Physical properties of straw bales as a construction material: A review

Straw bale buildings provide significant benefits in terms of costs, human health, andenvironmental sustainability. Several studies in different regions have underlined the remarkableproperties of straw bales as insulating and construction material; however, to the authors’ knowledge,there are no reviews published on this topic. The main objective of this paper is to provide a betterunderstanding of straw bale systems, focusing on durability and thermal and acoustic insulationproperties. To this end, previous tests and studies on straw bale buildings around the world werereviewed, comparing their results, assessing where research currently stands, and identifying theaspects that need to be further investigated. Results from previous tests have highlighted their abilityto achieve excellent living comfort and encouraged their use. Guidelines for the characteristics to beachieved during the baling process are now required. Combining straw bale walls with a render orany type of high-density layer can improve both the thermal and acoustic properties of straw baleconstructions. Finally, a quantitative assessment of the most significant properties, such as thermalresistance and acoustic insulation, is necessary to reduce the gap between straw bales and traditionalbuilding materials.