Faswall or Straw? Why Not Both ?
Faswall is a great foundation for straw structures. Faswall gives people building with straw bale, timber frame, or clay/straw slipform a good base wall system to support upper walls. Check out this example of a structure built with Faswall blocks as the foundation for a straw structure:
Uso innovador de Clay Slip Straw con Faswall:
You’d be surprised at the various types of homes and commercial buildings that can be built with Faswall. Check out some of the recent projects.
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Request Your Free Download “Get Started” Package:
Includes: Design Ideas, Product Data Sheet, Block Pricing, Technical and Installation Info, Engineering Details
“Investigamos mucho sobre varios sistemas de construcción ecológica, pero nos decidimos por Faswall. ¡No podríamos haberlo hecho sin ti!”
-Ted y Donna Havecheck
Comparison of Faswall, Adobe, Straw, or Cob:
Our team has extensive experience in building with straw, adobe and cob, and has settled on Faswall for its ease of building, and use in a broad range of settings and applications, without compromising on sustainability. Its major advantage is that no special knowledge is needed to build with Faswall. Any contractor, builder or DIY’er who can build with standard ICF can sustainably build with Faswall using standard tools for wood construction.
Faswall
Faswall
Paja
Paja
Adobe
Adobe
Cob
Cob
How Does Faswall Perform Compared to Alternative Building Materials like Straw Bale, Adobe, and Cob?
Faswall vs Straw Bale vs Cob vs Adobe
Propiedades
Faswall
Straw Bale
Adobe
Cob
Alta Masa Térmica
Permeable al Vapor para Vivir sin Moho
Alto Contenido Reciclado
Build with Standard Techniques
Excelentes Cualidades Aislantes
Moderado
Moderado
Poor
Silencioso
Durabilidad de 200 años
Depende
No tóxico
Clasificación de Resistencia al Fuego: 4 Horas
Depende
2-Hour
Labor-Intensive Rating [Easiest (1) to Most Difficult (5)]
2
4
4
4
Do-It-Yourself Rating [Do It On Your Own (1) to Need an Expert (5)]
1
2
3
3
Faswall Key Features
Faswall® is a remarkable building material that creates a high-performing building envelope
Highly Durable
Highly resistant to rot and decay. Lasts for centuries
Mold Free
Vapor permeable for no abrupt humidity swings and no mold
Alta Masa Térmica
No abrupt indoor temperature swings
Highly Insulative
Minimal energy use and a very quiet indoor environment
No tóxico
Non-toxic, organic building material
Eco-Friendly
Más del 60 por ciento de contenido reciclado
Ideal DIY Material
No special tools required
Resistente al fuego
Clasificación de Resistencia al Fuego: 4 Horas
Straw Bale Construction Pros and Cons
Advantages
Respetuoso con el Medio Ambiente
Renewable, biodegradable, and low carbon footprint. Reduces reliance on energy-intensive materials.
Excellent Insulation
High R-values: provides superior thermal insulation.
Fire-Resistant
Compressed straw bales have very little oxygen, so when properly plastered, they are surprisingly fire-resistant.
Sound Insulation
Straw bale walls are thick and dense, offering excellent acoustic insulation.
Healthy Indoor Environment
Natural materials promote good air quality. Walls “breathe” when plastered with natural clay or lime, regulating indoor humidity.
Disadvantages
Moisture Sensitivity
Straw is vulnerable to rot, mold, and pests if not kept dry. Requires excellent foundation, roof overhangs, vapor barriers, and plastering to keep water out.
Labor-Intensive Construction
Placing, shaping, and plastering straw bales is manual, time-consuming work. Often not compatible with conventional construction timelines unless using prefab systems.
Building Code and Permit Challenges
In some regions, straw bale is not recognized or requires special engineering to pass code. It may involve more paperwork and inspections.
Wall Thickness
Straw bale walls are very thick (typically 18–24 inches), which: Reduces usable interior floor space slightly and increases foundation and roofing footprint.
Pest Risk (if improperly built)
Rodents or insects can nest in bales if gaps are left or bales are exposed to air/moisture. Requires tight sealing and careful detailing.
Building Adobe Houses Pros and Cons
Advantages
Respetuoso con el Medio Ambiente
Made from natural, local materials (clay, sand, straw, and water). Low embodied energy (requires no high-temperature firing). Fully biodegradable and recyclable.
Thermal Performance
Excellent thermal mass: absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, which regulates indoor temperature.
Resistente al fuego
Adobe does not burn, making it safer in fire-prone areas.
Aesthetic and Cultural Value
Offers a natural, rustic appearance. Culturally significant in many regions (e.g., Southwest U.S., Latin America, Middle East, Africa).
Disadvantages
Water Sensitivity
Vulnerable to erosion and damage from rain and flooding unless properly protected with plaster or roof overhangs. Not ideal for humid or wet climates without major adaptations.
Labor Intensive and Time Consuming
Brick production and construction are time-consuming. Needs skilled labor for proper mixing, curing, and laying.
Building Codes & Permits
In some regions, adobe structures may not meet modern building codes or may require special permits and engineering.
Structural Limitations
Lower compressive strength than modern materials like concrete or brick. Requires thicker walls for structural stability. Limited suitability for multi-story buildings without reinforcement.
Maintenance
Walls may require frequent maintenance, especially exterior surfaces exposed to weather. Protective coatings (e.g., lime or clay plasters) must be reapplied periodically.
Pros and Cons of Building a Cob House
Advantages
Respetuoso con el Medio Ambiente
Made entirely from natural, non-toxic materials. Often uses locally sourced earth, reducing transport emissions. Completely biodegradable and recyclable at the end of its life.
Thermal Efficiency
High thermal mass: stores heat during the day and releases it at night, stabilizing indoor temperatures.
Customizable Design
Cob is applied by hand and sculpted like clay, allowing for creative, organic architecture: curved walls, built-in furniture, niches, etc.
Healthy Living Environment
Breathable walls help regulate humidity and improve indoor air quality. No off-gassing from synthetic materials.
Disadvantages
Vulnerable to Moisture
Cob can erode in heavy rain if not well-protected. Requires large roof overhangs, proper drainage, and regular maintenance of plaster layers. Not suitable for wet or very humid climates without modifications.
Labor-Intensive and Time-Consuming
Building with cob requires significant manual labor. Construction is slow, especially if done without machinery or a team.
Building Code Challenges
In many areas, cob is not recognized by building codes. May require engineering approval or alternative permits, which adds cost and complexity.
Insulation Limitations
Cob is not a good insulator on its own — may not perform well in very cold climates without added insulation layers. Better suited to mild or dry environments.
Have Questions About Building with Faswall?
You can schedule a 20-minute meeting with a Faswall expert to discuss your building plans, ask questions, and get advice.