Construction Straw Projects
A "self-grown" Family Home Taking Shape.
Chieming, Germany
For a farming family in Chieming, Bavaria, this idea takes on a very special meaning: the construction straw bales used both for insulation and as the external walls come directly from their own field — right next to the building site.Short distances, maximum sustainability: once erected, the straw bales are plastered directly with clay. Even the timber comes from the family’s own forest. The result is a closed-loop approach that is compelling both ecologically and economically.
In one of the photos, the crane can be seen in the background — so the new home is quite literally growing right beside the on-site “insulation factory.”
Holiday Home Nordrach
Black Forest, Germany
Michael Welle renovated a house built in 1831, set in the heart of nature, using natural materials such as timber, straw and clay.
Despite its poor condition, the original structure was preserved. New concrete floors were installed and damaged wall sections were replaced. The external walls and the newly added basement ceiling were insulated with soft wood fibre boards and blown straw insulation.
The house can now be booked as a holiday home and has a very distinctive charm.
Comprehensive Renovation of Plankstetten Monastery
Plankstetten, Austria
In Plankstetten, Germany’s largest timber-and-straw building is being created, covering 1,700 square metres. The Benedictine monastery is building sustainably using materials from the region. The timber comes from its own forests, the straw from its own fields, and the building is plastered with clay.
Once completed, the building will house a kindergarten, guest rooms and the parish office.
Project Highlight (Video in German)
Creating Guest Rooms from a Former Barn Building
St. Kollmann, Austria
For the creation of his guest rooms, Gerhard Kirchsteiger uses three different techniques that incorporate straw bales as both a building and insulation material.
He also works with self-mixed lime and clay plaster applied directly onto the straw. In addition, the client produces his own clay paint and uses timber from his own resources for the roof, walls and window sills.
Thermal Renovation of a Façade with Organic Blown Straw Insulation
Waidhofen an der Thaya, Lower Austria
In this façade insulation project using blown straw, the material was used for the first time in the renovation of an existing building. The straw insulation was combined with wood fibre render carrier boards. The result is a vapour-open, ecological external insulation system that does not leave hazardous waste for future generations.
Machine Hall in Load-Bearing Straw Bale Construction
Kematen an der Ybbs, Austria
This load-bearing machine hall was built in straw bale construction with minimal effort. Large bales in the formats 70 × 120 × 240 cm and 90 × 120 × 240 cm were used, together with a reused roof structure including its roofing.
Project Highlight
Straw House in Poysdorf
Poysdorf, Austria
Completion: 2020
Construction method: hybrid construction using load-bearing jumbo straw bales and timber framing
Planning & execution: Virko Kade – one straw revolution
Timber construction: Erlinger Holzbau GmbH
The straw house in Poysdorf is a strong example of modern, ecological building with renewable materials. Its innovative hybrid construction combines load-bearing jumbo straw bales with a structural timber frame and brings together high energy efficiency with structural reliability.
Planning and implementation were carried out by Virko Kade (one straw revolution), while the timber works were completed by Erlinger Holzbau GmbH. The straw bales serve both as structural elements and as highly effective thermal insulation, creating a pleasant and healthy indoor climate.
The result is a sustainable home with low energy demand, regional materials and a significantly reduced ecological footprint.
Family Fischer Home – Blown Straw Insulation
The Fischer family home was optimised for energy efficiency using blown straw insulation. The natural material was seamlessly installed into the walls, ceilings and roof, providing excellent thermal performance, strong acoustic and summer heat protection, and contributing to a healthy indoor climate.
Straw is sustainable, regionally available and stores CO₂, making the house particularly energy-efficient and ecological. This project shows how ecological insulation materials and modern living comfort can be successfully combined.
Tyrol Extension: Blown Straw Insulation
Tyrol, Austria
For this extension project in Tyrol, we use blown straw insulation as a continuous, seamless insulation layer. The material is machine-blown, adapts to every geometry, and ensures even insulation quality — ideal for timber construction in both new builds and extensions. Vapour-open, regionally sourced, and fast to install.
Project Highlight
The “Rachögna” Apartment Building
Scuol, Engadin, Switzerland
Completion: 2025 / 2026
Construction method: hybrid construction using load-bearing straw bales and timber framing
Planning: www.atelierwernerschmidt.ch
With 700 m³ of SonnenKlee straw bales, timber from around 450 trees, 7,000 clay bricks and 160 PV modules, the “Rachögna” apartment building demonstrates what sustainable residential construction can look like today. Natural materials, renewable energy and around 480 tonnes of stored CO₂ make this project a strong example of future-oriented building.
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Why SonnenKlee Construction Straw?
REGIONAL QUALITY
Straight from agriculture. Straw from regional cultivation, carefully processed under controlled conditions to ensure high quality.
NATURAL & SUSTAINABLE
Building in harmony with nature. A 100% renewable raw material that stores CO₂ and is fully biodegradable.
TECHNICALLY PROVEN
More than just ecological. Excellent insulation performance, vapour-open, fire-safe and durable.
VERSATILE IN APPLICATION
Suitable for a wide range of construction methods. Whether new build, renovation, timber construction or solid construction — construction straw adapts.
PERSONAL CONSULTING
Wir begleiten euer Projekt.Von der Planung bis zur Umsetzung – ehrlich, kompetent und praxisnah.
