Advantages of straw-bale in the building sector and a case study

Abstract

[EN] Straw presents several benefits when considering it for the construction sector in substitution of conventional materials. Not only has lower embodied energy and density, but also has valuable thermal properties for passive construction. Using rice-straw bales for construction could reduce the current waste-management problem for the city, saving costs for the material supply in the construction sector while providing better building and air-quality for the city. This research compiles different studies addressing the issue of using straw-bales for the construction, concluding with the main advantages of this material for professional building. The study also presents a monitored case study constructed in Villareal (Spain) using prefabricated modules of straw-bales. The study also comprises a detailed dynamic energy simulation with Energy Plus, and the detail of the calibration of the model.