Straw, used since ancient times for making cob, has found its place in today’s green homes. The appearance of combine harvesters and, with them, of rectangular straw bales has transformed this product into a new generation brick, environmentally friendly, inexpensive and durable.

Straw bricks can be used as "blocks" in the load-bearing walls, in which case the structure should be reinforced with a frame and a coating of lime, or in the insulation, where it was found as protective in winter as in summer.

Straw, contrary to what is commonly believed, is very fire resistant. Its resistance to moisture is very low: it should not be left in contact with the ground or outside air, which could make it rot. Another problem is that it is almost impossible to use in buildings of more than one floor, because it would put their stability at risk.

Its price, around half of a "classic" material, makes it a great ally in green building.