Owner(s): Jack Seigel and Connie Cochrane
Region: Barrie/Muskoka/Parry Sound
Municipality: Orillia

Occupancy date: we've been living here for a couple of years and continue to work on it as time and money allow

Main contractor name: Owner
Straw bale wall system subcontractor company: Camel's Back Construction
Designer's name: Connie Cochrane and Jack Seigel
Length of time to build (start to occupancy): ongoing since July 2001
Volunteer participation: many - family and friends, new and old

Other foundation info: A 4' rubble trench frost wall supports a poured concrete slab on grade with 2" styrofoam SM insulation below the slab and as perimeter skirting. A 30" spread footing with rebar supports the bale walls - foundation and walls by Kris Dick; roof trusses by Lake Scugog Lumber Company

Other roof system info: manufactured roof trusses with steel roofing


Other insulation materials used: ceilings with R40 Roxul

Other bale wall style info: load bearing with bales flat
Other straw bale type: Bales were set flat to maximize the insulation value and provide deep window effects. No pinning was used. 2" x 2" wire fence used as mesh (the plastic mesh was not yet in use). Expanded diamond lathe was applied to shape the curves around window and door openings. Large windows and doors were framed with 2x6 and 2x10 lumber from the floor to the box beam. Smaller windows were installed in 2x6 framing supported within the straw walls.

Other plasters used: high lime plaster

Other information about windows: locally manufactured aluminum clad, cedar windows in casement style
Mechanical systems info: Baxi propane heater for Wirsbo in-floor radiant heat supplemented by RSF topaz zero clearance fireplace. Thermodynamics solar hot water system.
Electrical systems info: 200A grid connection
Other green features: open concept design with cathedral ceilings, open stairway and large interior straw accent wall. Other interior walls are 2x4 and 2x3 stick framing. The second floor is constructed with timber frame elements and engineered joists to minimize lumber. On demand propane domestic hot water and in-floor radiant heating. Solar domestic hot water heating. Concrete kitchen counters.
Anything else you'd like to share?: shallow well standard septic tank and area bed