THE USE OF STRAW BALES FOR BUILDING RURAL LOW INCOME HOUSING

STRAW BALES HAVE BEEN USED FOR AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS IN THE PAST. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS METHODOLOGY CAN NOW BE ADAPTED TO PROVIDE SAFE, LOW COST HOUSING FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES. QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED ARE - THE EXTENT OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROBLEM IN RURAL COMMUNITIES - THE TECHINCAL PROBLEMS OF PRODUCING SUITABLE STRAW BALES - THE DESIGN OF A STRAW BALE HOUSE WHICH MAXIMIZES THE OPPORTINITY FOR OWNER-BUILDER PARTICIPATION - THE PROBLEMS SURROUNDING GOVERNMENTAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE BUILDING METHOD - AND, THE METHOD OF DELIVERING THE OPPORTUNITY TO RURAL AND NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO. PHASE II WOULD EXTEND THIS IS TO SELECTED AREAS IN THE REST OF THE USA.