Straw-Bale Construction
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Straw-Bale construction is an alternative building method which uses bales of straw for wall systems. The method uses an agricultural waste product (wheat, rice, rye and oats straw) in place of diminishing dimensional lumber, and achieves high insulation values. It is a building method most appropriate for regions with relatively little precipitation.
Brief Description
Advantages:
Straw has a renewable nature and thus environment friendly
It does not costs much and the wall construction doesn't require specific skills
The straw used for construction is easily available too
It has high insulating properties and can be used as an insulation material, making it excellent for both cold and hot climates. (In hot climates, windows should be placed on the inside of the wall (thick bales create thick walls), to get a deep shadow around the glass. In cold climates, windows should be placed on the outside of the wall, to get more sun.)
Straw bale modular nature allows a faster wall construction and a flexible design: deep windows, deep overhangs, curves
Disadvantages:
Straw should be kept dry, both on the construction time and after it. Without proper procedures, straw will rot. Straw bale walls should remain breathable, and protected with good anti-moisture barriers.
Ordinary rain and moisture will not damage the straw bale walls, but extreme rain conditions and damp, humid climates will damage.
Bale application is easy, but since walls are thicker and require a larger top plate and larger foundations, there is often slightly higher construction costs at this level
Barriers concerning local building code approvals, mortgages, insurances and bank loans are also true in case of straw-bale construction
References:
http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/GreenBuilding/OurProgram/Resources/Greenbuildingglossary/default.asp
