A -window (low E, double glazing, gap filled with argon).
B -white casein paint on raw brick masonry - 100mm thick, straw bale on edge 350mm thick (ext. and int. sides dipped in clay), exterior plaster: clay wash, three layers of lime plaster, three layers of lime wash.
C1 -lime wash on ECOPANNEAUX 60mm thick (suspended ceiling), floor beams 90x250mm @ 910mm, counter rafters 50x100mm @ 420mm, plywood 19mm thick, wax on wooden floor finish 24mm thick.
C2 -lime wash on ECOPANNEAUX 60mm thick, floor beams 90x250mm @ 910mm, counter rafters 50x100mm @ 420mm, plywood 19mm thick, ceramic tiles in cement based glue.
D -white casein paint on ECOPANNEAUX 60mm thick (interior cladding), straw bale on edge 350mm thick (ext. and int. sides dipped in clay), exterior plaster: clay wash, three layers of lime plaster, three layers of lime wash.
E -roof joists 50x150mm @ 455mm, counter lathing 30x30mm @ 400mm, transparent PVC ONDULINE roof cover (only the overhang)
F -white casein paint on 200x300mm @ 910mm wooden beam, white casein paint on ECOPANNEAUX 60mm thick, vapor check - plastic sheet, straw bales layed flat 350mm thick, fire protective layer of clay 60mm thick, roof joists 50x150mm @ 455mm, roof decking 32mm thick, water proof plastic membrane with extra root protection, earth 80mm thick, grasses.
G -transluscent double glazing forms the ceiling suspended on 50x100mm timber frame, roof joists 50x150mm @ 455mm, counter lathing 30x30mm @ 400mm, transparent PVC ONDULINE roof cover.
H -entrance door to heating zone (low E, double glazing, gap filled with argon), entrance door to unheated buffer.
I -ECOPANNEAUX 60mm thick (suspended ceiling), mineral wool insulation 200mm thick, floor beam 50x200mm @ 455mm, plywood 19mm thick, ceramic tiles in cement based glue.
J -white casein paint on raw brickwork 100mm thick (interior cladding), straw bale on edge 350mm thick (ext. and int. sides dipped in clay), exterior plaster: clay wash, three layers of lime plaster, three layers of lime wash, limewash on reinforced concrete retaining wall 300mm thick, rubble, earth.
K -cement floor on reinforced concrete floor 300mm thick (part of retaining wall), polystyrene 100mm thick, earth. L -wax on wooden floor finish 24mm thick, concrete 100mm thick, geo fabric (separative layer), reused crushed silicate building blocks 300mm thick layer, gravel 300mm thick layer, earth.
M -concrete block, concrete strip foundation 900mm deep.
N -floor beam 50x200mm @ 455mm, plywood 19mm thick, wooden floor finish 24mm thick.
O -chimney: 1mm thick stainless steel flue of diameter 160mm (part of the BLK prefabricated light concrete chimney system), ventilated air gap 25mm, prefabricated light concrete chimney blocks BLK, ventilated air gap 50mm, chimney cladding in fire resistant cement based hard board CETRIS 18mm, polystyren 40mm thick (to exterior), plaster netting, exterior lime plaster.
P1 -three layers of stainless steel chimney with ventilated gaps (the same as above the roof), with an extra layer of stainless steel sheet with ventilated gap specially designed for intersection with straw bale.
P2 -three layers of stainless steel chimney with ventilated gaps.

       The borders of Czech Republic are all around created by mountain ranges. The passes between mountains became ancient gates to the country, protected by castles and forts. At the gate to Poland, east of Prague, between Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains is small town Náchod with an old church in the center of its square. Right above the square on the steep northern slope towers Náchod's majestic castle. There is another hill not far from the castle to the west with a few family houses built at its foot. As the hill rises it becomes covered by private gardens. Rather unusual place in the center of the town. The owner of the garden on top of the hill decided to build a straw bale house there.

       The site is protected from above by grown lime trees and slopes to the east. Two story house is anchored in the slope so that the main entry from the west leads directly to the second floor. The east elevation with large balcony and terrace becomes open in both floors to magnificent views of the town and its square below. North elevation offers the view of the castle framed by greenery.

       This project is adaptation of the whole house in specific site conditions and proves to be a successful solution. Care was taken in setting the rooms so that the views could be exploited with the greatest effect. The terraces and balconies serve to expand the living space in the summer and unheated space attached to the house from the west makes a buffer zone.

        The bedrooms on the lower floor are childern's realm. Upper floor creates open space for common family life with a separate master bedroom.

       The construction differs slightly from the one of the whole house. It is adjusted for easier straw bale work and maximizes the breathability of the exterior wall. The exterior of the house is plastered in lime and interior either clad in ECOPANNEAUX (compressed straw panels) or in masonry. This way wall opens for vapor penetration from inside to outside. The large diameter long timber roof joists were selected for this project due to ther cheap cost and local availability.

       Another important difference between this project and the whole house is the first floor construction. While the whole house has suspended floor insulated with straw, this house has a solid floor placed right on the concrete slab with insulating layer of crushed silicate blocks.