News! (updated May 2, 2008)
Don't miss the Seventh Annual COSBA Natural Building Conference, "A Systems Approach to the Perfect Dwelling", in beautiful Durango on June 14 and 15. Now we know that we cannot possibly tell you how to build the "perfect" dwelling. What's perfect is what's perfect for you. So focus on the word "approach". Our philosophy is that with each house, with each bit of information we absorb, with every minute of experience we can have under our belt -- we can move closer and closer to that Omega point called perfection. And through studying the various systems involved with natural home building, from foundations to roofing materials, we can integrate them into a better home than if we had regarded each system as independent of the other.
We hope you will join us mid-June for this comprehensive construction systems study. Whether you're an architect, builder, or prospective owner/builder ... heck, even if you just want to build the perfect chicken coop, you're all invited and most welcome at the conference. Visit www.strawbaleconference.com for more information and to register today!
The spring workshops and classes are starting to take shape. Some are coming up quickly, so check out the events page for more information on green remodeling, HERS integration, plastering and more!
And for anyone whose been wondering what Mark Schueneman, the head guy at COSBA, has been up to, just take a look at the video above (provided courtesy of James at CU's Division of Continuing Education). Thanks to many willing volunteers and two beautiful days, I believe the walls of Mark's future home are up. (And while Sven and Sarah kept the crew moving, we didn't actually work that fast!) Things for Sale!! (may or may not be available by the time you call)
Straw bale home for sale. Magnificent passive solar, SB home for sale. Located a few miles from downtown historic Salida, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on two acres and features 2000 sq ft of heated living space, 3 covered porches equaling 740 sq ft, an oversized two car garage and terrific views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The open floor plan is flooded with light and showcases cathedral ceilings, stained concrete floors and an exposed post and beam structure. A few of the many special features include: water rights allowing irrigation, natural plasters and an indoor/outdoor fireplace. This house is currently under construction with an anticipated finish date of August 2007. Check this one of a kind jem out at www.solarwisellc.com and contact Timbo Scursso for more information. (posted 4/3/07).
Mikasa “Tamping Rammer” - MT75HS, 2002. Impact force 2125-3200 lbs/blow, 152 pounds in weight.
Great machine for compacting soil – especially helpful in foundation preparation, footings, etc.
Rebuilt carborator, good condition, $1450.00 obo. Please call Rick at 303 444 3158 for more info.
Wildfire Prevention Techniques
We all know that bale homes stand up well to fire, but for those of you who either have built, are building or are even considering building in any of the forested areas of our dry state, consider contacting Kristine and Ryan Borchers at Fire Ready for some tips in safe-guarding your home. They can be reached at 970-749-7267 or info@fireready.com and more info is listed at www.fireready.com. Let's hope for a cold, snow-filled winter!
Why straw bale? We have an answer!
Do some of your friends still give you funny looks when you mention building a house out of straw? Do you feel the need to explain yourself when they ask why you can't just have a "normal" house? Check out the response Brian Fuentes, architect and COSBA member, came up with at http://www.fuentesdesign.com/buildings/projects/why_straw_bale.php. Based on both fact and personal experience, his reflections on our favorite building material will provide plenty of answers to that timeless question.
Older News
Winter Reading and Research - The Last Straw Back Issues
OK, the snow fall is building up on the Front Range and those of us not in a nice, cozy bale house are dreading the arrival of the winter heating bills. If it's time to start planning your own straw bale house, look no further than The Last Straw and the accumulated wisdom found in their past and future issues. Back issues are available on paper and CD-Rom and current subscriptions can be received as hard copies or on line. Visit them at www.thelaststraw.org and order now to beat the inevitable postage increase for next year. And of course a TLS subscription makes a great gift idea, too!
International On Line Straw Bale Forum Launched
A bale builder from across the pond (UK) has just begun a forum that touches on all sorts of straw bale topics. He's welcoming input and putting together a panel of "experts", so check out the site at www.strawbaleforum.com/forum or send an email to Trevor Cryer. His own bale pages are at www.strawbale.co.uk.
Straw Bale in Siberia
Jeff Ruppert has returned from a successful trip to the Altai in Siberia - read about his experience and check out his photos here.
COSBA membership form
Mission
COSBA is committed to expanding and sharing knowledge, experience and techniques for straw bale and sustainable building. COSBA promotes quality building practices and serves as a resource to building professionals and homeowners.
|
