This content was published: January 29, 1997. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC's "House of Straw" Awarded Second-Year Funding
Photos and Story by Mark Evertz
How durable are straw-bale buildings in the wet Northwest climate? In hopes of finding out, PCC Engineering students and faculty are exploring its feasibility with a straw-bale building they designed and built and now are monitoring moisture conditions. A recent grant enables them to continue with the research.
The second phase of the experimental straw bale building project at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus can proceed as a result of a $13,650 grant from the Hoover Family Foundation, the college has announced.
Initiated in 1994, the long-term project is intended to explore the feasibility of using straw bale construction in the wet climates of the Pacific Northwest.
"The project provides PCC engineering students with hands-on experience in the research
and design that reinforces skills needed in the workplace, using the small building as a lab," said David Berger, an engineering instructor at PCC.
The building is a demonstration project which can be viewed by the public. Signs explain the alternative construction and energy features being viewed. A "truth window" in the building shows the straw used as a building material. Opportunities for public education and information will include a slide show and a portable exhibit using visual display boards.
The grant will fund the project through the second year of development and will be administered by the PCC Foundation. Berger and Joanna Karl, also an instructor of engineering, will coordinate the project.
"In the second year, students will complete the building structure and wire it, so converting it from an unoccupied building to a simulated residence," Berger said. "This will be done by adding power and interior space heat — from solar hot water if possible — and a humidifier to simulate conditions in an occupied residence."
A traditional source of heat such as propane gas is also planned. Two systems of photovoltaic panels will be added for automated data collection and lighting. PCC students are monitoring the building to get moisture readings from the sensor wires inside the walls.
A Hoover Family Foundation spokesperson noted that the project met several of the criteria used in making awards. The project is educational and, if it proves that straw-bale construction can be used successfully in the Northwest, could bring adequate housing within the reach of many economically-deprived and under-represented groups, so enhancing their quality of life.
The environmental aspects of the project also helped it meet the foundation’s criteria. The data collected will be shared with others who are working with or interested in straw-bale construction.