Architecture: Straw Bale

The section of the Sustainable Building Sourcebook, an online publication by the Austin Green Building Program, on straw bale construction defines the technique as a building method that uses "baled straw from wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice and others in walls covered by stucco...." and proceeds to address building considerations, commercial status, and implementation issues. The authors discuss some of the benefits of this "low cost alternative for building highly insulating walls" and consider common concerns such as financing and public acceptance. A variety of resources for anyone interested in building with straw bales are provided. And anyone who already has built one can sign on to the international Straw Bale Registry. <http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/strawbale.html>