News
Monday 1 December 2008
Straw bale study to assess decay risk for homeowners
The durability of straw bale houses is being put to the test by construction experts at Nottingham Trent University. Researchers are monitoring the buildings – which have seen a surge in popularity over the last ten years – to assess the long term risk of serious degradation and the potential consequences for homeowners. They also want to gauge the effectiveness of the various technologies being used to protect the straw bales from decay.
Straw bale houses, which can use bales for both load-bearing walls and infill, are seen by some self-builders as an ideal option as they are cheap to build, highly sustainable, and provide excellent insulation – although little research has been carried out investigating how they might stand the test of time.
As part of the ongoing study – which also includes researchers from the University of Plymouth, University of Bath and Cardiff School of Art and Design – sensors and humidity meters are inserted deep within the walls to measure the amount of moisture the buildings’ walls are taking in. They aim to gauge of how susceptible the buildings are to decay.
The study, in collaboration with private homeowners, will also enable researchers to weigh-up the effectiveness of the technologies used to coat and shelter the straw bales in connection with the walling systems, and which work best under different climates and exposures.
“It’s easy to see why straw bale houses are so popular, they can be produced at reasonable cost , have little embodied energy as they incorporate a waste product, and can provide superb insulation,” said Steve Goodhew, Professor of Sustainable Technology, and Head of the Applied Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.
“But as the buildings have only really started appearing in the last ten years we want to investigate whether the likelihood of degradation of the walls, and the measures that homeowners can employ to reduce the risk. We expect to see more of these homes being built over the next few years; the simple fact is that the price of food has risen so more wheat, oats and barley are being produced, resulting in more straw being used for building.”
ENDS
Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Senior Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
