Empordaguia

Maren Termens is a technical architect and builds straw bale houses. With her partner Rikki Nitzkon she wrote “Houses of straw – a guide for self-builders.”

Straw bale building, born in the US during the 19^th C, is today at a very special point: on the one hand, environmental conscience that makes us use local, natural, and healthy materials, is on the rise. On the other hand, the economic crisis is driving us to seek alternatives, and straw bale construction is one of them. At least, that is what the architect Maren Termens believes: she not only builds with straw bales, but also organizes workshops and writes books about them. “Straw bales have many advantages, as they are a natural product that is usually available locally. Little energy is used in making them, they give great thermal and acoustic insulation, and they leave hardly any waste. They also stimulate owner-building and the participation of women.” There are three main techniques. The best known for its simplicity and economy is the “Nebraska system” with weight-carrying walls; straw bale walls are built in a similar fashion as with bricks. Another system uses vertical supports and beams that carry the roof; straw bales are used for the insulating walls. Finally there is the hybrid system that combines the advantages of both techniques. Within these systems, there are innumerable possibilities for construction. You can find more information at www.tallerdepalla.com and at www.casasdepaja.org