Services We Offer
Construction services
We will work with you to see your building from start to finish, employing our own skills as builders with the best possible team of professionals in your area. From humble sheds to cottages and studios to full-sized homes, we can be your trusted assistants in the entire building process. While we are not general contractors, we have a team of framers and work closely with owners and general. Some clients like to be involved with the bale portion of the project, and we encourage that, if you have the time and ability.
Design and planning sevices
We are happy to sit down with you to discuss your design needs, and can make referrals to designers who are experienced in straw bale design, to help meet your needs and your budget. From simple bungalows to highly adventurous creations, we recognize the importance of proper planning in a successful building project.
We also offer site reviews, passive- and active-solar design and self-sufficiency consultations to ensure that your home makes the most of the natural advantages of straw bale construction.
Architect/engineer referrals
We offer referrals to qualified and experienced architects, draughtspeople, and engineers with the ability to create building-code approved plans for your straw bale designs.
Plan consultations
The proper detailing of straw bale walls is crucial to a successful building. We can put our extensive experience to work for you before you start your project by reviewing your plans and ensuring a well-sealed, sound building with properly considered interfaces between the bale walls and the other elements of the building. Even if you are building your own home, you can have the benefit of our experience to help avoid pitfalls and problems.
Owner/builder support services
We can sit down with you and help coach you through the building process, offering experienced and unbiased advice that will help you to construct your own straw bale building with minimal problems and hassles. You can do the work yourself, and still benefit from the advice of experienced builders.
Bale raising coordination
A communal bale raising is an excellent, cost-effective way to get your straw bale walls built. From on-site coordination to construction details to work-crew menus, we can help you make the most of your volunteer helpers and get your walls erected quickly and properly.
Stucco/plaster
Applying the plaster coating to straw bale walls is the most labour intensive process of creating a bale building. The use of a plaster/stucco pump, along with an experienced crew of plasterers can dramatically reduce the amount of time and effort required to complete this crucial phase of bale building.
We can apply one-, two- or three coat coverage to interior and exterior walls in your choice of materials, finishes and colour tints.
Camel's Back
c/o Tina Therrien
P.O. Box 61, Warsaw, ON, K0L 3A0
strawbus@auracom.com