Arisaig Mike

Hi JAPro, did you source an architect and structural engineer? If not, there are two architects that you could try, neither are in Scotland but that isn't really an issue. Architects can work with the information you give them and photos. The same goes for structural engineers but it would depend on how complicated the site is. Try Grain Architecture or Wellspring Architecture. Both a long way south but have worked up here in the Highlands. Structural engineers are a bit more of a problem as they all seem to be madly busy. I'm just working with Tom Joseph of Grain Architecture and Andy Bayliss of Jengo design (structural engineer) on a straw bale on the west coast. We will be doing a warrant submission before the spring. I've not heard of a strawbale house being refused a warrant because of fire safety. In fact they are safer than a timber house or a timber frame and block house. No air pockets to fuel combustion, straw so dense it can be counted as solid wood that will char but will be hugely resistant to combusting. Also the straw is coated with lime render which is a natural fireproof coating. You can find more info on straw works or from Barbara Jones at SNAB if there is certification they will know. There are quite a few strawbale houses up here Muir of Ord, Skye, Isle of Eigg, Ardnamurchan and just outside Fort William, to name some of them. They all have completion certificates. And John Mo, have you ever spent time in a strawbale house? The difference in living environment is chalk and cheese compared to a 'conventional' build.