Briefing: Challenges related to straw bale construction

This briefing discusses the current challenges to the deployment of straw bale walling systems in the UK. A short historical context is described and the major areas of scientific interest are discussed. These areas include the environmental, thermal, acoustic, structural and durability performance of straw bale walling systems in relation to their properties. Current values and measurements of these properties are discussed along with a short introduction to the major researchers and institutions researching the design and attributes of straw bale walls. The briefing concludes that the evolution of straw bale walling systems is rapidly developing and can, when appropriate solutions to potential risk issues are used, provide the basis for comfortable and sustainable buildings.