The Beauty of Bales

(Page 7 of 7)

Issue # 185 - April/May 2001
By Bill and Athena Steen, Photos courtesy of Bill Steen 
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Small buildings tend to have simpler designs that require fewer materials and take less time to build. Plans can usually be drawn up by an owner/builder and submitted directly to the building official, and with smaller projects it is possible for owner/builders to do more of the work themselves. Using recycled and local materials is also easier on a smaller scale. Most importantly, a small house can more often be completed without leaving the owners in an exasperated state, on the edge of divorce or in financial ruin. With small houses, a cost-effective and realistic approach can be to combine the efforts of owners and sub-contractors. It is easy to forget that without your participation in every stage of the home's construction, you'll pay more and enjoy the process less.

RELATED CONTENT

Adapted from The Beauty of Straw BaleHomes (Chelsea Green, 2000) by Athena and Bill Steen. This 112-page full color tribute to bale construction is available for $22.95 through MOTHER'S Bookshelf [(800) 888-9098, book # MEB301]

Related info:

Recipe for Clay Paint or "Alis"

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