RSS FeedJan 16 2009
Friday Tiny House–A House of Straw
Carolyn Roberts was a 40-year-old mother of two teenage boys when she found herself suddenly divorced with limited financial resources. Unfortunately, this is situation is far too common in the U.S.. But then Carolyn did the radically uncommon–she built her own strawbale home in the Tucson desert. Perhaps more amazingly still, she built her house for $51,000 (not including land) which translates to $37 per square foot.
When interviewed about her story, Carolyn said: “I was fed up with life after many dead ends. I was determined to find a way to live independently, close to nature, and with dignity. I was so resolute and had such a short timeframe in which to build that I charged into this construction without really understanding what I was doing. I went through many trials for this reason, but I made it through them all mostly as a result of sheer resolve, a good consultant, many people who came to help, and divine intervention–not necessarily in that order.”
Carolyn had to pass 23 inspections before she was cleared to move from her construction trailer into the home, and it took another four years to complete all the finish-work. But she now has a lovely, charmingly colorful place to call home. And every corner of it has the creative touch of her own hand and that of friends and loved ones who pitched in to help.
Carolyn has written a book about her experience–A House of Straw: A Natural Building Odyssey
. She also has a website full of pictures and information on green construction which I strongly encourage you to check out.
Below is a video she also put together that provides the high-level details of constructing her home.
Photos and video from AHouseofStraw.com
Carolyn Roberts was a 40-year-old mother of two teenage boys when she found herself suddenly divorced with limited financial resources. Unfortunately, this is situation is far too common in the U.S.. But then Carolyn did the radically uncommon–she built her own strawbale home in the Tucson desert. Perhaps more amazingly still, she built her house for $51,000 (not including land) which translates to $37 per square foot.
When interviewed about her story, Carolyn said: “I was fed up with life after many dead ends. I was determined to find a way to live independently, close to nature, and with dignity. I was so resolute and had such a short timeframe in which to build that I charged into this construction without really understanding what I was doing. I went through many trials for this reason, but I made it through them all mostly as a result of sheer resolve, a good consultant, many people who came to help, and divine intervention–not necessarily in that order.”
Carolyn had to pass 23 inspections before she was cleared to move from her construction trailer into the home, and it took another four years to complete all the finish-work. But she now has a lovely, charmingly colorful place to call home. And every corner of it has the creative touch of her own hand and that of friends and loved ones who pitched in to help.
Carolyn has written a book about her experience–A House of Straw: A Natural Building Odyssey
Below is a video she also put together that provides the high-level details of constructing her home.
Photos and video from AHouseofStraw.com
