If you're interested in building a natural home (cob, rammed earth, straw-bale, earthship, whatever), this is your primer.The author has done his homework and presents the description, pros/cons and pitfalls of each type of construction.He is very honest about just how "do-it-yourself" each type can be, and how much it will cost you.He also covers passive and active solar design, natural water capture and other alternative technologies to go with your natural home.This is an excellent overview on all these subjects.The best thing about this book is that he refers you to other sources for more detail - books, videos, newsletters and organizations that will support you, give you a workshop or just give you more detailed information than belonged in this primer book.
I highly recommend this as the first book you read on the subject.Once you know which type of house you are interested in, you can pick up some of the other books he suggests on that building type.
Product Description
The Natural House is a tour of the construction, costs, and pros and cons of fourteen natural building methods. Straw Bale, Rammed Earth, Cob, Cordwood, Adobe, Earthbags, Papercrete, Earthships...whatever the method, the common goal is to create a house that is economical, energy efficient,nontoxic, soothing to the soul, kind to the environment, and pleasing to behold. This comprehensive sourcebook offers in-depth information that will guide your search for the perfect sustainable dream home. It is a must for home builders, contractors, and architects.
Author Dan Chiras shows how you can gain energy independence and reduce your environmental impact through passive solar heating and cooling techniques, solar electricity, wind power, and micro-hydropower. He also explains safe, economical ways to obtain clean drinking water and treat wastewater, and discusses affordable green products.
While he's an unabashed advocate of natural building techniques, Chiras takes care not to romanticize and to alert readers to avoidable pitfalls. His detailed, practical, and ecologically sound advice can save tens of thousands of dollars, whether you are buying, building, or renovating a natural home.
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