We completed the structural design of this straw bale house on Lake Garda.
PREFABRICATED TIMBER FRAMES
The load-bearing structures of any straw bale house (in seismic zones) are made of timber.
In this case, we designed self-supporting prefabricated timber frames within which the straw was positioned.
The frames have dimensions of approximately 40 cm in thickness to accommodate the pre-compressed straw bales.
Depending on seismic loads, different types of bracing can be selected to limit horizontal deformations.
In this case, we chose to use timber “K” bracing connected to the studs and beams.
The walls are installed on concrete curbs, above which paired larch sill plates anchored to the reinforced concrete have been provided.
The walls are installed at a level higher than the external “finished” level to ensure the necessary service life of the structure (<50 years).
The roof slab was designed with solid spruce timber beams.
An interesting feature of this construction method is the possibility of prefabricating a large portion of the elements in the factory.
FINISHES
The walls arrive on site pre-assembled and, given the excellent thermal properties of straw, only need to be completed with plaster.
Typically, lime-based plaster is applied on the exterior (laid on reed mats) and clay plaster on the interior.
Depending on the technical skills of the installers, it is sometimes possible to use clay found on site during excavation for the execution of interior plasters.
The result is a healthy environment created with 100% natural, zero-kilometer materials without solvents or resins.
PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENT
- Detailed design of concrete foundation structures
- Detailed design of timber/straw structures
For detailed technical information on the system, contact us here.
