Straw Bale House Plans & Passive Solar House Plans From

This strawbale house was originally designed around a prominent oak tree, resulting in a spatially interesting floor plan that has a passive solar orientation for winter heat gain. The straw bale walls of this home are load–bearing, which is not allowed in some parts of the U.S. Natural round wood columns and timber elements grace the exterior. An irregular, antiqued floor tile runs throughout the house, with an ornamental diamond pattern added at key thresholds.

The floor plan is bent at a 45–degree angle, with the "hinge" occurring through the center of the great room. This makes a 5–sided space, with vaulted ceilings and views to the south. To the left is the master bedroom and master bath. On the other side is the kitchen, which opens into the family room. A door off the family room leads to an exterior deck. There is also an additional bedroom, full bath with laundry, and library. A few Japanese touches, such as a 30" diameter round window and horizontal bamboo trim, complement the rough textured walls.

The house is surrounded by Arizona flagstone, increasing the integration of the house and site. A detached garage/workshop sits about 10 feet from the house, and is built with a combination of steel frame and rastra walls.