Why Straw Bale?
The reasons for building with straw bales are varied, but they can be condensed down to a few basic considerations.
It is good for the environment
Traditionally, the straw used for building would have been burned or returned to the ground, where most of it would be blown off as CO2. Straw bale construction sequesters large amount of carbon in the form of straw and wood.
It is energy efficient
Most straw bale buildings contain three to four times the wall insulation of most conventionally built buildings. This translates to lower energy costs and more consistent temperatures within the building. For this reason, straw bale buildings are being used more all the time for wineries and other production facilities that need to control fluctuations in temperature
Versatility of design
Because straw bales can be stacked and cut into almost any configuration, designers have the freedom to curve, arch, slope, or straighten walls to meet a particular idea or design element