Faswall vs Straw vs Cob vs Adobe

Comparing Common Natural Building Materials

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:

Utilisation innovante de Clay Slip Straw avec 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.
Galerie de photos

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Includes: Design Ideas, Product Data Sheet, Block Pricing, Technical and Installation Info, Engineering Details

« Nous avons effectué de nombreuses recherches sur divers systèmes de construction écologiques, mais nous avons opté pour Faswall. Nous n'aurions pas pu le faire sans vous !

-Ted et 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. 

Mur de façade

Mur de façade

Faswall is an all-natural composite ICCF block made with 85% mineralized wood and 15% cement
Learn More

Paille

Paille

Straw bale construction uses compressed straw bales to build walls. Bales are typically tied with two or three lengths of wire or twine and come in various sizes
Hay Bale House Pros and Cons

Adobe

Adobe

A building material comprised of earth, sand, clay, and a binder like straw or grass, which is formed into bricks and baked in the sun, and then used to form buildings.
Adobe Houses Pros and Cons

Cob

Cob

Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water. This putty-like mixture is sculpted by hand onto a foundation (like Faswall ICF blocks) to cover or build walls
Cob House Pros and Cons

How Does Faswall Perform Compared to Alternative Building Materials like Straw Bale, Adobe, and Cob?

Faswall vs Straw Bale vs Cob vs Adobe

Propriétés

Mur de façade

Straw Bale

Adobe

Cob

Masse thermique élevée

Perméable à la vapeur pour une vie sans moisissure

Contenu recyclé élevé

Build with Standard Techniques

Excellentes qualités isolantes

Modéré

Modéré

Poor

Calme

Durabilité de 200 ans

Dépend

Non toxique

Classement au feu de 4 heures

Dépend

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

Masse thermique élevée

No abrupt indoor temperature swings

Highly Insulative

Minimal energy use and a very quiet indoor environment

Non toxique

Non-toxic, organic building material

Eco-Friendly

Plus de 60 % de contenu recyclé

Ideal DIY Material

No special tools required

Ignifugé

Classement au feu de 4 heures

Straw Bale Construction Pros and Cons

Écologique

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.

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

Écologique

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.

Ignifugé

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).

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

Écologique

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.

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.