Building a house on the eastside

[Robin]

Not sure how or if this fits on Topix, but thought I'd give it a go.
I am thinking of building a home in the northern part of Mono County and am looking for people (contractors, etc) who have experience in either strawbale or other "green" building. Anyone out there know of folks who might be able to help me out? We are hoping to have the project going by 2008. Thank you for your time.

[hikerduane]

First, will the building codes allow such a building in California?

[Robin]

Yes. Actually, I just read a local photographer John Dittli and his wife built one near Mono Lake. And, I know there are a few in Inyo County.

[ridgeline]

You will need special inspections at one time or another, thats what I do.
The structure will have to meet state and local codes, I will do a little research on green structures, and chime in latter.

[Skibum]

I have a friend who built an absolutely georgeous strawbale house in southeast Utah near Glen Canyon Rec Area. If you would like, I'll see if I can get you together via email or something.

[hikerduane]

It's been awhile since I got the "Mother Earth News", do you use the bales for fill/insulation sort of and frame around them? If I remember tonight I'll research a little just to satisfy my curiosity.

[gdurkee]

A friend of mine built one in Lone Pine about 10 years ago. Send me a prate note and I'll pass on her name, though I haven't seen her in many years, I'm pretty sure she'd be helpful if you're serious about it.

g.

[Robin]

Thank you for all this information. At this point, any/all information would be helpful/useful. We are in the process of collecting everything we can for our project, which we hope to begin in late 2007 or early 2008. We are not "stuck" on straw bale, but want to use sustainable choices of materials, solar, etc.