In strawbale construction individual bales are stacked on top of each other and reinforced with rebar. For moisture protection, the bales are sealed with stucco or other materials. Benefits of this construction include: utilization of a waste by-product [rice straw], reduction of wood use in structure, very high insulation values, ease of use and low-tech construction methods. In addition, thick strawbale walls give a sculptural and sensual feel to both the interior and exterior of a building. To learn more about this construction method, visit California Straw Building Association at www.strawbuilding.org.