ABSTRACT
The Model Building Code of Germany (MBO 2008) allows buildings with timber frame structures for a height up to 13 m with noncombustible insulation, a fire protection coating and a fire resistance of 60 minutes (REI 60 K260). In case combustible insulations are used, researches have to demonstrate that the fire risk will not increase in comparison to solid construction with concrete or masonry. Further researches showed that not only ignition but even thermal decomposition of the insulation must be prevented. To reach this objective the outer surface of the straw bale walls will be protected by a lime coating and the inner surface by a clay coating. Therefore their fire protection properties must be investigated. (Kampmeier & Wachtling 2012).
