Welcome to the
Laguna Beach
Straw House
The premiere, exclusive community
ecology & arts center in the making.
Designed by Laguna Native, the architectural eco-visionary Kris Spitaleri, the one-of-a-kind structure is made out of reclaimed materials, locally sourced clay and the love and laughter of participants from all over the world.
The Straw HOUSE
About the Building in Progress
This old-world adobe building approach reminds us there was a time when the world moved at a slower pace, and each piece of material was considered precious. As the rate of consumption exceeds the rate of nature's ability to produce to keep up with demands, this form of sustainable building becomes invaluable. Especially when you consider that straw-bale constructions have proven to be 3x's more fire-resistant than other building methods.
The unorthodox zero-waste project serves as a slow motion eco-workshop that recognizes the inherent value of all of creation. Rejected materials are recycled, and "weeds" are recognized for their potent nutritional value - instead of poisoned! Our programs inspires people of all ages to get off of their phones, back into nature, while honing their creativity.
Our Vision
Our plan is flexible - the needs of our neighbors comes first. What we propose is for the benefit of residents and select guests to enjoy a rest from life's harsh realities.
The inspiring space could feature;
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Art classes; painting, sculpting, woodworking, writing
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Natural wellness gatherings; movement, herbalism, meditation
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Ecological education; gardening, permaculture, sustainability
Essentially - a place for exciting ideas, meaningful experiences, deepening skillsets and the bonds of our community.
Our vision includes an edible & medicinal plant garden - and potentially - a small animal sanctuary of neighborhood-friendly creatures as part of OC's premiere animal rescue organization, Pacific Wildlife Project Emerald Sanctuary and featured installations from local artists.
And the Team!
The Straw House has attracted participants from all over the world - Ethiopia, Japan, France & beyond.
When operational, there is a close circle of dozens of friends, neighbors, artisans, musicians and craftspeople who come together to share their talent for the greater
good and enrichment of the community.
CORE VALUES
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SUSTAINABILITY
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ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS
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CLEAN LIVING
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CREATIVITY
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COMMUNITY
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NATURAL HEALING
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AWARENESS
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RESPONSIBILITY
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PEACE
We are seeking
DONORS & INVESTORS
We need to buy the land the building is on. We currently have 25% secured, and are seeking others who share our vision who can help us fund the project.
85% COMPLETE
MATERIALS
The building is almost complete, and we just need a few more things! If you are connected with sustainably sourced construction materials, or have good material that would otherwise go to waste, please contact us.
Meet Kris
Kris’ first architectural experience was building custom aviaries and enclosures for animals he cared for and rescued in his youth. Showing early aptitude, his parents, famous Laguna Beach philanthropists, Vernon & Cherry Spitaleri, encouraged his skills by asking him to design a cabin for the family. Kris and his family built his design. The stunning geodesic creation still stands in the mountains today!
After earning his architectural degree he continued serving Laguna Beach as a designer, builder and renovator on local projects. For several years Kris then traveled by backpack around the world. From spending time with mother Teresa in Calcutta India to living with Aborigines in the Australian outback. Then to camping with the nomads in the Tibetan Himalayas and many other parts of the world.
His building efforts restored hope to victims of the Yugoslav war. Kris founded the Dawn Society which helped bring relief to orphans, save the lives of refugees, and teach people to live in peace by creating a project that brought refugees of opposing sides together to help re-build each other's homes after the ravages of war.
, he co-founded the Afghan Amity Society to bring relief and restoration to victims of war in Afghanistan. Kris designed a self sustaining multi-functional center consisting of schools, housing, cultural arts complex, orphanage, regenerative food garden, self contained green energy systems, medical clinic, and ecology center to rebuild the region in a clean and sustainable way.
Now, Kris' attention is turned back home to his roots in Laguna, where he is offering his lifetime of knowledge and skill for the benefit of the community. Residents know, the Straw House has been a tremendous labor of love that was slowed by Kris making himself available for years of sleepless nights at the bedside of his parents until thier passing.
The Straw House is dedicated to Cherry & Vernon, in loving memory, and in continuation of their legacy.