Straw Bale – Gherang, Victoria

Project Type: New Build, Off-Grid, Straw Bale, Natural & Recycled Materials

Build: Creations In Parallel

Design: Creations In Parallel

Set in the rural landscape of the Surf Coast, this compact 11-square home was designed around off-grid living, passive solar principles and sustainable materials.

Straw bale walls provide high levels of natural insulation, finished with lime render externally and clay and sand internally. Sustainable, locally sourced and reclaimed timbers are used throughout, complemented by recycled brickwork that provides thermal mass to the interior.

A northern greenhouse, built from reclaimed cedar windows and recycled brick, extends the living space while contributing to passive solar heating and year-round growing. The home is fully off-grid, with solar power and battery storage, solar hot water and a combustion stove providing supplementary heating, hot water and cooking.

Despite its compact footprint, high ceilings, an attic, greenhouse and sheltered northern pergola create a sense of space and provide additional areas for living.