With load bearing construction, the step from beginner to successful builder is smaller than in framed structures where a lot of carpentry skills are required. That one small step may be all it takes to bring out your inner builder that loves to create!

There are two general styles of straw bale construction: Post and Beam (or In-Fill) and Load Bearing. Post and beam construction is where a structural frame is built and the bales are then placed into that frame as insulation. The bales have no structural value for the loads of the building which are all carried by the structural frame. In general, the frame is either wood or steel.

Load bearing construction is where the bales are used as the structure for the building and they bear the load of the roof assembly. Under certain circumstances, they are the most cost effective and simplest way to build.

*** The Reasons to Choose Load Bearing ***

The most obvious reason to choose a load bearing structure is the simplicity of the construction...

Keep things straight and plumb. This is true in any type of construction, and proves very important in load bearing structures as the bales themselves are the load supporting structure. With some basic common sense and construction skills, a group of people can work together and build a load bearing
straw bale house. The amount of fun that takes place is totally up to you, but in general, much of it is to be found on a bale raising site!

Another common reason to build a load bearing structure is to reduce the amount of wood or steel in a home. A load bearing home uses the bales to support the roof assembly and so very little
wood is required. Wood is still needed to add windows and doors to the building and to frame the roof and the actual box it attaches to on top of the bales; however, significant amounts of wood can be eliminated from the construction of a building with
load bearing techniques.

*** Simple Designs ***

In general, load bearing structures have simple designs. This is in part a necessity for code requirements but it often reflects the mindset of the occupants, "Simple is better". With this in
mind, a simple design can translate into saving money, saving time, saving headaches, and increasing fun on the jobsite. Simple designs can be built quickly and with friends and family instead of hired help.

*** Start on a Small Project First ***

I always suggest that people attempt to build a small structure before they take on a project like a home.