PAKSBAB Interview

Please click here to hear our recent interview from March 26, 2008 on Tomorrow Matters with Deborah Lindsey.

Pakistan Straw Bale and Appropriate Building (PAKSBAB) is an international group established in 2006 whose mission is to teach and promote straw bale and other appropriate building methods in Pakistan.

Straw bale construction is a natural building method that utilizes straw, compressed and tied into bales, as building blocks. Currently practiced in many countries, it offers numerous benefits for Pakistan. Foremost, it can be designed to be earthquake resistant. Its energy efficiency can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and firewood which, along with its resource efficiency, can reduce deforestation. It is fire and pest resistant. Because the necessary materials are indigenous and affordable, it can create a viable local industry serving the needs of those without homes and empowering those who provide them. To date, straw bale construction has been enthusiastically embraced by the Pakistani community.

Additional appropriate building methods that PAKSBAB is promoting include passive solar, solar hot water, rainwater catchment, alternative waste water, high-efficiency cooking and heating and the use of sustainable and natural materials such as light straw clay and cob.

The goals of PAKSBAB are to:

• Promote straw bale and appropriate building in Pakistan, especially in the earthquake affected region
• Establish collaborative relationships with other organizations and governmental agencies
• Provide education, training and support in straw bale construction and other appropriate building