ProjectS.T.R.A.W.

Saving Today’s Resources in Awesome Ways

What are we doing?

• We will be building a passive solar,

Strawbale house in Spring, 2010 at FELC

Joe Ferut, Architect

Mark Hoberecht, Natural Builder are

overseeing the project.

Why are we doing it?

• We are committed to educating and inspiring the people of Seneca County to consider a passive strawbale house as an affordable, beautiful, energy efficient, natural and sustainable way to build.

• Little Portion Green will demonstrate many alternative ways of using our natural resources in a responsible way that reflects our love for the earth.

• Our goal is to reach zero energy.

Architect rendering of Little Portion Green

Features

Passive solar design Most windows are facing south Low e, triple pane windows Wind and solar power ERV system – Energy Recovery Ventilation

Hybrid electric heat pump water heater Concrete and tile floors low flow toilets European model drying closet Cistern for rain water catchment Interior finish – earth plaster (clay, sand) Permaculture landscaping

Passive solar – winter/summer

ERV System – ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION

Harvest Build

• The plan for Little Portion Green

Let’s look at some possibilities…

• Windows

• Water heater

• Solar panels

• Appliances

WindowsLoewen windows – manufactured in Canada,

sold in Toledo, Ohio

Heat Smart T.XT•Triple glazed,• two layers of low e coatings •two ½” air spaces with argon gas

may have one German made (Optiwin) window for demonstration purposes

The latest in water heatersan electric heat pump water heater

A compressor and evaporator is integrated into the water heater. The evaporator draws in ambient heat from the surrounding air using two variable speed fans. Electric coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom to transfer this heat into the tank and heat the water.

An electronic back-lit LCD display at eye level lets you adjust temperature settings easily.

Powered by PV panels

Reduces water heating operating cost up to 62% saving up to $320 per year

Building with Strawbales

•

Traditional Strawbale

Load Bearing

Post and Beam

Chapel of the Nativity,Spencer, WV.

Traditional Strawbale

Aesthetics

• A major consideraton….

Student built – Denison University

Hoberecht Cottage

Volunteersa community endeavor

• This summer, 2010 there will be two weekend strawbale workshops where participants will learn how to build with bales by building with bales!

• We are depending on lots of volunteer labor

•Money

this too is a community endeavorProjected cost - $100.000

grass roots project: buy a bale for $100.00Grants and larger donationswe’re almost half way there

Dreams become a realitywhen we all work together

Check us out: www.projectstraw.com