Blue Dot Farm is a sustainable business dedicated to equitable practices - both for the environment and the farm workers who tend the land.  In replacing their farmworker housing, they wanted to developed a flexible prototype that is sustainable, efficient, and comfortable. It is designed for agricultural communities and made with agricultural materials: primarily straw and sheep’s wool, in addition to salvaged wood siding and trim, and remnant earth masonry units.

On May 9th, ATA helped host a 'bale-raising,' placing approximately 250 rice straw bales into the walls of the Dicolen Residence near Santa Rosa, being rebuilt after the Tubbs Fire of October, 2017. We all wore masks and kept a safe distance, and it was still a magical day of coming together to accomplish something wonderful. We are grateful to Verdant Structural Engineers and Deep Green Building & Remodeling as well as friends of the owners who joined us. Christina, Tya, Devin, Anni, and David were there from ATA, along with Elli (plus Nick) from VSE.

bale before and after plaster

Bay Area based Arkin Tilt Architects (ATA) has designed dozens of structures that utilize straw bales for insulation in their walls; the plans for two have been available for purchase through the website www.strawbaleplans.com. In response to this summer's wildfires throughout California, ATA is offering the plans for these two homes, plus six others, to anyone who lost their home in the fires, for free.

We are happy to be nearing the completion of a 432 ft2 backyard straw bale cottage in Berkeley, California. The cottage is tucked away in the backyard of the main home.

sweetwater

Sweetwater Springs Ranch is an off-grid Straw Bale and Watershed Block (earth masonry unit) home in Sonoma County, California. Located in a sensitive watershed area, the design and construction of the home took great measures to ensure a harmonious fit with minimal impact on the landscape. The house is for a couple with young twin girls.