Consulting for Building & Insulating with Straw


Who is this consulting for?
Sustainability-focused homeowners
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Ecologically conscious self-builders and homeowners
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People focused on climate-neutral, resource-efficient construction
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Building groups and multi-generational projects
Why straw? -
CO₂-negative, regionally available and renewable
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Excellent insulation performance and indoor comfort
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Low embodied energy
Private builders in rural areas
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Farmers, especially those growing grain
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Self-builders and practically minded clients
Why straw? -
Regional value creation
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Cost advantages through self-contribution
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Direct proximity to raw materials and producers
Architects and planners
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Practices focused on ecological and circular construction
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Pioneers of low-tech architecture
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Planners with an affinity for timber and clay construction
Why straw? -
Blown straw insulation as a natural insulation solution for timber frame construction
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Timber–straw–clay as a high-performance hybrid system
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Strong innovation potential with high recognition value
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Design freedom beyond right-angled forms
Construction companies and skilled trades
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Carpentry and timber construction companies
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Ecological construction companies
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Clay builders and craftspeople working with natural building materials
Why straw? -
An ideal complement to timber construction
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Growing demand for sustainable insulation materials
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Blown straw insulation = machine-applied, repeatable and standardisable
Public and community-oriented developers
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Municipalities, for kindergartens, schools and public buildings
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Housing cooperatives
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Social organisations and foundations
Why straw? -
Strong environmental performance and funding potential
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Healthy indoor climate
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Positive image and strong role-model effect
Renovators and existing building developers
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Energy refurbishment of older buildings
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Heritage-sensitive renovations, especially with clay
Why straw? -
Seamless insulation
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Vapour-open and moisture-regulating
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Excellent combination with timber and clay
Educational and research institutions
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Universities, especially architecture and civil engineering
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Vocational schools and chambers of crafts
Why straw? -
Research into CO₂ storage
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Practical low-tech solutions
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Training for new trades and specialist skills
Climate-driven and future-focused initiatives
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Climate protection initiatives
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Transition Town movements
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Eco-villages and community-led projects
Why straw? -
A practical and symbolic solution for post-carbon construction
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High educational and demonstration value

What we clarify in practice (Service overview)

System Selection
Blown straw insulation or straw bales?
Load-bearing or as an insulation layer?
Advantages and disadvantages depending on the building element.

Building Element Consulting
Roof / internal wall / ceiling / external wall / façade

Build-Up & Details
Airtightness, connections, penetrations and moisture protection

Quantities & Delivery
Material requirements, pack and pallet logic, construction site logistics

Installation Quality
Installed density, quality control and how to avoid typical mistakes

Technical Documentation
ETA and product data as the basis for planning and execution
How the consulting process works
(5 steps)
Typical Questions
That depends on the building element, the construction method and the project goal.
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Blown straw insulation is particularly suitable for timber frame construction, renovations, roof and ceiling constructions, and complex geometries.
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Straw bales are ideal for external walls, load-bearing or infill constructions, and clearly structured, well-planned new builds.
During the consultation, we determine which system is technically and economically the better fit — often also in combination.
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Densely installed straw contains very little oxygen. High fire-resistance values are possible in tested assemblies. The key factors are the build-up, plaster or lining, and professional execution.
Dry, installed straw provides neither food nor habitat. What matters is clean detailing, full enclosure and a dry construction phase, with no open gaps and no moisture.
Delivery is usually organised by truckload. Smaller quantities are possible, but they involve higher costs and additional planning. A forklift should be available on site, along with sufficient space for unloading.
Sufficient space must be available on site, as one articulated lorry holds around 120 m³. Even though the straw is delivered wrapped, it must always be stored in dry conditions.
Each system follows clear requirements:
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Blown straw insulation: installed density, even filling and control, for example by volume and quantity
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Straw bales: accurate placement, clean alignment, sealed connections and timely protection with plaster or lining
On request: on-site quality assurance.
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Yes — especially blown straw insulation is very well suited to renovation projects, including roofs, ceilings, internal walls and cavities. We assess in advance whether the existing structure is suitable in terms of moisture, build-up and details.
Yes — under certain conditions. SonnenKlee supports you with this: we assess your straw and, depending on the requirements, can certify it for use as a building material.



