GreenBEES, an acronym for Green Building for Economic and Environmental Sustainability, is the brainchild of Bob Hanson and Randy Williams.

This is not their first straw bale insulated house, but it is none the less a fascinating case study in sustainable green building.  Distance traveled to the site, types of materials, and the energy used in creating the materials are just a few of the variables considered in this project.

The expectation is that, in the end, the house will use around $20 of electric power per month. The basic structure is a timber frame with straw bale in-fill.  This is enclosed in an exterior coat of lime plaster.  The roof is designed for rain water harvesting, which is only the beginning of the water conservation features.  Radiant floor heating, solar hot water, composting toilets and a Nutrient Recycle System (developed by Bob and John Hanson during an earlier project and sold commercially for the past 20 years) guarantee that this house uses an absolute minimum of water.

The design and construction take several things into consideration.  All the appliances will be AT LEAST Energy-Star compliant, and in some cases even more efficient.  Deciduous trees will be planted in strategic locations to provide shade in the summer and shielding from cold winds during the winter.

The story of  “The Three Little Pigs” may have unfairly colored our perceptions of houses made of straw.  When asked whether it’s really possible to live in a straw house GreenBEES has only one thing to say, “…they are very comfortable.  I should know; I live in one!”

Check out the GreenBEES on the web at www.GreenBEES.net.