When beginning the process of building a Straw Bale house, one must consider whether it makes sense to build a load-bearing or a non-load-bearing building.

Load-bearing homes support the weight of the roof completely on the straw bales and often take less non-straw building materials to construct them. The downside to a load-bearing home is they can only be tiny, one story buildings.

Non-load-bearing homes are supported by a wooden or other material frame, and then the straw bales are used to insulate and create the walls. Although they tend to cost more non-load-bearing homes are easier to aquire permits for and can support a larger living space.

"Why build a straw bale house?" http://www.dancingrabbit.org. 27 Mar. 2009
     <http://www.dancingrabbit.org/building/straw_bale.php>

one example of a load-bearing house

http://www.solarhaven.org/FoundationWallsPlate3Xbc.jpg

What are the Economic Benefits of a Straw-Bale House?