Stuccoing the Straw Bale Cabin

This was the start on the west wall.
This was where I dove into the void and landed softly.
My biggest unknown was what the right vicosity would be.
Many batches later I finally learned how stiff the mix needs to be for optimum adhesion.























Neil is using an aluminum rod as a bale needle to feed wire through the bale
in order to pull the chicken wire in tight against the bales. Chicken wire up tight
against the bales makes the stucco stick much better than when there is a gap of more
than 1/4 inch. We are using aluminum needles since I misplaced my steel one. Steel is
by far the better choice. Aluminum bends too easily. My plan is to have at least 4 steel
needles in my bale tool set, and 8 or ten would not be too many.



Neil, River and yours truly. River is the girl next door.



Working on the west wall.



Neil filling a gap above the north window.



Working on the east wall.



Working on the east wall.



Working on the east wall.



Working on the east wall.



Working on the east wall.



Working on the east wall.



The east wall finished on the bales. The eves are still open.



Neil filling in the eves on the east wall for something solid to stuco against.
The 1x6 lumber is dumpster dived pine from wood stove pallets.
Chicken wire covered the 1x6s to help the stucco stick better
Exposed horizontal surfaces turned out to be a serious challenge.