Mark Tighe: Why use straw bales for building?

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Good reasons to use straw bales for building:

1. Energy efficiency of the structure.  Original tests done at the University of New Mexio showed an R value of 55. Since then, the State of CA allows the R value listed only at 30. 

2. Conservation of trees. Straw bale building uses 25% less lumber.  

3. Recycling a waste product (straw):  ecologically sound. 

4. Durability.  Termites don't eat it. 

5. Versatility. A straw bale building can be styled to look like any kind of plastered home.

6. Acoustics. Straw bale buildings are very, very quiet. They shield you from the outside world's noise, and the outside world from yours.

7. Energy-efficient material with very stable temperatures for commercial buildings: wineries, restaurants, grocery stores, museums, laboratories, etc.

8. Retro-fitting existing buildings with a straw bale exterior veneer, with proper modifications.