We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to ancestors, country and community. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and to their enduring cultures.
Building with straw bales allows for the construction of eco-sustainable buildings with a high degree of energy efficiency, without compromising on safety and comfort.
Compared to traditional techniques, a straw construction is:
Straw is a natural and highly renewable material that does not emit CO2 into the atmosphere and is completely compostable at the end of its life cycle. Its use minimizes the environmental impact of a new building, both in terms of production of construction materials and disposal.
Straw bales allow for highly breathable walls that allow indoor environments to breathe, preventing moisture buildup, mold, and allergens. Combining straw walls with breathable natural lime-based plaster (exterior) and clay-based plaster (interior) creates a system that provides protection from external weather conditions thanks to lime and thermal and acoustic comfort inside thanks to clay. Clay is also a hypoallergenic material, suitable for those with respiratory conditions, and it is antistatic, preventing dust buildup on its surface.
A straw bale house is also earthquake-resistant, thanks to the properties of the wood that forms its structure. Contrary to what one might think, it also has excellent fire resistance. In fact, once plastered, the walls contain very little oxygen, and in the event of a fire, the structures burn very slowly, with values similar to those of a traditional masonry house.
Straw is the best low-cost thermal insulator. The linear transmittance value of a straw bale is 0.09 W/mK, so the thermal transmittance of a 45 cm thick wall is 0.13 W/m2K (R 7.7). This value competes with the most advanced systems on the market used for energy efficient buildings even in cold climates! Straw bale houses are therefore suitable for certification as Passive Houses.
When properly designed and maintained, straw bale buildings can have a long lifespan. The straw inside the bales is protected from decay by the plaster or render on the exterior of the building, ensuring its durability over time.
Straw bale construction is versatile and can be adapted to various architectural styles and designs, allowing for creativity and customisation while still maintaining sustainability.
A straw bale house saves on operating costs, heating, cooling, and maintenance. It is a house that "pays off" over time thanks to energy savings!
Contact us to find out how TERRA! can bring your straw bale house vision to life.