U architecture graduate students are working to construct the first straw bale insulation house in Salt Lake City.
"It's good to be able to have the hands-on experience of actually building the house. The design process usually doesn't let you anticipate many of the small problems that come up during construction, such as certain angles of doorways," said Jesse Beacon, a former student in the class.
While students are gaining experience, the design-build class instructors are excited about the unique construction.
"We chose to build a straw bale house because it's a self-sustaining resource, and it provides twice as much warmth for the house, so it will cut down on the bills," said Dennis Caulfield, a contractor working with and teaching the students in the design class. "By doing this, we are hoping that it will start a trend in newer houses built."
Caulfield says although there are many benefits to the straw house, such as less flammability, the walls are usually thicker than with fiberglass insulation.
The students are constructing a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home in downtown Salt Lake City for a nine-member Tibetan immigrant family. The land is owned by the Community Development Corporation of Utah—an organization that helps families who need housing—which donated the land for the project.
The class, taught by assistant visiting professor of architecture Hank Louis, requires students to work on site at least 12 hours a week to earn three hours of U credit.
Caulfield, a licensed contractor, and Louis, a licensed architect, jointly provide input and expertise to students enrolled in the class.
"This house is unique not only because it's built with straw insulation, but it will also include a Tibetan prayer room," Louis said. "They may also provide shelter for visiting monks in the area."
The Kungas, who once lived in exile in India, found housing with the help of the Dalai Lama's niece—who lives in Salt Lake City—and the development corporation.
The class began designing the house last Spring Semester and began construction during the summer. The class has 19 students this semester.
With the financial help of free labor, land and money donations, the final cost of the house will only be one-third of what the house would be if it were built by for-profit contractors, Caulfield said.
Louis says he hopes the house will be completed by Dec. 10, the anniversary of the Dalai Lama's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Plans to design and build homes in Bluff, Utah will start upon the completion of the Kunga house. Louis says the class will also be working with the Navajo tribe in Southern Utah to provide housing.
czhang@chronicle.utah.edu
