An ancient material for modern times
Throughout history, straw and grasses have been used in natural building methods to create safe, reliable, and comfortable shelters in diverse climates.
Humble And Understated, Yet Mighty.
What is straw bale building?
Straw bale construction is a natural building method that utilizes straw as the primary building material. It typically involves tying straw into larger bundles and stacking them on top of each other in a brick-like fashion. Another common approach is to use straw bales as insulation only, and fill them into a structural frame.
History of straw bale building:
Building with straw bales took off in the early 20th century, with the advent of automatic baling machines. It gained in popularity due to the oil crisis, and has gradually been established as a compelling alternative among self-builders and eco-enthusiasts.
However, with the urgency of the shift towards more sustainable solutions and significant technological innovations, straw now has the potential to become a game changer for the construction industry.
The Oldest Straw Bale House:
The Feuillette house, located in Montargis, a mere 100 kilometres from Paris. It is the oldest building constructed with a wooden frame and straw insulation known to date.
Despite its senior status, it is in pristine condition. In fact, many conventional houses would kill to look this good at 100+.
Designed in 1920 by architect and engineer Émile Feuillette, and acquired in 2013 by the CNCP to preserve its heritage, it is the symbol of the sustainability of straw construction.
With concerns about cost-savings and speed of construction in a post-war world, engineer Émile Feuillette was an undeniable visionary. His construction system was even the subject of a patent application in the United States in 1923.
Read more here.
Traditional Techniques To Build A Straw Bale House:
The Load-Bearing Method
This method, sometimes called “Nebraska style”, involves stacking straw bales onto a raised footing or foundation to create structural walls, eliminating the need for a separate structural frame.
Contrary to common belief, tied straw bales (when well pressed) are sturdy and cannot be huffed and puffed away, regardless of one’s respiratory fortitude. They can support their own weight as well as that of a roof.
The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity. It does not require much carpentry skills, which is why it’s popular among self-builders who often simply seek a modest home with a lower environmental footprint.
The Infill Method
The second approach, commonly referred to as the non-load-bearing or “infill” method, involves stacking straw bales between vertical posts or studs, and anchoring them firmly in place.
The primary role of straw here is to provide insulation, while load-bearing capacity is provided by a structural frame.
The technique requires more experience with wooden construction, but it also enables greater design flexibility. Nebraska style frameless houses are restricted in terms of wall length, heights, and window size.
Problems With Straw Bale Houses:
Moisture Management
Fire consistently ranks among top concerns about straw homes. The true enemy, however, is water. Straw can be damaged by moisture, which makes straw bale homes particularly vulnerable during prolonged construction.
Uncertain Quality
Uncertified bales bought from farmers can have imperfections and inconsistent quality. As a result, the construction process requires adjustments and is more complicated. Self-builders often lack the know-how and experience, which can lead to poor results.
Obtaining Building Permit & Insurance
Building codes can vary significantly between countries. When it comes to straw bale construction, particularly of the Nebraska style kind, local authorities may have some questions. The answers, valid as they may be, do not always lift their concerns.
Labor Intensive
Building with straw bales requires a considerable amount of time and physical effort. Builders often need to rely on the help of friends, family or neighbours to complete construction in a reasonable time frame. The longer the process goes on, the higher the risk of rain, leakage and damage.
That’s where the EcoCocon panel system takes straw building to another level.
The EcoCoCon Prefab Straw Wall Panel Advantage:
Where nature falls short by itself, clever use of modern technology can lend a helping hand and remedy the shortcomings.
Prefabricated exterior wall panels are timber-straw blocks precisely manufactured to seamlessly fit together, simplifying the building process and reducing construction time. This, in turn, also minimizes the risk posed by moisture.
Pressing straw into frames under factory conditions usually results in a more dense and homogenous infill with even surface. As a result, guesswork and potential errors that can arise during self-building are effectively removed from the equation.
Of course, not all panels were created equal, and we can only speak for ourselves. EcoCocon is currently the world’s most tested and certified straw wall system, rated for performance, energy-efficiency, fire resistance and environmental footprint. These credentials often provide all the reassurance authorities need. Thus, the issues of securing building permits as well as insurance are alleviated.
Different panel types can accommodate different structural requirements. Since they’re tailored to measure, they allow for nearly unrestricted design possibilities and creative freedom for architects. Such modern straw buildings can be indistinguishable from their more conventional counterparts, save for the pleasant indoor atmosphere of the former.
