"When I say 'straw bale building' a common response is – 'what the heck?' Hopefully, this project will help change that."

Why are you member of COSC?

I am a green builder and received my certificate from COSC – I love what they do. Their mission aligns well with my way of life and a dream of being self-sufficient.

What is your latest green building project?

I recently built a straw bale office to house my business Alternative Building Concepts LLC, which specializes in straw bale construction. I was pleased to receive a grant from Cedar Valley Resource Conservation & Development through the Department of Natural Resources, especially since the project will play an important role as a demonstration building to help the community become more familiar with the straw bale construction process and its benefits.

What specific sustainable elements did you incorporate into the project?

Besides using straw bales, the building has solar convection for cooling, in-floor heat, a 50-year steel roof, low-embodied energy earthen plaster, and recycled lumber that was salvaged from an old grainery just 6 miles from the office! The structure is almost entirely made from locally harvested clay, sand, and straw. We have plans to add solar hot water and solar photovoltaic. I like the fact that if we decide to tear it down or move, the only impact I'm leaving is the concrete. Everything else can either be reused, recycled or just composted.

What obstacles did you overcome?

The weather! And, my wife Staci (ya, I know!). When I told her I wanted to build a straw bale home, she thought I was goofy. That is, until I took her to one to see in person. She is now embracing the idea of eco-living and straw bales.

What are your favorite aspects of your community?

The ability to live cheaply and build alternatively.

What might help your community become more sustainable?

Education!

How do you spend your free time?

I am married and have two boys – Devon is 21 years old and Caleb is19. My step-children are Elena, who is 15 years old, and Max is 13. I enjoy ice fishing, playing in my garden and making homemade wine.

Stacy Ackerson
Alternative Building Concepts, LLC
400 South Main, Bassett, Iowa 50616
alternativebuildingconcepts.biz | 641-220-4126 | abcstrawbale@wildblue.net