Doesn the straw just mold & rot in the walls?
Straw or any organic material will mold & rot when wet! Usually from shoddy construction practices or lack of maintenance, roof leaks, improper exterior plastering, improper window & door flashing. Stuccos (Cement or Clay) have to have a hard troweled finished to properly seal the palter. If not the stucco or plaster may allow wind driven rain through the skin. When building any structure on the water front or in prevailing wind pathway, a good design is the key to prevent damage to the building envelope. A ventilated rain screen is an excellent mechanical detail for the prevention of damage.
