Straw bale timber frame home

[Ppocketwatch]

Thanks for allowing me join this self-builder community. I'm building my home, and first project of this scale, in Norfolk with my husband. We are trying to be considerate of sustainability and use local materials when possible within our rather modest budget. Our architect has designed a timber framed structure with straw bale walls. We are doing all the construction work ourselves unless it requires certification, specialists or we get stuck!

 

Neither of us have formal building experience, so are learning as we go. I'm hoping this forum will be an invaluable source of information and advice. I'd really appreciate anything which helps us get things right first time and avoids costly mistakes! 

 

Hopefully in return I can offer some entertainment value with our dodgy DIY antics!!

[Oz07]

Good luck. I have a friend in Docking. Nice part of the country. 

[Redbeard]

Welcome! Is this wrap-round or infill? If the latter what are you doing to mitigate the thermal bridge of the posts? Out of nosiness what is the insulation detail for the floor of the oversailing part?

 

Good luck! It'll be fun.

[IanR]

31 minutes ago, Ppocketwatch said:

We are trying to be considerate of sustainability and use local materials when possible within our rather modest budget. Our architect has designed a timber framed structure with straw bale walls.

Welcome, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

But, have you got really good reasons for straw bale walls? You can achieve your "sustainability and use local materials" goals without going this far. 

Your site appears a little "width constrained". A more efficient insulator may release more internal room widths.

[Redbeard]

Again, out of nosiness, who is doing your Building Control, and will your architect be Principal Designer for Building Regs, or will you and your husband be Principal Designer, Principal Contractor and Client? Some threads on here relate to those roles.