HumaNature Architecture
Honoring and Integrating Human and Nature through Sustainable, Sacred, Regenerative Architecture
303-667-9629 James@HumaNatureArch.com
Pinedale Straw Bale
This passive solar straw bale house for a blended family of 6 near Pinedale, Wyoming, provides a cautionary tale for prospective home builders. The clients said they wanted "something unique and different from a typical home." So, taking inspiration from the fact that there are 6 of them in their close-knit family, I conceived of a home laid out on a hexagonal grid, which is based on the sacred geometry form called the flower of life, which is 6 circles surrounding a 7th, and is the form that is the essence of the honeycomb structure of a bee-hive, and for that matter, all things hexagonal. The clients loved the idea, but when they received the preliminary cost estimates from contractors used to building 90-degree corners, they were dissuaded from pursuing such a form. Unfortunately, a significant amount of time was spent exploring the hexagonal form, only to end up building a simple rectangle. The home is still beautiful, but the clients had to endure the pain of getting their sights set on something unique, and then had to give it up.
It incorporates passive solar design, shading, thermal mass floors, natural ventilation, daylighting, high performance windows, solar water heating, and natural, non-toxic materials.
Conceptual Main Floor Plan
Conceptual Upper Floor Plan
Revised, Simplified Main Floor Plan
Final Main Floor Plan
Final Upper Floor Plan
CAD Model from Southeast
Pre-Bale Framing
