Win Washington's First Load-Bearing Straw-Bale House

The first load-bearing straw-bale home in the State of Washington is now offered as the prize of an essay contest by Michael and Spring Thomas of the IronStraw Group. The home, which has been monitored by Habitat for Humanity International for their research on affordable, straw-bale houses, consists of two structures situated on a seven-acre site in Port Townsend, Washington, with dramatic views. The one-page essay, on the topic of why you would want to win the house and why the use of alternative building materials is important to the environment, must be received by June 1, 1998 along with a $100 entry fee. Contact IronStraw Group at 360/379-3577, ironstraw@olympus.net, or read details on the group’s website at www.olympus.net/ironstraw.