Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 28, 2026

Truth window

A truth window is an opening in a wall surface, created to reveal the layers or components within the wall. In a strawbale house, a truth window is often used to show the walls are actually made from straw bales. A small section of a wall is left unplastered on the interior, and a frame is used to create a window which shows only straw, which makes up the inside of the wall.

Last revised
Jul 28, 2026
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A truth window in a strawbale house source ↗
A truth window with no covering source ↗

A truth window (or truth wall1) is an opening in a wall surface, created to reveal the layers or components within the wall.23 In a strawbale house, a truth window is often used to show the walls are actually made from straw bales. A small section of a wall is left unplastered on the interior, and a frame is used to create a window which shows only straw, which makes up the inside of the wall.4

Many designs exist for truth windows. Glass may be placed over the window, or an openable wooden panel, or it may be a simple framed opening.

The possible vulnerability of a truth window to moisture intrusion is sometimes raised as a concern.5

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Green Development: Integrating Ecology and Real Estate. 1998. Alex Wilson. p500.
  2. Good Green Homes. 2003. Jennifer Roberts. p156.
  3. Solar Today. 1994. American Solar Energy Society. p21.
  4. The Good House Book. 2004. Clarke Snell. p174.
  5. Straw-bale as a viable, cost effective, and sustainable material for use in southeast Ohio. 2005. Leanne R. Marks.