Building with bales is not new and can be amazingly simple or very complex depending on where you are building and if you need to permit a project. From our own experience, the greatest advantages of building with straw are:

• High Insulation Factor of R-40
• Uses waste material rather than cutting down trees
• High aesthetic value of thick textured walls
• Fast for wall building
• Good sound barrier
• Saves energy in heating and cooling

SB construction is not necessarily a cheaper way to build but it will save money in long run with energy costs.

The projects we have done locally are small, unpermitted structures for gardens and entertaining as well a couple guesthouses (see www.haylapa.com) and homes in Mexico.

Workshops

We offer one day workshops on the basics of building with bales which are held throughout San Diego County at actual homeowner sites. We first consult homeowners on design and site preparation and once those requirements are met, we solicit workshop participants to help build the project. It is a win win way to teach, learn and participate in building something. If you would like to be a workshop participant or have a project you would like built, please contact us.