The Build Show Podcast Straw Bale Construction 101
Apr 10, 2026
Jacob Racusin, co-founder of New Frameworks and pioneer of prefab straw-and-wood-fiber panels, explains modern straw-based wall systems. He discusses panelized fabrication, moisture management, airtight assemblies, and scaling from custom builds to predesigned, high-performance homes. The conversation highlights durability, faster enclosure, and training pathways for wider adoption.
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Straw Panelization Is A Hybrid Double Stud Wall
- Straw panelization is essentially a double stud wall stuffed with straw and wood fiber insulation as a hybrid alternative to foam SIPs.
- New Frameworks builds 14 inch frame-to-frame panels using wood fiber as a thermal break and loose straw fluffed from baled straw for consistent fit.
Apply Continuous Air Barriers In Factory For Tight Walls
- Use factory-applied air and vapor control layers for airtightness: exterior taped plywood or self-adhered membrane and interior vapor-variable membranes like Intello or SIGA.
- Prefab shop work lets you integrate these membranes cleanly to meet Passive House–level airtightness.
Straw Bales Began As Nebraska Structural Homes
- Early U.S. straw bale started Nebraska style as structural stacked prairie grass homes during westward migration; some historic examples still stand.
- Jacob contrasts that tradition with modern European panelized prefabrication used for schools and large buildings today.