StrawBale Construction: Viability in Idaho & Beyond

THURSDAY MAY 22ND | 5:30-7PM | INSPIRE STUDIO | All Ages | $10**

Presentation is open to all ages. Stand-alone event. No special experience required.

StrawBale Construction: Viability in Idaho & Beyond 

INSTRUCTOR: Jon Clark

A presentation on the efficacy and resilience of StrawBale construction by EarthCraft Design/Build owner and Builder, Jon Clark. We will conduct a 45–90 minute presentation on the viability of StrawBale Assemblies, Eco-Conscious Building, EC’s views on Green Building, and Q&A.  

Good information for:

• Anyone who is interested in learning about StrawBale Construction

• Idaho Architects/Designers/Engineers 

• BSU and U of I Sustainability/Engineering/Construction

• Community Leaders  

• Fire professionals - Fire Chiefs and Fire Marshalls 

• Treasure Valley Mayors and City Councilmen  

There are two opportunities to hear this stand-alone presentation: 5/22, 5/29

What is StrawBale Construction?  

StrawBale structures have been around, in the United States, for at least 150 years, probably longer.  These first structures were literally bails of straw stacked up in a square, with a roof stacked on top.  No plaster coating, no floor other than dirt, one door, and maybe one window; And these structures are still here and thriving!  Since then, we have progressed quite a bit.  Our StrawBale buildings are engineered, EarthQuake resistant, Fire-resistant (Fire-Proof), Vapor Neutral, Healthy Assemblies.  They are a synthesis of modern design and modern building principles, coupled with Old-School, Low-Tech, Tried-and-True methods.  We are not reinventing the wheel, we are simply improving upon something that has already established itself as healthy and qualified. 

This construction method for wall assemblies provides immense value for rural structures, effectively eliminating the need for wildland fire/emergency personnel response due to fire danger.  This lessens the burden on our emergency personnel, during these already strained times of fire season.  This method keeps much more money circulating within our local economy; From the straw farmer, to the local wood mill, to the laborers that construct the assemblies, there is nothing better for the high-desert of the Treasure Valley.  And finally, given EC’s sustainability goals, which align perfectly with the city of Boise’s Green initiatives, there is literally not a single building method that offers anything close to the energy-efficiency, sustainability, renewability, resiliency, and carbon-NEGATIVE impact, than does the StrawBale structures that we Design & Build, here at EarthCraft.  From Residential to Commercial, from Boise to Stanley, we intend to prove the efficacy of this method. 
 
 
Jon Clark BIO 
 
Jon Clark is a licensed general contractor and Design|Builder in Idaho and Oregon and is President of EarthCraft Construction. EarthCraft specializes in designing and building healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings that offer environmental, social, and governance benefits. EarthCraft is the only Straw Bale builder in Idaho, and they are the Leaders of Green Building in the Treasure Valley. 

Jon was born and raised in Texas and began his career in construction 12 years ago after serving as a Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps. After serving five years in the Marines, he moved to south Louisiana under the mentorship of Jim Armentor. During this time, Jon found his passion for design and building. Jon embraced the correct way to approach building through Jim's guidance. "If it ain't right, it ain't right." Every detail and build must be right, no matter what. 

In 2018, Jon began mentoring with EarthCraft Founder Mark L. "Ron" Hixson in Boise, Idaho, and one year later became President of EarthCraft. EarthCraft is a 100% custom-designed build company that sees itself as a service-oriented business. When considering performance, home quality, and efficiency, EarthCraft provides its clients with designs and solutions for better buildings to serve them for a lifetime. 

EarthCraft's dedication to excellence and raising the bar has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions, including the Mayor's Design Excellence Award, Best in Show-Parade of Homes, and LEED Gold Straw Bale + Conventional Home. EarthCraft has distinguished itself by outperforming its best competitors through practices of high-performance, energy-negative, carbon-negative, passive solar, and encompassing functionality in all their structures. 

Employing more than 40 years of experience in residential contracting, EarthCraft offers a holistic approach to green building that integrates practical, time-tested methodology with new and innovative technology. EarthCraft structures and designs are constantly adapting to improve as they build greener and cleaner. 

Jon incorporates the lessons and experiences of his mentors to help every one of EarthCraft's clients, as he is personally involved in every project to ensure each client's project exceeds their expectations and his high standard of "Building quality and doing it right from planning to execution. 

Jon enjoys the outdoors when he isn't researching better building techniques to serve Idaho and beyond. He enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending quality time with his Afghan street dog, Holly. 

Max Class Size: 44

Min* Class Size: 20

*If minimum capacity is not met by one week prior, the workshop will be cancelled.

** Proceeds from the workshop will be donated to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.