is going to take action, not just desire.

Today, the price of oil went up by more than $2 per barrel at its peak. I remember when oil prices were approaching $60 and I thought that was high. Today the price landed at a new high of $88.20 per barrel before retreating a little. As I watched the financial report about this upward trend, I was saddened by the reporter’s comments about the average American consumer and our impact on the entire planet.
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September 29 & 30 – save the date!

John and Julie Ufkes are putting up a pole barn this summer, and wrapping it with straw bales this fall to keep their horses warm. They will be hosting a straw bale wall raising the last weekend of September, led by Dallas Green.

This is a free event, camping is available on site, and lunches will be provided. Please contact Julie for more information at jufkes@fairpoint.net.

I have thought for years about a new name for straw bale construction. In truth, my thoughts have been casual over that time. I am at a turning point where I would like to invest in the depth of this group to ask the question: What is a better name for straw bale construction?
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I hope you can forgive the following marketing! I am close enough to completion on two exciting projects to make an announcement today. In the next few months, we will be releasing a new DVD which will give step by step instruction on how to build a Load Bearing Straw Bale structure!
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Ecoversity in Santa Fe, New Mexico is a hands on learning center that focuses on all things sustainable from natural building to conscious sociology. This summer they are offering a series of free classes and workshops to introduce people to their campus and classes.
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Antony Brown, the Director of the Ecosa Institute in Prescott, Arizona recently held a free workshop in order to introduce kids to environmentally sustainable construction. The workshop was aimed at high school kids with an interest in architecture.
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Below is an invitation to the 2006 ISBBC. This should be a great event for beginners and experts alike.
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