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Biomass, Bocabec System Efficiency: Straw bale house (R45 walls and ceiling)
Date of Installation: summer 2004-2005 Type/kind: Residential (2 occupants) Installer: Chris Myer constructed wood frame, rest done by themselves Supplier: All building supplies from local sources, including straw & wood Experience: Good experience with installers and builders, some building components could be improved Results: Very comfortable and happy with house; highest energy bill $60, usually $30 Description of Case Study: This house provides excellent examples of energy efficient technologies and techniques. There are no windows on the North side of the house, so as to reduce heat loss. The cold room is on the North side, so as to keep it cooler, and has a very efficient sun frost fridge. They have an on-demand hot water system, which reduces energy use over a hot water tank system, and they have hot water from their stove for a back up. Natural ventilation keeps the house cool in the summer, while passive solar (from a greenhouse and large southern windows) provide most of the heat in the winter, with a wood stove for back up. They also have an electric heater for when they are away for extended periods.
Biggest issue was trying a stucco exterior, which could not withstand wetter weather, so they have added wood as the exterior siding to provide better protection. Their garden and greenhouse supply all of their vegetables for the year. |
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Cost: $115,000 for all building materials, appliances, etc.
They use a composting toilet, to reduce water use and provide a product that they can use for landscaping. They have to clean it out once a year, taking about an hour. The use the compost in their flower beds.