[Scpg] [HD] - Straw Bale Workshop Sat Nov 10

Wesley Roe and Marjorie Lakin Erickson lakinroe at silcom.com
Wed Oct 31 21:32:39 PST 2001


Semmes & Company will be holding a Straw Bale Workshop Saturday November 
10, 2001.  The workshop is located at one of our current projects in Los 
Osos.  The workshop will start at 9am with an informative lesson on straw 
bale construction.  Shortly after, we will be working together on the 
house, learning about the various tools used, erecting bale walls, and 
teaching many different tricks of the trade.

This is a working workshop; please wear appropriate work clothes, boots, 
sunglasses, and a sweatshirt.  The weather in Los Osos could really go 
either way… so please use discretion.

At the event we will provide you with a sandwich lunch and 
refreshments.  The workshop will conclude with a tasty home cooked 
vegetarian dinner prepared by the owners, Bill and Peggi Charlesworth.

All ages are welcome, however,space is limited…

Please call Carrie Steck (805)-466-6737 ext. 203 for more information.

Or e-mail at >csteck at semmesco.com.

Please RSVP by Wednesday November 7, 2001.

a little bit about the house...

Charlesworth Residence

The Charlesworth Residence, located in Los Osos, California, is a 3,200 
sqft. two story single-family structure.  This passive solar house has the 
appropriate mix of straw bale and stud wall construction.  The design 
includes 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths with multi-use studio/loft, attic, and large 
open kitchen/dining/living room space.  The building also includes an 800 
sqft. detached Garage with a Portico.

This two level design has many passive solar features that combine to aid 
in its overall energy efficiency and unique character.

Orientation and the site of the building itself maximize south exposure of 
both skylights and windows.

Super insulated straw bale walls with interior thermal mass (stucco 
finish).  This house also includes R-30 insulation in the ceilings and a 
clay tile roof.

In floor radiant heating; unlike forced air heating where all the heat 
rises to the ceiling, radiant heating remains where you are due to the 
tubes running through the floor.

The floor is an exposed concrete slab with stain finish and deep joints.

This house will also have concrete countertops and window seats in selected 
locations.

Photovoltaic pre-wire is used to connect this home to the sun and helps to 
turn the energy meter backwards.






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