Straw bale ?

anyone use this for studio?

I think that has been asked here before, but I don't recall the answer. Try using the search feature. I've heard of that being promoted for houses, but isn't there a huge fire risk with that?

The issue is that it is difficult for the local enforcers to administer codes with no precedence set. It is common in a handful of states (USofA) but not so much that everyone agrees on the installation, application, electrical, etc. With bales like you mention, the process is difficult. The process is outside of your typical contractors area of expertise so you have to locate a contractor that does this type of job, lock and key. [quote=]but isn't there a huge fire risk with that?[/quote] No there isn't. The bales will in the end, be covered in mud or another approved hardened covering, depending on who is selling the product/idea. But it winds up being like doing a concrete block structure, from what I have read. Everything is placed on the interior, nothing will recess. This is typical for what people say of an acoustical environment any way, so it seems to fit that criteria. It has excellent thermal ratings, as the information I have read suggest. But in the end, the roof becomes one of the biggest flanking points, the largest leak in the otherwise high gained TL from building in this fashion. And that brings you back to code/insurance. How much weight can you safely place on this type of structure? These are the questions that need answers....

The best use of straw is this product. http://www.ortech.com.au/durra/durrapanel.html It's made from wheat or rice straw - it's used to line the ceilings of large stadiums and convention centers where they require good sound isolation, good heat insulation as well as being light in weight. The single layer gives an STC of 53!

More reasons to NOT consider straw bale construction: WETTED BUILDING MATERIALS SPROUT MOLD IN 48 HOURS EVEN AT LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY

http://www.hulu.com/watch/65882/buildin ... s-p2-so-i0 right...seems like the breathable thing is the variable...i guess that doesn't match with airtight

unfortunately jonas that video won't stream outside the US. I'm aware of straw bale construction. You stack the bales then trim them as smooth as you can get with a hedge trimmer. Chicken wire or similar is then attached to it and then plastered to seal it all. You end up with a live surface that has to be acoustically treated. Lottsa labour involved. To be honest I see no real advantage in the system when applied to studio construction, for a cool house, yes, but a studio, IMO - no. :)

I've put a bid in to buy an old hall, to convert into a studio. It's an a granite building with slate roof approx 16m x 10m space (10m height). I was thinking of separating the hall into rooms using straw bales. In this sense they'll be non-structural. Also... I'm aware that you can stud them up and apply plaster board rather than plastering the bale itself. Any thoughts on this?

in that case you are just using the bales as insulation. I see no value in that at all.

This might be the case were you will have a flammable wall...and nobody likes a hot wall :)