BU530 Straw bale construction (2010)

When used appropriately in construction, straw bales provide high levels of insulation and can help to keep a home quiet as well as warm in winter and cool in summer. Straw bales have low embodied energy and are a renewable/sustainable building product.

This bulletin provides a broad overview of what straw bale construction involves, some advantages and disadvantages of straw bales as a building material and where to find more detailed information and help. It is not a specific design guide for straw bale construction. It replaces Bulletin 398 of the same name.

The bulletin covers:

• construction techniques
• construction principles, including foundation, wall structure, windows and doors, roof design and wall finishes
• common concerns.