The latest issue of The Owner Builder is in the post to subscribers, and will be on sale nationwide from 29 July 2013.
Each issue, we choose one article to share online. Sharyn Munro is a regular contributor, visiting and writing about owner builders. This time, she shares the straw bale home of Peter and Sally Sim with us.
The individual photographs from the article can be viewed below. You can also download your very own TOB 178 screen saver / wallpaper! Carry a little bit of TOB goodness with you, from issue to issue.
The garden was started at the same time as the slab was being laid and the frame raised.
The final gable bale is placed.
Gable rendered.
Repair of failed render.
An overview of the property.
Tracker-enhanced stand-alone solar power system.
Adding wind to the energy mix.
Ripple iron outdoor couch.
Highly usable wide verandahs.
Sheltered plunge pool.
Peter’s long-stored stack of matching second-hand doors have found their home.
With straw bale walls and north-facing windows, all that’s needed in the living room in winter is a small heater.
Ceiling fans for summer cooling.
Straw bale render’s earthy tones, texture and rounded edges add charm to the sunny living room.
Antique and rustic blend happily with shiny new and modern in the kitchen.
Organic ‘waisted’ walls to master dressing room and bathroom.
Salvaged and simple materials provided the stairs to loft rooms.
Salvaged and simple materials provided the stairs to loft rooms.