hay bale homes

Think of it: a beautiful home with no mortgage; a house that's environmentally-responsible; a house with almost no heating and cooling costs due to fantastic insulation;

Straw bale homes have foundations, roofs, and full frames (with some modifications for the bales) just like any other house. But instead of expensive and often toxic building materials (glued plywood, fiberglass insulation, heinous plastic siding, paints, etc.) the exterior walls are stacked piles of finished straw bales. The bales are covered in a natural finish that, when completed, resembles stone or brick material and seals off the straw from the weather--protecting it for hundreds of years.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/js-mcdougall/serious-straw-bale-homesn_b_110432.html

And no mortgage - what do you think -

Mr GG wants to do this when we get our bit of property. I am still reserving my judgement.

http://www.livinggreendesignerhomes.com.au/

Saw a story on "Today" show this morning about these flat pack homes...suggested that you could build a 2 Bedroom home for approx $50,000. must admit I thought it all sounded good given that many young people are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve home ownership...