About Us
From the Ground Up
The Straw House is a sustainably built eco-community center intended to model a way of life that exists symbiotically with the natural world.
We host workshops, exhibits, and events that foster a cultural love and respect for our planet and to each other.
We are building a center that will function not only as affordable artist housing, but is equipped with art studios, gardens, orchards, community spaces, a butterfly pavilion, and an animal sanctuary.
Our Values
Sustainability
Every inch of the Laguna Straw House was carefully constructed with Mother Earth in mind. Not only is it made almost entirely of reclaimed materials, but it was crafted with mindfulness toward the preservation of all living things. For example, its foundation contours existing trees so as to not damage them.
Animal Care
We have run an active animal sanctuary in Laguna Beach for over 50 years which treats and rehabilitates emergency rescue victims and re-releases them to the wild. Our volunteers learn how to care for injured and rejected animals and carefully nurse them back to health.
Wellness
We support the holistic well-being of our community, and encourage everyone to take care of their minds and bodies by eating fresh food, spending time outside (away from screens), exercising, embracing clean living, and enjoying a sober lifestyle.
Our Story
Built upon the remnants of an historic pioneer cabin in Laguna Canyon, the Straw House is a living testament to the artistic and ecologically-minded legacy of Laguna Beach.
The site features a three-thousand square-foot home constructed almost entirely of recycled materials by the loving hands of volunteers.
Our project advocates sustainable, artistic, and unconventional building techniques such as straw-bale construction, adobe mud plaster, sculptural elements, reclaimed wood, and natural heating & cooling systems.
Upon completion, The Straw House will become an active artist live-work community, animal sanctuary, and ecological center featuring community gardens, fruit trees, and a butterfly pavilion.
Meet Our Founder
Kris Spitaleri
Architect, Designer, Lead Builder
California Polytechnic State University
Kris designed and constructed the majority of the eco-community center with his own hands. His passion extends far beyond eco-construction: he seeks to nurture a vibrant community by sharing his skills and resources abundantly.
Our Volunteers
Built of recycled materials by the loving hands of volunteers, this community-driven, zero-waste project has welcomed over one hundred global participants from dozens of countries.
Our Volunteers Learn:
Safe construction methods
Creative building concepts
Eco-sustainable techniques and sourcing
Zero-waste living
Teamwork & comradery
Communication skills
Freedom from tech devices
Clean living; free from harmful influences
Native & edible plants, gardening, landscaping
Cultural arts
Animal care & rehabilitation
Survival skills
Our Volunteers Say
"The Straw Bale project provided a safe haven for people to come together and work on something bigger than ourselves. It was very inspiring for me to witness people of different backgrounds coming together for a common goal."
Abigail Daniel, Ethiopia
