I just got an email from a man who wanted to know what I thought about moving a straw bale structure. He plans to use more modern techniques, but I imagine the same concerns would apply with either technique. My concerns are laid out below. I’d like to hear if anyone has experience with this or thoughts on the matter.

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Here are my thoughts and/or concerns about the process.

1. The structure will be heavier than a conventional house. The bales weigh about 35 lbs each and you can expect to stack them seven courses high. That’s about 82 pounds per square foot of floor plan at seven courses high just for the bales, no frame or anything else included.

2. The plaster will be more likely to crack than drywall will. That said, if you use lime plaster it will be more flexible and able to handle more movement than cement based plasters. If you use clay plaster, you can easily patch any cracks with simple patches, not whole wall skim coats.

3. Load bearing structures would likely be harder to move than a framed structure because of the way the windows and doors are attached.

With these things in mind, I think it would be very possible, especially if you use a qualified company and don’t try and do it yourself, even with a back hoe and some rope! :)

About the Author

Andrew Morison is a specialist in straw bale and green construction. He has shown thousands of people how to build their own straw bale projects through his comprehensive series of instructional straw bale, concrete foundation, and plastering DVDs. You can check these out at www.LearnStrawBale.com..

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