The simple answer to that question is "yes".

We'll get to the question you might think is more important ("can I build cheaper with mud and straw?") in a bit. Besides, that isn't the question you should be asking...you'll see why.

The end of the 20th century has seen a condition arise amazingly similar to the one we faced at the end of the 19th century...the accumulation of enormous wealth, power and political influence in the hands of a few....last time it was the robber barons (JP Morgan, Harry Sinclair, Rockefellers)...this time it's a thing called the multi-national corporation...among them are the largest timber manufacturers in the world...Louisiana Pacific, Boise-Cascade, Weyerhauser.

We have evolved a "stick frame" building tradition (or rather..."addiction") supported by these corporate monsters. Their lobbying capabilities with all levels of law and policy making bodies as well as with the International Congress of Building Officials (who write our building codes) are immense...in close competition with the labor unions...who lobby hard to keep inefficient, materials intensive requirements in the building codes humming...along with their job security.

Those of us who have led the cause to balance, nullify or at least ameliorate some of these huge consumptive requirements can testify ad-infinitum about the futility of trying to reason with or contradict the power giants of the building industry.

There is...none the less...a revolution going on in America's building industry...not at the top levels...but at the bottom...at the grassroots.

One by one people building and remodeling homes...parents sitting on school boards...business owners looking for better office space are looking to sustainable building as a source of functional, affordable, cost-effective, comfortable and environmentally conscientious interior space.

Out of this trend has come green building, sustainable building, energy efficiency laws, natural building, alternatives...lots of alternatives...some of it cutting edge and completly new...some of it a reversion to ancient, time-tested modes from our heritage.

This revolution is happening the only way it can happen...one person, one building, one community at a time. This is a true grassroots revolution of the purest kind. This is the only way an entire industry is going to change its eating habits...from the inside out and from the bottom up.

You are indeed, changing the world by reading this, participating in this course and beginning to think differently about the space you inhabit and create.

It isn't important what someone else does. It's only important how I feel about what I do.

There's no more satisfying feeling than to come to understand the impact our decisions and actions in the creation and maintenance of personal living and working space have on the environment, across the nation and on the health of those who share our homes...then to learn and undertake newer, healthier, saner, more personal, more environmentally responsible methods for securing our own comfort and health.

Natural building is a spiritual and ethical act. It is also fun. It can create wonderful relationships and feelings when its done properly and with the right intent. It can be a disaster when it isn't. That bears itself out when day in and day out you review the case studies...the personal stories...of the people who build these structures...their attitudes and their results.

...So Is It Cheaper????

This is such a common question...well intended, perhaps, given the high cost of building today... but it's quite definetly the wrong question. And the answer depends completly on you.

When I first began to recognize what I'm about to describe, it didn't make any sense...but I've come to realize that it makes complete and perfect sense in a way we might not expect.

It makes sense on the basis of the most profound spiritual principles man has come to understand. It represents paradox and intent as the basic ingredients of reality...especially at a time of environmental stress and consistent disaster.

On a superficial level...a strawbale house only differs from a conventional "stick frame" house by the materials in the walls. The roof, the floor, the foundation, the windows, the plumbing, the electrical, the cabinets, the floor covering...the expensive parts are all the same. The walls in a house are about 7-10% of the total house cost. ...not much room for "cleaning up" there...right?

Of course, if we add solar hot water heating, solar-electric panels, more insulation, water catchment...the price can soar...or does it?

Solar costs more up front to install...but pays for itself in the long run (usually 7-10 years...after that, your investment turns to gravy). More insulation means lower heating bills for the life of the structure...what does that ring up to in 80 years?

Besides, all of these actions have positive effects on global warming, pollution, resource impacts.

"Oh, my doing that won't amount to much" is a commonly heard complaint.

"It won't if you don't set the precedent" is the answer.

But these life-cycle costing and environmental questions aren't at the heart of what I see in terms of the actual price someone's house or remodel comes in at in just raw dollars and cents...and the effect of their intent and attitude on those costs.

People who are only trying to squeeze out the cheapest home...don't ever get it. But the ones who are doing what's right for the environment and take the time to get it right...do.

It's about attitude and intent. Houses are complicated, labor-intensive and costly undertakings. After close to 200 case studies on alternative buildings in Western Colorado, I can look you straight in the eye and without flinching...without hesitation...and in dead earnest...tell you that the attitude and intent of the owners determined the final cost of the building...in no uncertain terms.

There are two stories.....

Story # 1...they want it cheap as they can get it. They won't listen to professionals(they're all on the take and too expensive). They need it in three months. They're going to be their own contractors (despite the fact they have never built a building in their lives). They're agitated at the bureaucracy and codes and their requirements. They think that by using straw a miracle is going to cut 30% off their building costs. Invariably (this is not an exaggeration) their project goes 30% over budget, they're ticked at everyone involved, they insist alternative building doesn't work and they'll never do anything like this again.

Story #2...they went around seeking dependable information from experienced alternative builders in the area. They spent a year researching the techniques. They took workshops, read books, went to see similar completed houses. They assembled the most reputable and experienced help they could find and paid them what they asked (within reason). They listened to the code authorities with respect and tried to do it right. They took a year to plan the project...making sure their budget and finances were adequate and accurate. They took their time building and enjoyed the process. They did everything they could to make it environmentally sound...went out of their way.

Invariably...these projects come in up to 30% under budget. Go figure.

This isn't an attempt to explain the intricacies of the working universe...but if you don't believe another word in this literature...believe this fact...your attitude and intent are the largest single determinants of your project's final cost.

Here's some straight out and out advice:

a. Don't get in a hurry.

b. Live on your land or with your house long enough to understand it before you tear into it.

c. Realize construction is a lot of work and very complex...but it can be a blast.

d. Do lots of homework

e. Talk to the people who have already done it

f. Do everything you can to make it as environmentally sound as possible.

g. Take responsibility for everything that happens with your project

h. Find people you can trust and trust them

i. Select your help on the basis of their past performance, not on whether they think like you do.

j. Stay flexible, make solid decisions, don't expect miracles.

k. If you can't do it with a good heart...don't do it at all.

l. Don't choose natural building because you think it's the cheapest way to do anything.