Eco-holidays: Stay in a straw-bale cabin

With many holiday makers planning to save money this year by taking their vacation in the UK, one eco-friendly option is the Straw Bale Cabin in East Yorkshire.

Built by former accountant turned eco-architect Carol Atkinson, the Straw Bale Cabin is the UK’s first straw-bale holiday home.

The walls of the cabin were built using locally grown straw, whilst the roof and other building components were made with renewable materials.

Power is generated on the cabin using a micro wind turbine and a solar panel.

Carol explains that straw bale buildings have strong eco credentials.

“Straw bales provide a high level of insulation and have very low embodied energy, locking away carbon for the life of the building. When plastered on both sides, straw bale walls are fireproof, verminproof and airtight,” she said.

Inside the cabin is a cosy living room, kitchen, and double bedroom. The bathroom features a compost toilet.

Visitors to the cabin are encouraged to travel by rail to the local station, where Carol will pick them up on request.

Bicycles and maps of the local area are provided.

Carol is currently studying sustainable building at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales.