A Strawbale.com Success Story

Ken and Kristin’s retirement home in Delta, Colorado, did not begin with a set of drawings. It began with learning.

Ken first attended one of our in-person design workshops in 2023. That experience gave him a clearer understanding of wall systems, layout relationships, and the sequencing required to move from idea to permit. Instead of rushing into construction, he built literacy first.

From there, Ken continued stacking resources. He joined a hands-on construction workshop, deepening his practical understanding of bale stacking and plaster.

After gaining both design and field experience, he purchased a pre-designed house plan from strawbale.com (Sierra Verde 1200 sq ft) and worked directly with the plan’s designer to modify it for their site and goals. That step grounded the project in a proven framework while allowing room for thoughtful adjustments.

As the project progressed, I consulted with him to help bridge design decisions and on-site realities, clarifying structural questions, sequencing, and coordination as needed.

Ken ultimately built the home himself with the help of an experienced friend, selected subcontractors, and a hosted workshop. The result is a completed straw bale home where he and Kristen now live comfortably.

We previously shared more of Ken’s backstory in the Meet the Host – Delta, CO article, which highlights the earlier stages of their journey and the commitment behind it. This chapter shows the full arc.

Ken’s project is a clear example of how strawbale.com resources work together. Design education. Hands-on workshops. Pre-designed plans. Plan modification. Focused consulting. Each step built on the last.

The home did not happen because of a single product or service. It happened because he used the right level of support at the right stage.

That progression is where design value becomes real.