Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

"It maintains heat and cool, and so we're going to test it on a regular basis," said Program Coordinator Christy Buchanan.  "We're hoping not to use as much air conditioning and heating in the winter."

The home will be livable and sturdy, complete with wood floors, window panes and electricity.

"You have to tie-strap the bales," said student Matt Weatherford.  "You tie them down to the footings that hold them in place, and that kind of gives them the strength for a windstorm."        

The first straw house was believed to be built in Nebraska 100 years ago.  It's still standing today, but there are hundreds of them now, as folks become more in tune to renewable energies.

"As this place is coming up, it actually surprises me every time I work on it," adds Weatherford.  

The straw house expected to be finished this fall; then another class will install solar panels on the roof.

The home will house children and adults recouping from medical conditions.