Design and Development of Straw Bale House

Darwin P. Aquino1, Oliver C. Celis1, Graciela May B. Macapagal1, Nichols P. Manarang1, Paolo
Reynaldo R. Maninang1, Eugene P. Manliclic1, Maria Isabella G. Peña1, Alfred C. Santos1, Ernesto Q.
Villarica1
1
Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Our Lady of Fatima University, Pampanga Campus
Dela Paz Norte, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Email: eugenemanliclic2@yahoo.com, isabelladgpena2@yahoo.com, gracielamacapagal5@gmail.com,
darwin.aquino082413@gmail.com, gwapaolo@gmail.com

Abstract: This research aims to design and develop a straw bale house, to enhance the understanding and develop
the modern mainstream acceptance of using rice straw as a construction material.

Rice Straw is a renewable material both from ecological and environmental point of view, construction
sustainability is a theme that is gaining considerable attention since the introduction of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG) 2030. Most of the researchers are incorporating SDG, such as sustainable consumption, as an
example, responsible consumption of natural resources and utilization of wastes. The material chosen has the
potential to reduce the building’s initial environmental impact by utilizing agricultural wastes such as rice straw as
a replacement to concrete hollow blocks in the construction of a more affordable, eco-friendly, and sustainable
homes.

In this study, the researchers designed and developed the methods of compaction straws and method of
installation of baled rice straw as load-bearing walls of a house. The mock house constructed in Barangay San
Nicholas, Pampanga, serves as a proof that innovation and continuous researches on alternative cheaper
construction materials is still possible.

Keywords: eco-house, eco-homes, sustainable construction materials, straw bale house

Our Lady of Fatima University Pampanga Campus

College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department