This home is a triumph in several respects. It represents the first time that a straw bale project has been permitted in the Portland area under the prescriptive load bearing straw bale code. So, this project has introduced the prescriptive bale approach to the Portland region, helping builders, funders, code officials, and local residents to become familiar with an exciting new (to them) approach to ecological design and construction that simplifies design and engineering considerations. Additionally, unlike many bale projects that are smaller in size, at 1200 square feet this home is within the more conventional range of scale, and so it is more relatable and comparable to other mainstream home examples. Lastly, it is luminous and lovely. For the eco-building movement that is the ultimate point of persuasion.