Strawbale

• Strawbale building has become particularly popular in the Southwestern part of the country--so much so that building codes have been designed to enable builders to get proper permits to use it, and some banks are offering loans to help contractors with the construction. Most building codes require that basic beam and post framework be in place from traditional materials (steel, wood) but the bales of straw can be used as infill. The finishing costs on a strawbale structure can still exceed that of traditional methods because both sides of the bale need to be plastered and a lot of specialty work is required. Once completed, strawbale houses generally use 15 percent less wood than traditional houses and are very well insulated due to thicker walls.
  
  

Recyclables

• Recyclables such as cardboard, aluminum, glass and car tires can all be used for home construction. Cardboard is not practical in most locations for the bulk of the exterior building but can be used as a supplemental material in insulation. Aluminum cans filled with water are being used in some locations as main walls in alternative houses. Heating is provided to these types of homes through either a fireplace or heaters that are powered by solar panels. Mud and weeds are being used as well as insulation in homes instead of traditional fiberglass or cellulose fiber. Spare tires and mud have been used to build experimental homes as a test of their long-term value and appeal.
  
  

Application

• Always do your research before investing in alternative building materials for your house. Some of the materials are so new to construction that there are no codes made for them yet and therefore may not be legal to build with in your area. Make sure you use a contractor who is thoroughly familiar with both the materials being used and the building techniques required to maximize their effectiveness and safety. The costs can vary, with some costing more upfront (like strawbale) but end up saving money over time in heating and electric bills. Look into how solar panels could reduce your monthly power bills and how alternative insulation could save you money on heat and air conditioning, as this differs from state to- state, depending on weather and seasonal conditions.