[Strawbale] window construction

[Dave Howorth]

Hello,

I'm new to this list and have a couple of questions about window
construction in straw bale walls. I'd be grateful for any pointers to
resources that address these issues.

My first question is about thermal bridges. All the drawings I've seen
use a timber mount/buck/rough frame to connect the window to the wall.
Doesn't this cause a thermal bridge? (especially if the window frame has
been detailed with a thermal break) Are there any construction details
that avoid this?

My second question is about cutting openings in walls. I've seen a few
mentions of cutting window openings after the wall has been built and
plastered, but I haven't seen any detailed descriptions. So I'm left
wondering such things as: do the openings have to follow bale boundaries
or can they be made arbitrary sizes? If arbitrary, what stops the cut
bales disintegrating? What linings, flashings, framings, plaster etc
detailing is used?

Thanks, Dave