Straw Construction & Insulation

Sustainable building starts with sustainable materials. We source straw from local farms to construct and insulate industry-leading eco-friendly buildings.

Of course, building or insulating with straw won’t mean it looks like you live in a barn! Once installed, straw can be covered by clay, render, lime, plasterboard, or other wall coverings.

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Over 20 years of experience
Straw house construction Inverness.
PIONEERING STRAW HOME CONSTRUCTION

Why build with straw?

  • Save money on heating bills with superior insulation
  • Stay safe with high levels of fire resistance
  • Protect the environment by locking up CO2

Did you know?

9 x

Straw walls provide twice as much insulation as is required by UK building regulations*

%

Fuel bills can be reduced by up to 90% using straw insulation*

*University of Bath

STRAW BALE INSULATION

The perfect natural insulator

While some forms of insulation can be expensive, straw is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative that can drastically improve the energy efficiency of any building.

From passive homes to more traditional structures, straw provides natural insulation thanks to tiny air pockets inside each strand of straw that halt the transfer of heat.

Straw is also highly breathable – helping to regulate humidity and prevent moisture build-up within walls.

Straw house construction.
Traditional timber frame. Straw house construction. Interior of a partially completed wooden building with exposed beams, plastic-covered windows, and straw insulation on the floor.
STAY SAFE IN YOUR HOME

Fire Safety

Straw bales are tightly compacted, with little to no air gaps throughout. This density means straw provides a high level of fire resistance, keeping structures standing for longer in the event of an emergency.

SUPERIOR CHOICE FOR ECO HOME BUILDERS

Straw and the environment: a perfect match

Building and insulating with straw is a fantastic way to utilise a farmland waste product to lock up carbon for generations to come.

Carbon dioxide is absorbed into wheat, barley and other crops through photosynthesis. When used as a building material the straw retains this carbon, ensuring it is not released into the atmosphere.

While composting straw can release huge amounts of CO2, a well-designed straw house built by an experienced sustainable builder can stand the test of time – storing carbon for 100 years or more.

Gaspard Meric working on straw home construction in Inverness.

FAQs

Burning question? We’ve answered the most common queries about Straw Construction and Insulation.

Still need some answers or ready to get started? Contact us to take your environmentally friendly construction project to the next stage.

Yes! Properly constructed straw bale walls – protected by clay, render, lime, plasterboard, or other wall coverings – provide excellent insulation and structural integrity. They can withstand wind, rain and snow, keeping your home warm and dry.

Straw bales are treated with a fire retardant during construction, significantly reducing their flammability. The dense packing of the straw and bales further restricts airflow, hindering fire spread.

No more than any other type of construction! A well-maintained straw bale wall with proper flashing and sealing keeps rodents out. In fact, the dense bales can act as a barrier to other pests as well.

Straw is a readily renewable resource with minimal environmental impact. It offers excellent insulation, reducing energy consumption, and can even store carbon during its growth cycle.

With proper construction and maintenance, straw bale homes can last for well over 100 years. The thick walls provide excellent weatherproofing and insulation, contributing to the longevity of the structure.

Post and beam structures require minimal maintenance. Periodic inspections and occasional reapplication of a protective wood treatment ensure lasting beauty and performance.

Yes! Straw bale walls offer a unique canvas for a variety of finishes. Interior clay or render can be smooth or textured, while exteriors can be finished with lime render, wood cladding, or other materials.

Straw bales themselves are a relatively inexpensive material. However, the construction process requires specialised skills. While potentially more expensive upfront compared to traditional methods, the excellent insulation properties can lead to significant energy cost savings over time.

While some aspects may be DIY-friendly, straw bale construction requires specific expertise for structural integrity, plaster application, and ensuring proper weatherproofing. Partnering with an experienced straw bale builder like Eco Frame is highly recommended. Contact us to discuss your project.

Some lenders may offer special programs for sustainable building projects. It’s worth exploring options with green lenders who recognise the long-term value of straw bale construction.

More questions?

Our
Founding Principles

A Sustainable
Future

We value the future just as much as the present. Eco Frame places great emphasis on generational sustainability, creating a better future for our customers and the environment. Our consideration of the entire life cycle of our projects distinguishes us as forward-thinkers in the industry.

Craftsmanship
Meets Sustainability

We bring together sustainable building materials, decades of building expertise, and a passion for protecting our world. Every project we undertake draws on these strengths to create homes and buildings of the highest quality and standards.

Testimonials

What Our
Clients Are
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