Fashioned in a classic Southwest style with a spanish tile roof and concrete plaster exterior, this “locally sourced straw bale home in Lyons is a regionally appropriate solution for Colorado’s dry climate. Architectural design was provided by Robert
As an early adopter of changing water laws in Colorado, the homeowner was an avid gardener who wanted to design his straw bale to be well suited for rainwater harvesting. The two scuppers (or gargoyles if you prefer) on the backside of the house are
Though grid-tied for now, the 5 kW solar PV array on this straw bale home in Lyons, Colorado is situated for maximum sun exposure to the south, and still provides substantial energy offsets. However, as PV efficiency rapidly improves, there’s plenty
On-site timber frame construction; hand troweled interior plaster application; locally quarried flagstone and granite for the entry floor and fireplace surround; and wood flooring made from Colorado beetle kill pine were just a few of the ways this s
On-site timber frame construction; hand troweled interior plaster application; locally quarried flagstone and granite for the entry floor and fireplace surround; and wood flooring made from Colorado beetle kill pine were just a few of the ways this s
Interior of a straw bale home in Lyons, Colorado designed for a homeowner with an appetite for commercial grade kitchen appliances and old world aesthetics. To achieve the look, a local woodworker (who later became TRÄD’s co-founding general contract
On-site timber frame construction; hand troweled interior plaster application; locally quarried flagstone and granite for the entry floor and fireplace surround; and wood flooring made from Colorado beetle kill pine were just a few of the ways this s
Interior of a straw bale home in Lyons, Colorado designed for a homeowner committed to using as many locally sourced materials as possible. To achieve the look, a local woodworker (who later became TRÄD’s co-founding general contractor,) was hired to
This locally sourced straw bale home was designed by Colorado Architect Robert Ross, and the custom cabinetry was built by local woodworker, Dan Hanley. Shortly thereafter, the two went on to become co-founders of TRÄD Design + Build, where they cont
This locally sourced straw bale home was designed by Colorado Architect Robert Ross, and the custom cabinetry was built by local woodworker, Dan Hanley. Shortly thereafter, the two went on to become co-founders of TRÄD Design + Build, where they cont

Locally Sourced Straw Bale

Location: Lyons, CO

Year Built: 2010
Photography by: Daniel O'Connor

Green Building Features:
  • 5.1 kW PV System
  • 35 on HERS Index
  • Rainwater Harvesting
  • Straw Bale Construction
  • Radon Mitigation system
  • Benjamin Moore Natura Zero VOC paint
  • Energy Star Version 2 Qualified Home
  • Locally Quarried Flagstone and Granite
  • Colorado Beetle Kill Pine for Flooring and Casework
  • Sierra Pacific Aluminum Clad Low Emittance (Low E) Windows
 

Project Summary:

Constructed before the formation of TRÄD Design + Build, this home was designed by our co-founding architect for a retired geologist whose love of natural materials was the inspiration for going straw bale.

Architectural Inspiration ▾

A blend of classic elements from both Tuscan and Southwestern style architecture, the spanish tile roof and concrete plaster exterior are the perfect combination of regionally appropriate materials for Colorado’s climate.

Off-Grid Adaptable ▾

Though grid-tied for now, the 5.1 kW solar PV array is situated for maximum sun exposure to the south and still provides substantial energy offsets. However, as PV efficiency rapidly improves, there’s plenty of room to accommodate a completely off-the-grid system.

As an avid gardener and early adopter of changing water laws in Colorado, the homeowner helped guide a design that would be well suited for rainwater harvesting.

The two scuppers (or gargoyles if you prefer) on the backside of the house are not only practical in their use, but are a fun detail crafted by a local sculptor who used the owner’s dog as inspiration.

Local Resources ▾

Wood flooring made from Colorado beetle kill pine, flagstone sourced from the quarry up the road, and custom cabinets made by a nearby woodworker (who later became TRÄD’s co-founding general contractor) were just a few of the ways the homeowner helped reduce this project’s carbon footprint.

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