News / Environment
UK’s first straw bale houses to be sold
The UK’s first straw bale houses are being sold on Monday by sealed bids.
The seven homes in St Bernard’s Road, Shirehampton are the first houses built out of straw to meet stringent scientific and industry standards, which ensures they qualify for regular mortgage and insurance.
Developer Martin Conelly said: “Straw bale is the future of sustainable housing. Unlike conventional building materials, our homes do not cost the earth, financially or environmentally.
is needed now More than ever
“Made from straw, which is home-grown and stores carbon, our straw bale homes are quick to construct, durable and fuel-efficient. Straw bale is a win-win solution to the housing shortage.”
The houses were built in only nine days because the unique design of prefabricated straw bales sandwiched between timber frames precision-made to slot together on-site.
Research by the University of Bath showed that the super-insulated, fuel-efficient straw bale homes can save up to 90 per cent on the average household’s heating bills.
Connelly says the houses produce virtually all the energy they need to run and, in addition, rainwater harvesting cuts water and sewage bills, while LED lights, solar panels and an air-source heat pump reduce light and heating costs.
The houses also have solar panels and a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR), swaps the home’s stale heated air with fresh air which should also reduce heating bills.
The houses are expected to sell for £220,000 for two bed houses and £235,000 for a four bed.
Connolly said demand for the houses has been high and they received more than 300 enquiries.
“We have shown there is a hunger for affordable, fuel-efficient homes using straw, a natural home-grown sustainable building material. The public can have values-led housing – and value for money.”
A second development is also planned in Bristol later this year.
Connolly added: “Thanks to economies of scale, the next development of 49 homes will be cheaper, and have communal features including a common house and allotments.”
The first straw bale homes are being built on St Bernard’s Rd, Bristol BS11 9UR.