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By: Cheryl Meyers

Issue: November 2007

Section: Department

Web Exclusive—Splendor in the Grass

Take a good look at the walls of Keith Brunel and Jules Javernick's new Golden home (page 100 in the magazine), and you might be surprised to find they're made out of straw bale and mud. Built by hand, using local labor, renewable resources, and environmentally thoughtful methods, the couple's 2,800-square-foot contemporary home isn't just green—it's natural. It may also be the future of Colorado building. Click here for a complete list of the designers and contractors who built this house. Plus, get the facts on straw bale—from how it's made to a breakdown of benefits.

Associations & Resources

  • Colorado Straw Bale Association (www.coloradostrawbale.org): Resource for local natural building with contact information for architects, builders, engineers, and plasterers.
  • Builders Without Borders (www.builderswithoutborders.org): International consortium of builders constructing natural structures worldwide.
  • Sustainable Sources Building (www.greenbuilder.com/general/buildingsources.html): Find out about events, news, and regional natural builders.