Strawbales
Meshing
You'll note that in the picture below we placed the external welded wire mesh prior to placing the bales. This was simply to test the feasability of proceeding mesh first, bales second. From the standpoint of truing the outside of the bales after stacking them, as well as filling small cracks and gaps in the wall, I would have rather the wire mesh not been there, and would probably not install it prior to the bales again.
Welded-wire mesh applied to the outside of the structure.
The mesh used was a 1X2, 14 guage, galvanized welded-wire mesh. 2X2 inch mesh would have been sufficient, but was unavailable in this area. The mesh was attached to the frame of the building through 15lb roofing felt using 1 3/4 inch crown staples (7/16 crown). These staples were fastened at least every 2 inches diagonally over the intersection of the mesh strands. As you might have guessed, a pneumatic stapler was most useful. This mesh can be rather unruly for a single person to handle, as it tends to roll up, and gloves and long sleeves are recommended - the cut edges of the wire are sharp.