Mégane and Guillaume, a couple in their thirties, chose to build their home with a mix of self-construction and professional support. They worked alongside PailleMen, a local company specializing in wooden frame construction with straw bale insulation. This method allows homeowners to reduce costs and take an active role in the building process. By handling the most labor-intensive tasks themselves—such as installing 300 straw bales and laying wood wool in partitions—the couple saved between €15,000 and €20,000 on their total budget of about €380,000. Their three-level, 150 m² house includes preliminary studies and additional costs related to the land's topography. The construction site became a community effort, drawing about twenty volunteers, including friends, neighbors, and family. On a cool August morning, a dozen people were gathered, working on tasks such as installing window fittings and preparing the walls for internal coatings. The project started with a two-week participatory building phase in July, during which most of the straw bales were placed. Now, the focus is on finishing touches and preparing the walls for coatings. Xavier Picot, founder of PailleMen, guided volunteers in using tools like a grinder and a pneumatic wood stapler, many of whom were new to these techniques. For many, the experience was both educational and a way to support friends while learning about eco-friendly construction. Eco-conscious building has gained popularity in recent years, with platforms like Twiza connecting volunteers with those organizing participatory construction projects. Xavier Picot sees this approach as a way to attract clients by involving them in the process. Eco-construction, however, remains more expensive than conventional methods, which use mass-produced materials and standardized techniques. PailleMen, established in 2009, employs five worker-owners and builds about four houses a year, half of which involve partial self-construction. The house of Mégane and Guillaume is their 53rd. While self-construction can align with an eco-friendly lifestyle, it is not without challenges. It requires time, coordination, and the ability to manage professionals involved in the project. For instance, Guillaume spent several months preparing and managing the project, including a six-week participatory building phase during the summer. This effort deterred some, like retirees Guilaine and Michel, who opted to let the company handle the more demanding tasks. Despite these hurdles, recent regulations have made straw construction more accessible, allowing for standard insurance rates and ten-year guarantees, similar to conventional construction. Mégane and Guillaume are now nearing the final stages of their project. With the volunteers having left by the end of August, they are left with a few finishing touches and some straw to install before the coatings phase, which will again involve community help. In a few months, the couple will move into their new, eco-friendly home, a testament to both their commitment to sustainability and the power of collective effort in construction.