Kingston University student Will Stanwix showed off the environmental benefits of a straw bale wall at the university's Go Green week launch party, being held in its C-Scaipe department.

Eddie Cowling, a C-Scaipe researcher, said: "There are many environmental benefits to the wall. They have much higher insulating qualities than brick, don't need toxic insulation put inside them and are completely biodegradable.

"Unlike brick, straw doesn't need to be fired either, which reduces carbon emissions."

The wall is built up with rough straw, then cut straw, and then coats of haired lime - a mixture of sand and lime. They can then be finished with plaster.