Timbo Scursso 6/13/25 Timbo Scursso 6/13/25

Straw Bale Houses and Vapor Barriers: What to Know

House wrap can protect straw-bale walls only if it allows for permeability. The 2024 IRC now allows a water-resistive barrier with a vapor rating of five perms or higher, yet a tight plastic sheet still risks trapping moisture and ruining the bales. In this updated guide, we explain when a vapor-open WRB makes sense, where a rain screen provides added protection, and why lime or clay plaster remains the most effective first defense.

Timbo Scursso 5/23/25 Timbo Scursso 5/23/25

Window and Door Bucks in a Straw Bale Load Bearing House

Timbo Scursso 5/16/25 Timbo Scursso 5/16/25

What Type of Mesh to Use in a Straw House Build?

When building, the question of what type of mesh to use in a straw bale build is a big one. Learn more about options here.

Timbo Scursso 5/2/25 Timbo Scursso 5/2/25

Hanging Cabinets On Straw Bale Walls

One easy way to hang cabinets on straw bale walls is to notch into the straw bale wall… Learn all the details here.

Timbo Scursso 4/18/25 Timbo Scursso 4/18/25

Hay Houses Are NOT Straw Bale Houses

Why exactly can you NOT use hay to build home with? Let’s find out…

Timbo Scursso 4/11/25 Timbo Scursso 4/11/25

Better Than Rebar: Straw Bale House Building

Why have we moved away from using rebar in straw bale house building? Learn that and what we’re using instead in this short read.

Timbo Scursso 4/4/25 Timbo Scursso 4/4/25

Fireplaces in Strawbale Houses

Can you have a fireplace in a strawbale house? Yes! Learn how to safely install and design fireplaces in strawbale walls using modern best practices.

Timbo Scursso 3/28/25 Timbo Scursso 3/28/25

Connecting a Straw Bale Home Addition to an Existing House

Connecting a straw bale home addition to existing structures has specialized details that depend upon the wall system type you choose to use. Learn more.