Appleton residents Kat Richman, Chris Grigsby and their son, Grady, are among only a handful in the state who use straw bales as a sustainable way of insulating their homes.

A “truth window” reveals the straw walls that make up this straw bale home in Appleton.

Kat Richman walks by large passive-solar windows Saturday on the south side of the house.

Chris Grigby stands on Saturday in the living room of his straw bale home in Appleton.

Chris Grigsby shows pictures on Saturday of the construction of his straw bale home.

More pictures of the construction.

Chris Grigsby sits on Saturday in his kitchen, which offers a view of his 11 acres.