Re: What to try next

Our name is legion, Yelrah...or may I call you Harley?

My husband asked why I hadn't mentioned what a straw-bale house is. It is made of bales of straw, of a particular dryness, and tied well to form a certain firmness.

To allay fears of fire - it has been found that flames won't burn deeper than one and a half inches before they run out of oxygen. I've heard that rice straw won't burn...I think it is because of the high level of silica (stone) in that type of straw.

Also, once the bales are piled like large bricks, and tied in place by various means, they are thoroughly parged (covered) with concrete.

Small straw-bale houses built for poor people in Central America cost $900 each. I don't know how many facilities were included, but I think $900 is a mighty fine number to start from!

We would have to convince those who establish the building codes, I know. That's why we'd need the services of at least one architect. Straw-bale builders have had to work on skeptical architects. Now I see million-dollar straw-bale houses, and one community where all civic buildings are being rebuilt of straw and beams.

These are very secure, comfortable, and attractive homes...and could be built in rows, with two residences sharing each dividing wall. Noise doesn't transfer.

It will likely take years to start even one small community, still, it would be a nice option to have, for those who take good care of themselves.

The part I like best is that there is a huge incentive for everyone who could help create this. We are all headed in this direction!

Thanks for your input!

Hubby and I drove past Quarzite, AR. It was a sight to see! All kinds of interesting things going on in this world, aren't there?

My best,

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