Shalina Luna and Ben Griffith, a thoughtful couple from Ignacio, Colorado, always had a unique vision for their children’s future.
They invested in a piece of land with the intention of building homes for their kids when they turned 18.
This dream became a reality when their daughter, Joli Galvan, reached adulthood.
They set out to build her a distinctive, off-the-grid house using straw bales and other sustainable materials.
The house they created for Joli is far from ordinary.
Constructed from straw bales covered in a mixture known as cob, this eco-friendly home rests on a sturdy 34×17-foot concrete foundation.
Cob, a combination of clay, sand, straw, and water, is not only sustainable but also fireproof, adding a layer of safety to the home’s rustic charm.
The structure is divided into three distinct sections, each thoughtfully designed and constructed in stages.
Inside, the layout of the house is both practical and inviting.
The two side rooms are each 12×14 feet, while the central area, which includes the kitchen and bathroom, is a narrower 6 feet wide.
One room is dedicated to studying, and the other serves as a cozy living room with a lofted bedroom above.
The home’s aesthetic is rustic yet warm, capturing a style that perfectly suits Joli’s tastes and could easily be her forever home.
One of the most remarkable features of this home is its complete self-sufficiency.
It operates entirely off the grid, with solar panels providing power for all the home’s needs, including an electric pump under the kitchen sink for the water they bring in themselves.
The straw bales offer excellent insulation, keeping the home warm even in cold weather, but there is also a solar-powered ceramic heater for especially chilly days.
Adding to the home’s charm is a cob hot tub, heated by a wood-burning stove, offering a touch of luxury in this eco-friendly setting.
To keep costs low and stay within their $10,000 budget, Shalina and Ben sourced materials locally, often from their land or nearby areas.
After just four weeks of hard work and dedication, Joli’s beautiful home was complete.
The cob walls blend seamlessly with the timber used in the upper half of the house, creating a welcoming farmhouse feel.
Unique features like the bottle wall and glass panels give the house a distinctive, artistic touch.
The interior spaces are designed with comfort and functionality in mind.
The loft bedroom, with its snug atmosphere and stunning views, provides a perfect retreat.
The living area below is spacious enough for Joli to entertain friends, with cleverly designed stairs leading to the loft that also double as storage.
The kitchen, full of charming details, adds character to the home.
The standout feature here is the sink, a stunning piece that pairs beautifully with the wooden countertop.
As a special gesture, Shalina gifted Joli with heirloom kitchenware, passed down through their family for generations.
The bathroom, although compact, is cleverly designed to meet all of Joli’s needs.
Shalina humorously referred to it as an “inhouse” instead of an outhouse, a playful nod to its indoor location while maintaining the functionality of a composting toilet.
The water source, a jar beside the sink, adds another quirky touch to the space.
The study room is another highlight, offering a peaceful spot perfect for reading or studying.
It features a stylish red chair and an antique dresser, along with specially crafted “book nooks” where Joli can store her favorite books.
These unique features make the study a dream for any book lover, providing a cozy nook for her to escape into her literary adventures.
This project was so unique and inspiring that it was featured on an episode of Discovery’s “Building Off The Grid.”
In the end, Shalina and Ben have given their daughter more than just a place to live—they’ve given her a space that reflects their values of sustainability, creativity, and family love.
Watch the video below for a full tour of this gorgeous straw bale home!
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