straw bale construction

I'm in the early planning stages of building my dream green home. I've been working on a solid plan for a little over a year now and have considered a tire home, underground home, and a straw bale home. After looking at 'final' projects straw bale won out in a land slide. The looks of the home are beautiful and still retains all the green features I am looking for. My question is about the roof. I understand the simple stuff like the color of the room matters, it only makes sense that a back roof will be hot while a light colored room will be cool.

But what do you make the roof out of? What is the material you use? I want to know everything from what is the supporting structure made out of to what goes on top of that and finally what is the final covering made out of? It seems everywhere I look it talks about the wall of the home being straw with a earth plaster but very few references to what to make the roof out of or choices when it comes to making a roof? Can you guys put together a simple guilde to the best ways to make a green room including what they are made of and the insulation you use on them.

Thanks,
Gregg Webster
Iowa City, IA

Using hay is great for thermal protection,but squirrels and mice love it. How do you protect against a home invasion? Once they are in, they have a ready made mansion.

If you find yourself in the Texas area end of September or are lucky enough to already live here :-), make sure you come to the 8th Annual Renewable Energy Roundup at http://theroundup.org/ in Fredericksburg, TX September 28th-30th in the center of Texas Hill Country.

It's $10/Friday, $12/Saturday or $20 for all three days! That's a bargain for the amount of information you can get on these hot topics:

* Solar
* Wind
* Geothermal
* Water Use & Reuse
* Energy Conservation
* Rainwater Harvesting
* Green & Sustainable Building
* Organic Growing
* Alternative Transportation
* Straw Bale Construction

And there will be:

* Exhibits
* Free Guest Speakers
* Natural Food
* Family Activities

Come and learn something new or meet contacts in the green field. Besides, it will be a fun trip and nice drive over there, as you'll pass some beautiful areas, and the historic town of Fredericksburg with its German influence and charming old west appeal.

Our architect and I might exhibit there and advertise our blog and my upcoming e-book. Let us know if you live in the Austin area and want to carpool! Thanks to Maverick for passing this information along! READ MORE AT SjodinDreamHome.Blogspot.com ...