Stefano Soldati is a true trailblazer in straw house in Italy. In 2003, he bought an old farmhouse in Pramaggiore, near Venice, and instead of renovating it, he decided to demolish and rebuild something truly revolutionary. Faced with high renovation costs, Stefano chose to start from scratch, using natural materials like raw earth and straw, following ancient principles of eco-friendly building. This choice gave birth to a home that’s not only sustainable but also a gathering place and training center for anyone interested in ecology and sustainability.

Stefano Soldati’s straw house

Living in a straw house means embracing a home that offers top-notch thermal and acoustic insulation, better fire resistance, and, most importantly, eliminates the need for concrete foundations, making it a more eco-friendly construction. Stefano’s house is an outstanding example of sustainable living, boasting 330 square meters of functionality and beauty in perfect harmony with Nature.

Comfort and insulation

Step into a straw house, and the first thing you’ll notice is the refreshing atmosphere. The straw bales provide excellent thermal insulation, keeping it pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter. Straw is also an exceptional sound insulator – in fact, many recording studios worldwide use it for its sound-absorbing qualities.

The straw bales used in the construction were sourced directly from local fields, without any industrial treatment. This zero-kilometer approach allowed Stefano to support the local area and further reduce the environmental impact of his home.

Energy efficiency and heating

One of the most innovative features of Stefano’s house is its heating system, which uses a wood-burning thermo-cooker. This setup not only heats the home but also serves as a stove, minimizing costs and energy consumption. The wood for the stove is grown and cut by Stefano himself, keeping winter heating costs as low as 300 euros, even in the coldest months. Additionally, the system is connected to a large water tank, which also receives energy from solar thermal panels. This means that on sunny days, the house is sustainably powered, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Strength and safety

Another remarkable aspect of a straw house is its strength. Thanks to the lightweight and flexible nature of natural materials, this type of home is considered more earthquake-resistant than traditional brick or concrete structures. When properly plastered, straw can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it a safer choice even in case of fire.

Architecture and design

The design of Stefano’s straw house combines aesthetics with functionality. Featuring a structure made from raw earth and a radiant wall built with a blend of earth, sand, and fiber, the house has exceptional thermal storage and moisture regulation, all with a unique look.

Every architectural choice was made to maximize natural light and solar heat. The windows are strategically positioned to ensure adequate lighting even in winter, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Building a sustainable home

Building a straw and earth house requires meticulous planning and the involvement of experts in eco-friendly construction. Stefano emphasizes the importance of considering every detail, from materials to structural design and electrical and plumbing systems, to ensure the project remains both sustainable and practical. According to Stefano’s experience, involving skilled professionals in sustainable construction and energy efficiency is essential to achieving high-quality results.

Learning about green building and permaculture

To share his knowledge with others, Stefano founded La Boa, a go-to resource for anyone dreaming of building a sustainable home in harmony with Nature. Through La Boa, Stefano offers all his expertise to inspire more people to embrace self-sufficiency and green building. Together with his team, he organizes self-building courses, where anyone can learn how to design and construct a straw house from the ground up, following eco-friendly and permaculture principles. For those who prefer leaving it to the experts, La Boa also offers tailored consultations, guiding each project step-by-step to create a personalized, eco-friendly home.

In a Nutshell

Living in a straw house isn’t just a housing choice; it’s a lifestyle. Stefano Soldati, who built the first straw house in Italy, in Pramaggiore, invites everyone to spend time in a straw house to experience how it can positively impact quality of life. To spread the green building housing revolution, he founded La Boa, a project dedicated to teaching self-building to anyone who wants to create their own eco-friendly home. Through his story, Stefano shows that bringing ancient building techniques into today’s world can be the key to building a more mindful and eco-friendly future, in deep harmony with Nature.