Building with Straw Bales
A Practical Guide for the UK and Ireland

Strawbale building is a radically different approach to construction. Pioneered in the USA over a hundred years ago and established in the UK in the 1990s, the technique is now entering the mainstream – used by firms who see its value in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of installation and energy efficiency. Straw has great loadbearing qualities and provides super-insulation at an affordable price.

This book is for self-builders as well as for people working in the construction industry. Strawbale building is accessible to many people who are normally excluded from the construction process, and provides immense opportunity for creative fun, enabling you to design and build the sort of shape and space you’d really like.

Building with Straw Bales explains, in straightforward and common-sense terms, the principles of strawbale building in the UK climate. It covers design principles, the different types of foundations; how to raise walls, stabilise them and protect them from the weather; and how strawbale buildings can easily meet Building Regulations requirements. This fully revised and expanded edition includes new sections on natural plasters, a detailed analysis of how straw performs with humidity, and an extensive resources section.

Spiral House: this inspiring loadbearing two-storey spiral-shaped house was the first of its kind in Europe, and is based on sacred geometry. It was built by its owner Norita Clesham with Barbara Jones, Bee Rowan and over a hundred volunteers, most of them women, with carpentry help from Willie and Gerard McDonagh. Begun in 2000, it was completed in three years.

Photo: Bee Rowan

Assington Mill: Story Hut: this simple but effective story-telling strawbale hut at Assington Mill in Suffolk has car tyre foundations, a rammed chalk floor and a thatched roof.

Photo: Rae Parkinson

Chapter 1 - Why build with straw bales?           

Chapter 2 - Affordable houses with low environmental impact

Chapter 3 - Strawbale building techniques explained

Chapter 4 - Bales to build with

Chapter 5 - Bale plans  

Chapter 6 - Safety and tools

Chapter 7 - Cement-free foundations

Chapter 8 - Roof and fittings

Chapter 9 - Wall raising

Chapter 10 - Windows and doors

Chapter 11 - Plasters and renders – lime

Chapter 12 - Plasters and renders – clay

Chapter 13 - Planning permission

Chapter 14 - Building Regulations

Appendix 1 - Humidity in strawbale walls

Appendix 2 - Frequently asked questions

Appendix 3 - Resources and research

Appendix 4 - Construction drawings

Barbara Jones

The Author: Barbara Jones FRSA is the founder and director of amazonails, the leading UK company for strawbale design, consultancy and training. She has pioneered techniques for use in the UK climate, including the use of traditional lime and clay plasters. Awards won by amazonails buildings include the Grand Designs Eco-home of the Year in 2008 and the East of England Sustainability Award from the RICS in 2009. Amazonails’ website is www.amazonails.org.uk.