Straw bale construction

This note was reviewed in September 2018 and retained for legacy.

This note, originally published in November 1996, was reviewed by Harry Partridge in November 2001 and republished in November 2003.

Straw bale construction has achieved considerable publicity since the 1996 EDG Note, and straw is no longer regarded as such a 'left-field' material within the conservative building industry. There have been very considerable advances in the understanding and use of straw. In this update note, its development is discussed and some current good building practices are described and illustrated.