A time-honored method of construction will find new expression as a Columbia building company shows off its home built of prefabricated straw bale panels.
The house, which its builders believe is the first ever in Missouri, will be open to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at 9765 S. Smith Hatchery Road. The home is a collaborative effort from Building Integrity, Monarch Architecture, and its client and general contractor.
Straw-bale construction was cultivated around 125 years ago in Nebraska, according to a press release from Monarch Architecture. The approach has gained real popularity in Europe over the past decade, the architecture firm notes.
A view of the prefab straw panel cabin being built in Columbia.
“Building with straw has many environmental benefits: it is locally grown, non-toxic, rapidly renewable, and sequesters atmospheric carbon,” the release said.
The prefabricated straw home is the first of its kind within the state as far as builders know, according to an open house flyer. “If you know of another prefab straw bale building, please tell us!” the flyer reads.
“Tour attendees will be able to see and touch the straw in the walls, meet the people who have worked on the project, and better understand why building with straw is a safe and sustainable solution,” the release concludes.
Learn more about the architect behind the project at https://monarch-architecture.com/ and the builder at https://www.buildinteg.com/.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He’s on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia residence may be Missouri’s first prefab straw bale house
