Namerind pioneers straw bale houses

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A straw bale house pilot project may help to solve the chronic shortage of quality housing for Aboriginal people in Regina.

The North American Indian Housing Corporation, called Namerind, is in the final stages of completing a straw bale house at 717-7th Avenue in Eastview. This is the first of five straw houses the non-profit corporation plans to build over the next five years as part of its efforts to increase its portfolio of 300 housing units. The pioneering project is the first of its kind in an urban centre in Western Canada.

"I don't restrict the potential to urban or rural areas or reserves," said Don Lussier, the general manager of Namerind.

Namerind plans to build five 1,100 square foot, three-bedroom bungalows for about $50,000 each over the next five years.

The straw bales - which pass building and fire code regulations - form the shell of a single-family house which is finished off with exterior stucco, interior plaster and wooden ceiling beams. The post and beam house actually measures about 1,300 square feet but the 18-inch width of the straw bales trims a couple of hundred square feet off the living space.

Building the demonstration house has been a learning experience for everyone including engineers, architects and trades people, said Lussier.

"Part of the long-term study is to study what happens to the walls and the heating, moisture and drying," said Lussier.

The house was designed to fit into a neighborhood without attracting attention, said Lussier. Anyone passing by the house wouldn't be able to tell it was built from straw by looking at the outside.

"Namerind is looking for two-fold saving - first a saving in construction costs, second a saving to our tenant in heating and cooling costs," said Lussier. He estimates savings on construction at 15 to 20 per cent, and 30 per cent on heating and cooling costs.

It's difficult to tell it's a straw bale house when you're inside. The only give away is a two-and-a-half-foot rectangle picture frame covered with glass to show the straw.

Chris Lafontaine, Namerind's secretary treasurer, said he's glad for the partnership between Namerind and the SHC on this project. As Namerind's need for housing continues to grow, it's good to work together and find creative solutions, he added.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation donated the land and contributed $25,000 towards the development and construction cost. SHC has installed monitors throughout the building to monitor any changes.

The community support behind the project included many Aboriginal groups in Regina, as well as Regina's Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal contractors and suppliers who donated time and material to help launch the project, said Lafontaine.

It's estimated the unique design will save homeowners about $100,000 over 30 years with reduced construction costs, maintenance, financing and energy costs.

Typically, straw bale homes are rated R-40 to R-50. Standard wood frame construction seldom exceeds R-20.

"The house is more fireproof than an ordinary home," said Lussier. The dense, compact bales, properly sealed between plaster and stucco provide a better fire rating than standard wood frame walls. In some areas insurance companies give discounts for straw bale houses, he said.

But the house requires more maintenance than an ordinary house. It's critical that hairline wall cracks - not uncommon in Regina - must be quickly and properly sealed to keep out any moisture, stresses Lussier.

The house is also more environmentally friendly since straw is a renewable natural material. And it's also insect and rodent resistant, since termites prefer wood buildings and rodents prefer loose fill insulation found in most buildings.

Lussier said a video of each stage of house construction will be produced and made available to anyone for the cost of reproduction. Information can also be found at the web site http://www.namerind.com.

Organizers plan to hold a two-week open house in late May.