Thermal efficiency, cost effectiveness, strength, ease of build-ability and being organic; are amongst the leading benefits to members of the built environment who decide to build with Straw.
In today's world where carbon emissions and insulation mechanisms remain top priorities in the functionality and efficiency of a structure, straw's insulation properties and longevity may come in handy for the price of appropriate material combinations and well scheduled maintenance.
Straw works well with timber cladding, wood, external lime plasters, glazing and internal clay plasters, with lime wash or clay-based paints. However, in more severe weather conditions, timber cladding, may be required over the lime plaster to provide additional protection.
There are four main ways of building with straw. The load bearing method involves straw acting as an structure, insulation and surface for plaster which needs no frames. The infill method is where straw acts as a an insulation and surface only. The next method involves a combination of the best of both mentioned techniques to create a hybrid which requires lots of glazing. The last of them, involves prefabrication where straw is used as panels.
The largest part of building with straw is carpentry and for the highest levels of build quality, efficiency in this skill set is key to providing success. Straw bales can be finished in clay or lime-plaster painted as desired. Compression can also be used through pruning for desired textures to provide a material fit for use as cladding, roofing, insulation, interior and exterior walls.
Comments