The Straw Budio: Coming Summer 2026

This summer, we will be embarking on a very exciting new adventure: builing a strawbale barn+studio- the Straw Budio! This will be the new hub of activity for the Center for Ecological Design.

 We will use the space to host workshops on natural building, ecological design and art, and ecological living. 

It will provide a critical workshop space with all of the best tools and equipment for building: a woodworking shop, welding area, 3d printing zone (with one BambuLabs CarbonX1 and a massive Elegoo Orangestorm Giga), CNC/laser zone, LED and electrical fabrication area, and computer area. It will also have a full bathroom for our guests!

We have already started working with fantastic team at Verdant Structural Engineers to complete the structural engineering for the studio! If you are looking for the best natural building engineer, look no further than Verdant! Their team literally wrote the code for strawbale building! 

 We imagine this space as an old Western town- picture yourself here strumming a banjo with your hair full of straw after a long day of natural building, surrounded by new friends chatting about exciting possibilities in the world of sustainable living, building, and design! 

The Straw Budio is pictured here next to our existing buildings- the Shaloon - our current studio - will become an additional shed space for tools. The Tiki Bar is our outdoor cooking and bar area- with the most stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Front and side views of the Straw Budio show ample storage space and shaded area for chilling out on either side, and the exposed view (left) shows the height of the Budio (20') will easily accomodate large fabricaction projects.

The Budio will also feature a loft for extra storage space, work space, and... of course a fireman-style pole! Below the loft is the dedicated 3d printing area, computer area, and bathroom. The back of the studio also features two very large windows, so the views of the mountains will be a spectacular inspiration for all working inside! 

The Budio will be located north of our Strawbale home- in a flat area of the property which provides a great space for the building. The building will face south and feature solar panels on the roof- we, as always, are off-grid and 100% solar powered!