1. Scope and Focus of the Analysis

1.1 The straw wall as a subsystem

The use of straw as insulation and a substrate for plaster in France is now governed by a well-established technical framework, structured by the professional standards for straw construction (revised CP2012), promoted by the French Straw Construction Network (RFCP). This standard serves both as a guide for designers and contractors and as a safety framework for insurers. Its approval by the Product Prevention Commission (C2P) of the Agence Qualité Construction has helped establish this technique as a standard practice when implemented in accordance with the specifications.

This is a crucial point: straw bale construction is no longer a niche or experimental technique, but a regulated solution that is compatible with the ten-year...