Testimonials
“It has been a long project, both because of its size and complexity, but also because of the complexity for you having a client so far away…(client lived in India during the project)…We appreciate your patience and professionalism… a great comfort knowing you were always on top of things.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with you. I would recommend Bostwick Construction very highly for any construction or remodeling project.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for transforming our work space into a beautiful and more functional environment.”
“The end product is beyond our expectations. The workmanship, detail and design is perfect.”
“We admire your appraisal of the job and your honest suggestions. Your calm demeanor helps all concerned…you have more than earned our trust.”
“Just a note let you know how much we appreciate the remodel work did for us last fall. Matt’s courtesy and attention to detail made a huge difference.”
“I truly want you to know how grateful we are for all that you have done and how thrilled we are with the house.”
“I want to thank you for taking care of this. I don’t know what I would do with out you. Thanks again!”
“Thank you so much, the process was almost painless and the finished result is beautiful and well done.”
This 1450 sq. ft. strawbale was designed by architect John David Duffie.
It features a very unique passive solar design. The convective floor slab system utilizes concrete blocks laid horizontally, aligning the cells to create continuous ducts the width of the floor. These ducts are oriented in a north-south direction, with a colored concrete slab poured on top of the concrete blocks. Along the north and south walls are floor registers. During the winter months, as the sun heats the slab and the south wall, it warms the air in the ducts, while cool air on the north wall sinks into the floor registers and is convectively drawn through the ducts, warming as is approaches the south wall. Warm air rises up through the floor registers, delivering warmth into the living space. As the process occurs, it stores warmth in the concrete slab, which helps maintain heat in the house. This, along with the Tulikivi Soapstone wood stove, which stores 24 hours of radiant heat for every load of wood burned, are the sole source of heat needed for this house.
The structural support of the home is accomplished with 4X4 posts attached to steel wire. Strawbales sandwiched between the steel wire are coated with a layer of concrete to create the structural shear.
The exterior is coated with lime-based stucco and interior is finished with American Clay plaster, which are both very permeable products, allowing the straw to breath, which prevents moisture problems. The strawbale wall provides an R-50 rating, as opposed to conventional wall rating of R-21. The temperature is incredibly consistent year round at little or no cost. The concrete floors and clay plaster walls are not only functional, but a beautiful compliment to this natural green building plan. The arbors on the south wall help shade the house during the summer months as well as create a convenient patio surrounded by a vegetable garden. The stair is a maple tread with cherry risers and custom made wrought iron railing.