The starting point of the design was to construct Belgiums first passive straw-bale building. The environmental and energetical impact of the building is reduced by using, local and regrowable warm natural materials that accumulated CO² during their growth: paper-flakes, straw-bales, cork and wood. Through the architecture, entered a stable relationship between environment and residents. The architecture with well chosen windows and terraces enhances a stable relationship between natural environment and residents.

The Strawstem  (a strawbale house construction)

Property with practice

The practice of the architect and builder is on the top floor, like the cabin of a houseboat and is accessible via a footbridge. Practice area and open living space are the best spots in the house, while the bedrooms are  just a place to sleep. The bedrooms are not so big but just big enough for a bed, fitted wardrobe and desk. The house has three levels. The ground floor has been expanded with the back garden shed, carport, patio and gallery. The wooden terras continues in the parket of the living place. The living spaces inside and outside run seamlessly into the landscape. Think Work on mobility in the context of sustainable management of energy. The works were in full swing, while pictures were taking, so you can see closely  the techniques . A timber frame construction was erected over the stiff core in silicate stone so that the outer walls can be insulated to their maximum. This passive building is insulated with 48 centimetres straw-bale walls, tripled glass with argon, 42 centimetres paper flakes roof in between I beams, floors with resol foam, cork and paper flakes. The reinforced clay and adobe of the straw-bale walls take care of the air tightness of the building. Doors, windows and ceilings are made airtight with taped vapour screens. In winter the balance ventilation system is connected to an earth heat tube and heat exchanger. During summer there is natural ventilation through the central staircase area. The house will be heated by the sun: daylight, solar warm water system and heat-pump. The wall heating around the shower makes that the water can be colder to feel comfortable. Only green electricity is used in the building. The big roof overhangs prevent overheating in the summer and let the winter sun heat the building. Because of the south east orientation the living quarters and the architectural office enjoy the first sun  beams of the day. Light penetrates deep into the building by glassed flooring and interior and exterior stairs. The northwest oriented sleeping rooms can be closed acoustically with shutters from the inside. Rainwater is used for cooling the green sedum roof, for the washing machine in combination with a solar hot water system, for the toilets and the garden. The use of drinking water is reduced to a minimum by using moderate shower-heads. http://www.henkvanaelst.be/