BaleHaus: a modern innovative low carbon housing system using prefabricated straw bale panels

BaleHaus: a modern innovative low carbon housing system using prefabricated straw bale panels
Written by esba

To date, ModCell panels have been used for cladding on framed buildings. However, they are now being developed for load-bearing applications. In order to achieve this sufficient racking shear resistance is required. This report presents and discusses results from a series of joint tests and full-scale panel racking shear tests at the University of Bath. As a result refinements to the joint and bracing details have improved the racking shear resistance of the panels. A computer model has been developed to predict racking stiffness and conduct a parametric study.

This report also presents the results of acoustic transmittance, thermal resistance and fire resistance tests on ModCell panels. As a result of these tests, ModCell panels have been proven to exceed minimum building regulation requirements.

Authors: Gross, Christopher; Walker, Pete

Link to PDF on strawbuilding.co.uk

About the author

esba

The European Straw Building Association is an independent European association, devoid of any profit making motive. The object of the Association is to promote and develop the use of straw, as a sustainable way of building in all the senses of the term “sustainable”: renewable, ecological, healthy, energy and climate efficient, social and economic.
The Association is a federation composed of organisations and people particularly concerned with the use of straw in buildings.