Reply #11: A while back I looked into what it would cost in both money and materials to

[Javaman]

retrofit a home for straw bales design.

Since I have a slab foundation, it would first take increasing the footprint of said foundation to accommodate the additional thickness of the walls.

The cost for just that was enough for me to give up.

However, it didn't stop me from exploring it as a concept.

First increase the foundation foot print by 2 feet out from each exterior wall. Tie in the new concrete to the existing foundation but drilling companion rebar holes.

Once concrete is dry, then a retrofit for the eves. This was the next biggest cost. Most houses don't have a deep overhang so this would need to be dealt with. Once a solution (smarter people than me) was found, then the construction of the hay bale walls could begin.

Depending on what the original exterior material is/was, I don't believe it would need to be removed.

I have hardiplank, so I fell that with some creative tie bolts through the walls would be all that was needed to attach the bales to the house.

Of course, this would require opening up selected spots on the interior walls to secure the bolts then dry walling back over.

My concept hits a snag as to how the eves would still vent the attic while at the same time allowing for connection with the hay bales.

I think it can be done, but like everything else, at a cost.

I also have an idea for using the attic space for rain water storage. LOL I have a lot of spare time. LOL