In the Sonoran desert, where the sun shines nearly every day of the year, we built a home in harmony with the land. We built two strawbale structures - a passive solar 1400 sq ft. (interior) house and a 400 sq ft. (interior) music studio. Both have metal roofs and earthen plastered walls. The house is designed for passive solar heat with a wood burning stove for added heat, and an evaporative cooler and ceiling fans for cooling. We transplanted existing native plants, minimized our footprint, ate food from our garden, and eggs from our chickens.
The house nearly regulated itself, and we have many happy memories. The studio was a constantly evolving place of beauty in which I created amazing music. After four years of living there, we made a decision to move, and sold our house and studio.
This web site chronicles the adventure of building. It is intended to help those wanting to build their own house, or just learn about what we did. Follow the links below if you want to find out more.
Would we do it again? Yes, when the time is right again.
November, 2000 - FINAL PERMITS! WE DID IT!
No photo albums for September and October
March, 2000 - WALLRAISING
February, 2000 - rough plumbing, cement slab, etc.
December, 1999 & January, 2000 - bales delivered; trailer on land, etc.
Summer - Fall, 1999 - Land Stewardship
Cost Breakdown - $39/square foot (!!), but oh, so much time.
Last updated on November 5, 2004.