Most people think of straw bale houses as a way of the past, built only because people didn’t have the money or the resources to build houses how we do now. On the contrary, the benefits of straw buildings for people and our planet are plentiful! They are low cost, energy efficient, extremely durable, offer more insulation, are very easy to build, and beautiful to boot!

Using straw bales for building was rediscovered in Arizona during the early 1980’s. It was the solution to an affordable, eco-conscious building material, and word spread quickly, causing a worldwide movement in the 1990’s. Using straw for building isn’t just for residential either, industrial, commercial and agriculture building as have all been built from straw. Straw is also one of the world’s top renewable resources, with enough straw produced each year to provide for all of North America’s housing needs. Straw is an annually renewable crop, made wherever grain crops are grown.

By choosing the simplicity of straw and plaster, you can save up to 50% on the cost of walls when you build it yourself. If a company is hired, the costs may be higher initially but you will only continue to save on energy. With double the insulation properties, averaging half the cost of heat and cooling! Their insulation properties also double as sound absorption. Straw bale walls also offer the freedom of adaptability, allowing the outcome of the design to be unique or basic in design. They can be fitted with windows, doors, plumbing, electricity and extra floors just like conventional buildings. Because of their thickness, round windows and window seats can also be added very easily.

Straw Bale buildings have successfully withstood structural, fire and moisture tests. Adding eaves and wide over hangs help to keep problems of excess rain and snow from the bales, making them suitable for all four seasons and conditions. Insurance and mortgages can be taken out on straw structures already and will only continue to be more and more accepted. Because straw is nearly the same as wood chemically, if proper care is taken when building, structures will not decompose anymore than wood decomposes. There are currently many examples of straw bale houses and churches that are over 100 years old that are still in great condition. With so many benefits to offer us, straw buildings are defiantly not a thing of the past but a way of the future.