New green design ideas are popping up every day, but while some may never make the jump from concept to product, a few bright ideas will. EcoSalon has put together a list of five green building trends they believe will help us build a greener world. And at least one you've probably never heard of.
The original article at EcoSalon goes on to explain each of the below building trends in detail. The most interesting? Light transmitting concrete. Now don't expect the sidewalk to light up when you walk, but do expect walls made of concrete to allow you to tell whether it's light or dark outside.
- Light Transmitting Concrete
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- Edible Greens: The Utopian Vision of the New Front Lawn
- Corn: High Starch, Low Emissions Floor Fiber
- Reclaimed Fabrics: Out with the Old, in with the Old. It’s What’s New
(Images: Ellensburg Straw Bale Construction Workshop; Optics.org)
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Straw: how to make your new house green and flammable.
Surprisingly, it is actually is less flammable than a regular house. I forget the science to it, but it's pretty neat-o...I'm sure you could google it though.
My problem is I don't think it would be easy to get dry straw bales easily in the Seattle area.
I would be worried about it rotting?
It won't rot more than wood as long as, like wood, it isn't exposed or is properly treated
It is less flammable because the hay is so tightly packed ignition is difficult. Think of how much harder it is to light paper on fire than a hunk of wood, and how as you get larger chunks of wood it becomes even more difficult to get a burn going.
On top of that the clay layer that protects it from weather and moisture ups that even further.
Hay bale houses are amazingly eco friendly. They are very sturdy,less costly material wise, and the thickness and density of the walls makes them amazing insulators.