Strawbale Energy Demonstration Lab

One of the best characteristics of Northland College is the opportunities for hands-on learning. In 1998, students built the Strawbale Energy Demonstration Lab, an off-grid building insulated by straw powered by a small wind turbine and photovoltaic array, and heated through passive solar design with in-floor heat from hot water solar panels.

A strawbale design workshop was led by Mark Morgan, an instructor from the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, during the winter semester of 1998. Then, during May term, Morgan and several students built the structure to model a building that operates off of the electrical grid; constructed entirely of locally produced materials. The flooring, renewable energy systems, and finishing touches have been completed during the three years since the original construction, primarily by student volunteers. This building is now an open space for the campus community to use for events, gatherings, workshops, and art shows.

Sustainability Features

• Straw bales provide super insulation, ceiling insulated with cellulose from recycled newspapers
• All south facing windows to capture passive solar heating
• Off-grid with no connection to other power sources
• 1 kilowatt wind generator  and three 75-watt solar photo voltaic panels supply electricity to the building’s battery
• In-floor heat through four hot water solar panels