A.  Using “natural” resources to build energy efficient homes has become quite popular.  Most building codes now recongnize alternative building materials as equal to or better in quality than traditional materials.  These are also fully accepted by lending and insurance companies.  There are three popular alternative materials that have been used successfully in recent years: straw bale, tires, and rammed earth.
 
      Straw bale homes offer exceptional energy efficiency.  They cost about the same as a conventional wood frame house to build, but the thick walls will yield substantial energy savings in the future.  In fact, these homes use half as much energy as a wood home.  Building with dry straw bales will help prevent any rot or pest infestation.  Contrary to common belief, straw bale homes are not a fire hazard.  In fact, a plastered bale home is less combustable than a wood home.
 
      Instead of allowing old tires to fill up our landfills, some have chosen to build with them.  Tires make a sturdy building material because they don’t disintegrate.  They are layered and packed with dirt and/or cans to produce high isulation value.  The walls are usually stuccoed or mudded.  About 1,500 tires are needed to build a 2,700 square foot home.  The 30-inch thick walls of a tire home provide great isulation and low interior noise levels.
 
      Rammed Earth homes are reminicent of the old adobe homes of years past.  They have an energy efficiency rating similar to brick homes and the walls are as strong as concrete.  To protect against water damage, the home should be built on at least one layer of fired bricks or block.  Unfortunately, these asthetically beautiful homes are very labor intensive to build – thus quite expensive.  If you are considering relocating and are in need of caring, competent representation, please call us at 727-894-3900 or email us at gmp@gmprealty.com.