GREEN BUILDING

Since the early 1900s, builders have been using straw bales in construction for not only the aesthetic it creates, but also the efficiency and durability it affords. Straw bale insulation can create a 52-53 R factor, keeping your home cool and dry. Designed to stand the test of time, straw bale structures will not burn, nor are they a habitable environment for insects and other home destroying pests. Plus, you can breathe easy knowing that unlike more traditional building materials, straw bale contains no harmful chemicals and toxins. Functionality aside, the natural form and  movement of straw bale results in an organic texture to walls that cannot be duplicated with other materials. The end result is unqiuely beautiful, sustainable, and most importantly, liveable for years to come.  

When it comes to maximum heating and cooling efficiency in our hot, dry Texas climate, adobe can help keep costs and temperatures low. With a high thermal mass, adobe walls absorb heat throughout the day to keep the interior of your home cool, and slowly release it at night for gradual warmth. Because it is a natural resource, adobe is a more cost effective building option than traditional materials. And, like straw bale structures, it is flame resistant, non-toxic, and creates texture and character that you cannot achieve with drywall alone. 

They don't make 'em like they used to....that's why we recycle, repurpose, and salvage original lumber whenever possible.  The Learning Barn at Cibolo Center for Conservation was constructed from the ground up using lumber repurposed from a project at the Ft. Sam Houston barracks for the exterior. The interior (shown here) is made from materials repurposed from a 100+-year-old cypress water tank. The quality, sustainability, and low carbon footprint of these materials are a recipe for endurance and stability.