STRAW-BALE [STRAWBALE or STRAW BALE] CONSTRUCTION Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both. This construction method is commonly used in natural building or green construction projects. Advantages of straw-bale construction over conventional building systems include the renewable nature of straw, cost, easy availability, and high insulation value. Disadvantages include susceptibility to rot and high space requirements for the straw itself. --Wikipedia