straw bale efficiency

ws9876

I have a 2 story cabin. The bottom part has 4 walls that have cement block columns and timber framing in between .3 out of the 4 walls are insulated with 14 inches of clean straw.The 4rth wall is just straight cement block and fiberglass.
Both sides of the straw walls are covered in metal lathe and cement. The top floor is just stick framed with fiberglass.
The bottom floor in on a slab insulated and can stay at 62 degrees all the time no matter how hot it is outside.Even days of 90 degrees. It is a nice clean feel, no must smell or mold. In the winter it stays above freezing almost all the time without heat downstairs but heat upstairs. The floor in between has 8 inches of fiberglass in it. Living is done upstairs.
The only problem is potential buyers from out of state havent a clue about this kind of design and dont want to know about it.
They just want a fishing cabin with normal stuff and neat and trim. Even if they will only use it 3 weeks a year.
I have thought about pulling the straw and putting in 14 inches of fiberglass. and normal siding,not cement. It would look better for them.
What I wonder is will the house keep the same amazing temp constant qualities??? In the event that it still doesnt sell ,will I lose the good qualities that it had with the straw?? I didnt build it. Just finished it. What do you think??

Photowhit

Re: straw bale efficiency

You just need to find the right buyer, I wouldn't put more money into it. It will make it even harder to get your money out of it...

Perhaps put up notices in alternative life style places, local natural/health food stores and/or coops, check out 'peace' groups, sustainable living groups and such in your area, Where the heck is "northern" anyway?

Cariboocoot

Re: straw bale efficiency

The only problem is potential buyers from out of state havent a clue about this kind of design and dont want to know about it.

Then don't tell them.
What they don't know won't hurt them. All they need know about is the end result efficiency, not how it is achieved.

It isn't straw, it's "high-efficiency, ecologically sound insulation".

ws9876

Re: straw bale efficiency

northern is the Idaho/Montana prairie 6000 ft.

mike95490

Re: straw bale efficiency

ws9876 wrote: »

Both sides of the straw walls are covered in metal lathe and cement

Straw BALE houses must be able to have both sides (inside/outside) be vapor PERMerable. This prevents condensation from building inside the wall and rotting the straw.
The foundation and floors must be sealed to prevent water vapor intrusion or wicking.

So, just lose straw fill, I don't know about.