Flying M Construction is the oldest Strawbale Construction Company in California. During 1989 and 1990we were lucky enough to work with San Luis Sustainability Group www.slosustainability.com  on the design and construction of the Noland House in Lone Pine, California. It was the first permitted strawbale residence in California. Two solid years of working with building officials, engineers and sub-contractors to finally get this pioneering project into reality.

Since that time, it has been a busy 20 years. Many projects have come across the drafting table: some designed “in house” and many for professional architects and designers. A few of these are showcased below.

We have always integrated energy and resource efficiency into our housing mix. Recycled, used and local materials are integrated into the plan. “Healthy house” friendly building materials and methods are always favored in our choices of components.

Although Strawbale Construction is our passion, we can build anything.  Have a look at the work we did at Windwolves Preserve  www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_windwolves.html .  If someone can design it….we can build it.

Projects:
Flying M Homestead (8 photos)
Noland Project (6 photos)
Harvey-Perkins Project (3 photos)
Udsen Project (4 photos)

Windwolves Shade Strucure and Restrooms (6 photos)

 

Construction Consulting

Strawbale construction is not rocket science. However, it varies from stick-frame construction in many significant ways. Perhaps the most important variation is scheduling. Strawbale projects just go together differently than standard construction.

We are pleased to offer the knowledge we have amassed through the years to your project. We find it most helpful if a team member with strawbale construction experienced is involved in the project from the beginning of design phase. This assures that the details affecting strawbale, and the way strawbale interacts with standard materials, do not incur costly changes during the course of construction. We can produce preliminary costing and supply our services throughout the project, offering construction management that will enable your project to move in a timely and efficient manner. We can participate in your project on whatever level you would like. Whether you are an owner-builder, contractor, engineer or architect, we can help you with your strawbale projects.

I am a founding member of the California Straw Building Association (CASBA).  strawbuillding.org  This website will give you lots of understanding about our organization and straw bale building in general.

We also know many engineers and architects with great amounts of strawbale construction experience. Many of them have been involved in strawbale since the early days. The true leaders in the field. There is no reason for you to reinvent the wheel. The wheel of strawbale construction is well greased and running smoothly here.

Much of this consulting is accomplished electronically. This minimizes travel time and brings the cost down. Our rates are modest and our enthusiasm is high. We would love to be a part of your project.