Comments on: Evaluating the Building Site

By: atanda jubril

atanda jubril — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:46:33 +0000

a nice idea i would like to see it some day

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:46:52 +0000

Christi,
All of the details of what are required for hosting are on the website (www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com) under “host a workshop.” In general, all we need is the ability to set up a bunch of tents and have a meeting space big enough to accommodate 20-25 people for Q&A sessions and meals. The host provides the food with a stipend from me (per participant) and also pays for the materials. They are also responsible for the construction of the building prior to the workshop. Everything must be in place in time for us to arrive and do the workshop. I would be interested in talking to you about your site; however, I believe I am filled up for 2008. I may add more dates later on, but for now think I have all the sites I need. If all the workshops fill up way ahead of time and demand seems high, I would consider adding more dates. You may want to check out one of my workshops this year and get “warmed up.” That way you can be sure you want to be a host in the future. Be well.

By: Christi

Christi — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:32:22 +0000

Hi Andrew…..I just found your website and love all of it. I noticed where you said you are looking for hosts for at least 2 more workshops. I know they are both overseas but wanted to know if you would consider a project in the State of Oklahoma. A friend and I are still in the infant stages of our business plan but wanted to be off the grid and go as green as possible with the structures we are planning to build. Don’t know if it will happen in 2008 or later but would like more information on what the requirements are to be a host and what kind of resources do you commonly look for locally that might be needed?

Thanks….and again, thanks for the great website. cd

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:05:08 +0000

I should say that an ideal way to measure the wind is to use an anemometer that is at the elevation of the wind generator. In other words, a hand held anemometer will not give you adequate results for the wind generative powers at 30′ above the ground. You would need a pole and a meter that could reach that height for accurate readings.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:20:19 +0000

Lynetta,
In order to measure the wind, you will need to purchase an anemometer and a recorder. I suggest you go to our home page and do a search on the web for “anemometers.” There are sevral links that show up and that will get you started, Another resource is a great book called “Wind Power for Home and Business” by Paul Gipe. Good luck.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:16:34 +0000

Chung Soo,
Thank you for your kind words. The best roof assemblies that I work with are manufactured trusses because they are fast (they install both the roof and the ceiling at the same time), use smaller members of framing (2×4’s in general), can be heavily insulated for efficiency, and are very strong. If trusses are not available to you, you can frame a roof out of poles (peeled trees of relatively small diameter), or standard framing materials as long as the roof spans are calculated. This becomes more of an engineering question because roof snow loads, dead loads, live loads, and other impacts have to be accounted for in the frame sizing. I would defer to an engineer or a book with certified span tables for such work. I hope this helps..

By: Jeon, Chung Soo

Jeon, Chung Soo — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:24:59 +0000

I am really happy whenever I am watching your website. Your strawbale house is doing a splendid business.

I am doing in processing of post and beam(nonload bearing) soon, but I still have a difficult in Roofing part. I do not care because you are here.
Your website and informations has been a big helpful.

Please let me know how to make a strong roof.
Thanks again.

By: Lynetta

Lynetta — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:39:32 +0000

The info abt the sun/moon pathways is very useful, thanks! Any hope that there is some similar pattern that will help predict summer/winter winds?

Some years back I inherited the family 40 – (homestead from 1874 in Michigan) – land hasn’t been farmed since the 40’s nor lived on since 1980, no buildings left standing. I’ve decided to build a small home there but the siting is daunting as 2 sides of the rectangle are on a county road, and the old driveway has been eaten by the woods. Where ever I decide to put it, I need to clear land and build a drive, so there are too many options.

Meanwhile I live in SF so can’t spend the time I’d like to scoping it out. Any thoughts on figuring out prevailing winds by season would be appreciated.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:27:32 +0000

Thank you for the feedback Chadwick. I am happy to have helped you. It sounds like a big project you have going. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly!

Andrew

By: Chadwick Mckellar

Chadwick Mckellar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:48:22 +0000

I’m in the process of building a “spec” house on the Sioux Reservation in Rosebud, SD.,in which we will build a min. of 45 homes via load bearing walls. Your info has been “very” helpful… Keep up the good work.