Pakistan Straw Bale and Appropriate Building (PAKSBAB)

PAKSBAB's construction method uses straw, an agricultural byproduct, compressed and tied into bales, as building blocks for walls. Straw bale construction offers numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, the use of natural non-toxic materials, and resistance to earthquakes, fires and pests. Compared to the cost of typical straw bale construction, which can be as high as modern construction as it utilizes many similar components and materials, PAKSBAB provides housing from Rs 500 ($5)/s.f., comparable in cost to indigenous construction and one-half the cost of concrete and brick in Pakistan.