Post & Beam Straw

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How to build a post & beam straw bale structure

Part Three - Finish materials & interior details

This section illustrates the interior work, techniques, materials and details for a post & beam straw bale infill home.

The masonry furnace core and rough block work is completed. This type of fireplace uses the heat from a very hot fire, stores it in the masonry and releases it slowly into the space. It is located in the central open area for maximum benefit. This is the back-up heating source. It also contains a bake oven.

The structure is left exposed in some areas and painted or finished. This steel framing is one example. Without adding extra materials the cost and ecological impact is reduced. Ist honest approach creates a modern industrial appearance. Interior walls are also framed with steel; this allows the work to proceed very quickly, and limiting the use of wood products.

The finished interior plaster is a mix of white sand, lime & water. It was trowel applied, using light-weight, flexible Japanese trowels. The finish can vary depending on application technique, from a textured style, sponged sanded finish or a very smooth finish. Color can be added to the plaster mix if desired. This surface can also be frescoed while wet or stained with natural pigments after it is dry. Latex or oil based paints can not be used. Tiles, stones or other materials and forms can be added to the plaster.

A wood ceiling is added over the soy insulation, and raised above the exposed steel structure. The wood was pre-stained & sealed with water based low VOC products. The dark ceiling color balances the white plastered walls.

Many of the wall surfaces are straw board or dakota burl as an alternative to drywall. These products were installed with exposed fasterners and finished with clear low VOC products.

The ceiling of the kitchen is created using refirbished recycled tin ceilings. the cabinets installed are solid wood, not constructed with particle board frames (since this material can produce off-gassing). The countertops are black color matte finish paperstone, a solid surface recycled paper product. The back-splash is stainless steel tiles.

The floor is stained concrete concrete. This approach also eliminates the extra flooring material and labor needed. American made appliances are used. Fluorescent lighing is used above and below the cabinets.

The stairs were covered with recycled content carpets. A commercial grade was selected to provide many years of service. Interior block walls divide the living space from the garage, provide fire separation. The block walls are also another very honest material that adds lots of texture, and once the blocks are laid, no further finish work is needed. The wall is capped by the same stone that was used for the window sills.

Fluorescent lighting is used to illuminate the landing. A custom steel railing was fabricated by a local craftsman. Black steel corrugated roofing material was added for the walls and above the landing.

Niches can easily be shaped into the walls, these are used for votive candles. There were several niches of various sizes and shapes created also sculptures, pictures and display. The shelf added is the cut off pieces of the stone used for the window sills. The shelves can also be made of wood, plaster, tile and other materials. Niches are cut into the wall prior to plaster. Plaster can also be brought out of the wall plane and sculpted.

The masonry furnace was finished with frosted glass tiles. The doors of the bake oven and fire-box were included in the masonry furnace kit. The top and mantle are the same natrual stone used for the window sills. The bench at the side has hollow chambers connected to the chimney this warms up the seat - conveniently located to the front door.

The exterior door was fabricated from local wood by a local craftsperson. It is double thickness with insulation panels between the facing material.

A mosaic compass rose was added to the concrete floor during the pour of the slab. The concrete is finished with concrete stain and sealed.

A "truth window" is a tradition for straw bale structures. This window is crafted by a natural furniture maker and builder. It opens to reveal the straw of the wall behind the plaster, telling the truth of the material used.