Closer to home, many of Nebraska's straw bale houses from the 1840s are still standing despite a century and a half of neglect. The only thing that can bring down a straw bale wall it seems is the universal solvent, water. Fungus is a legitimate concern for anyone considering a straw bale structure, especially with Northern California's wet winters. On the other hand, the dry summers provide enough heat to dry out the walls. In this respect, the main obstacle to straw building is a conceptual one.
Water can damage a straw bale wall and rot it away over time.
To combat water damage, the bale walls are sealed in plaster to form a hard shell. In addition, native clay can be added to the plaster to spice up the color. During California's energy crunch in the 1970s, solar power interest increased as an alternative fuel source. The technology, however, was not as advanced as that of today and solar power essentially disappeared from the collective consciousness, Williams said. Simple solar panels and a small wind turbine will produce enough energy to run a television, a dishwasher and even a washer and dryer, Williams said.