Straw houses explode in Spain

It all started at the end of the 19th century, when straw was used to build houses on the vast plains of Nebraska (USA). In France, a house was built with this material in 1920 (today it is the headquarters of the French association dedicated to such buildings), and in Spain the first houses date from the mid-1990s.

But what does such a structure consist of? President and founder Rikki Nitzkin Wire Mesh Construction Network (RCP)an NGO that coordinates professionals dedicated to this industrydescribes the two main systems that exist today. One is to stack shells low to build load-bearing walls as if they were bricks. “This is the oldest technique, but it’s more precise because not all professionals know how to apply it properly,” Nitzkin says.

The second option, which is more used because it is less complex, is infill structures, that is, a structure (usually made of wood) is erected as a skeleton and then filled with straw.

Not every professional is qualified to build a straw house.. “If you want to build with this material, you’ll need to research available techniques and become familiar with biostructure,” the RCP president warns. For example, you need to know how water vapor behaves to prevent the straw from retaining moisture. “If a traditional construction technician wants to dedicate himself to it, he should seek advice on bio-structure or turn to prefabricated panels that are marketed again,” says Rikki Nitzkin.

Savings in cooling and heating

Among the main qualities of this type of housing, “Unrivaled thermal insulation capacity”, allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature when it is both cold and hot outside. This represents economic savings in cooling and heating, as well as a reduction in gas emissions to the atmosphere caused by these artificial air conditioning systems.

The head of RCP points out that the cost of making straw is not cheaper than the traditional type, “but what you don’t save on building, you save in the long run by reducing costs like air conditioning and air conditioning”. other maintenance.

The first straw house in Spain was built about 30 years ago and has been since there are already “several hundred” operating in various parts of the national geography. And there’s more every day. These are not just small cabins or sheds for occasional use. being built big housescapable and proven resilience for several families.

The number of architects, surveyors and builders specializing in this system is growing. Assures that “there is more and more demand,” Nitzkin says, “Anyone who wants to devote himself to this industry will always have a job.” and the number of projects is constantly increasing. In reality, he adds, “there are people who don’t build with straw just because they can’t find professionals to do it.”

“Exponential increase in demand”

Alike is Alejandro López, architect and bio-maker of the Okambuva company, a label scattered in many homes across the country. ” increase in demand looks exponential and incipient; “I think it will increase very and rapidly in the coming months and years.”

López is currently the biggest obstacle to this type of housing. lack of professionals for both the project phase and the execution of the work”.

He is currently involved in 15 projects related to sustainable construction, both straw making and other natural techniques. The person in charge of Okambuva says the future is promising.

To solve the problem of precisely the lack of professionals, more and more courses and workshops are being held to teach the secrets of a construction method that has little to do with laying bricks and concrete. These are techniques that usually date back centuries and are closely linked to nature.

Actually, A meeting was held in Covarrubias (Burgos) last May. The straw construction national meeting that brings together RCP members to exchange ideas and projects about this growing industry. The company’s website also offers information about training courses and workshops.

the belief that it can form straw danger is denied in case of fire because this material is never exposed or exposed, but clay or lime plasters are applied that are completely resistant to the effects of flames according to laboratory tests.

A construction system that was previously viewed with distrust and even disdain is gaining popularity, especially among people who are more aware of the need. protect the environmental impact and reduce the carbon footprint in your daily life.

Rikki Nitzkin is the author of two books on straw bale making, ‘Straw Houses: a guide for the self-builder’ (2nd ed. 2016, ed. EcoHabitar) and ‘A complete guide to straw bale making’ (2020, ed. Permanent Publications) ) and has a company that provides training in this technique: https://tallerconco.org/

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Contact the environment department:crisclimatica@prensaiberica.es