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Just a point - most straw bale "structures" are actually timber framed with straw bale infill. Straw bale construction has to be compressed etc - also not perhaps the best thing in your climate. Timber framed is good fun if you can get some chestnut poles or old telegraph poles. It could be you first venture into timber framing! Some nice shaped timbers would look really good and up lift the spirit!

If you go for flat roof, epecially in your climate, why not use a green roof - plants growing on top. You could plant aplines and herbs and sedums.... The roof has to be designed to take it though. Cheap insulation and productive!

aye, i would agree with the green roof idea. I'm in a high wind area as well and green roofs are heavy and stay put in stormy weather.. You could just do post and beam. Build a frame out of 4" x 4" posts then clad it. Put a gable roof on.. Flat roofs are terrible for windy locations. Best is a hip roof, second a saltbox or gable roof with about 45 degree pitch. Don't forget to tie the rafters to the walls with fencing wire or something too!

A dome roof would be the best shape. A lightweight timber frame covered with 2 layers of chicken wire, plastered with a 3:1 mix of sharp sand and portland cement. Hurricane proof