Advertisement
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Prefab Straw Bale Construction Chris Magwood, 2016-06-01 The essential guide to prefab straw bale panels - an innovative spin on a widely used natural building method Prefabricated straw bale wall panels combine the performance and low environmental impact of traditional straw bale with reduced labor and more consistent results. These structural insulated panels (SIPs) are built offsite and transported to the job site, or built onsite and tipped up into position. Essential Prefabricated Straw Bale Construction is a fully illustrated practical guide to this affordable, scalable method. This indispensable manual includes a complete introduction to the use of prefabricated bale walls, packed with all the information you need to determine whether they are the right choice for your project. It covers: Specifications, engineering details and building code references Comprehensive step-by-step instructions and detail drawings Finishing and maintenance techniques Budgeting and labor estimates Additional resources Essential Prefabricated Straw Bale Construction is part of New Society's Sustainable Building Series. Written by the world's leading sustainable builders, designers and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information are key to success. Get the Essentials! Chris Magwood is a sustainable builder and designer specializing in green and natural building techniques, the co-founder and co-director of the Endeavour Centre, and the author of several books on sustainable building including Making Better Buildings , More Straw Bale Building and Straw Bale Details . |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Light Straw Clay Construction Lydia Doleman, 2017-07-01 The first highly illustrated, comprehensive guide to light straw clay - a high performance, low-impact, durable building material Light straw clay - straw mixed with clay slip - is a versatile, easy-to-use wall building material. Also called slip-straw, its durability has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings across Northern Europe and in modern high-performance buildings in North America. Building code compliant in the US and using waste materials with high insulation value and excellent moisture handling qualities, it's both high-performance and low-impact. Yet until now, there has been no practical guide to using the material in a wide variety of construction and renovation projects. Distilling decades of experience, Essential Light Straw Clay Construction is a fully illustrated step-by-step guide, ideal for both the DIYer and professional designer and builder alike. It covers: Material specifications, performance, and when and where to use it Estimating quantities, costs, and sourcing Illustrated, step-by-step guidance for mixing and installation, including slip-chip variations Detail drawings for various wall systems including stud, timber, and pole framing, Larsen trusses, I-joists, plus retrofits Code references, compliance, and best practice Finishing and maintenance techniques Additional resources. Lydia Doleman , a licenced contractor, taught carpentry and natural building at Solar Energy International in Colorado and was lead ecological builder for Portland's City Repair project. She's created beautiful, high-performance, low-impact buildings across the Northwest, from Portland's first permitted straw bale home and The Rebuilding Center's cob entryway, to a 3,300-sq. f light clay straw brewery. She's written for The Last Straw Journal and Permaculture Activist and appeared on NBC News and HGTV's Off Beat America . Lydia lives in southern Oregon. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Light Straw Clay Construction Lydia Doleman, 2017-07-01 The first highly illustrated, comprehensive guide to light straw clay - a high performance, low-impact, durable building material Light straw clay - straw mixed with clay slip - is a versatile, easy-to-use wall building material. Also called slip-straw, its durability has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings across Northern Europe and in modern high-performance buildings in North America. Building code compliant in the US and using waste materials with high insulation value and excellent moisture handling qualities, it's both high-performance and low-impact. Yet until now, there has been no practical guide to using the material in a wide variety of construction and renovation projects. Distilling decades of experience, Essential Light Straw Clay Construction is a fully illustrated step-by-step guide, ideal for both the DIYer and professional designer and builder alike. It covers: Material specifications, performance, and when and where to use it Estimating quantities, costs, and sourcing Illustrated, step-by-step guidance for mixing and installation, including slip-chip variations Detail drawings for various wall systems including stud, timber, and pole framing, Larsen trusses, I-joists, plus retrofits Code references, compliance, and best practice Finishing and maintenance techniques Additional resources. Lydia Doleman , a licenced contractor, taught carpentry and natural building at Solar Energy International in Colorado and was lead ecological builder for Portland's City Repair project. She's created beautiful, high-performance, low-impact buildings across the Northwest, from Portland's first permitted straw bale home and The Rebuilding Center's cob entryway, to a 3,300-sq. f light clay straw brewery. She's written for The Last Straw Journal and Permaculture Activist and appeared on NBC News and HGTV's Off Beat America . Lydia lives in southern Oregon. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Hempcrete Construction Chris Magwood, 2016-06-17 The essential guide to hempcrete - a strong, versatile, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient natural insulating material Hempcrete is a versatile, energy-efficient natural insulation material, useful for walls, roofs and floors. Made from the inner stem of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder, it is a very strong, lightweight and breathable alternative to manufactured insulations. Essential Hempcrete Construction is a fully illustrated practical guide to this affordable, renewable method, from procurement to finishing. Going well beyond the scope of many natural building books, this indispensable manual includes a complete introduction to hempcrete, packed with all the information you need to determine whether it's the right choice for your project. It covers: Material specifications, testing and building code references and climate data Detail drawings for design reference Tool lists, and complete step-by-step instructions for mixing and placing hempcrete Finishing and maintenance techniques Budgeting and labor estimates Additional resources. Essential Hempcrete Construction is part of New Society's Sustainable Building Essentials Series. Series editors Chris Magwood and Jen Feigin have scoured the world of sustainable building to bring you the techniques and systems that deliver measureable benefits in terms of greater energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Written by the world's leading sustainable builders, designers and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information are key to success. Get the Essentials! |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Cob Construction Anthony Dente, Michael G. Smith, Massey Burke, 2024-01-16 Setting the standard for modern cob construction – from design, engineering, and building code compliance, to sculpting beautiful structures Cob – a mix of clay, sand, and straw – is one of the most popular and well-known natural building methods. Yet cob is often difficult to permit and can be used in inappropriate ways due to a lack of sound engineering and design information. Recent research and a newly developed building code promise to make cob building more accessible than ever. Essential Cob Construction sets the new standard for cob construction. Incorporating rigorous, up-to-date engineering and building science and decades of practical lessons learned, coverage includes: Appropriate use of cob in different climates and contexts Thermal performance and moisture management Structural and architectural design considerations, including fire and earthquake resistance data from extensive laboratory testing Hands-on cob construction, including mix design, testing, manual and mechanical mixing, wall building, strong connections with foundations, roofs, and other structural elements, and finishing options Building code development and the permitting process for cob Planning, budgeting, and quality control The complete Cob Construction Appendix of the International Residential Code. Essential Cob Construction is required reading for engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and owner-builders working with this ancient, aesthetically pleasing, low-carbon building material. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Rammed Earth Construction Tim J. Krahn, 2019-01-01 Everything you need to know to build with rammed earth in warm and cold climates. Rammed earth - sand, gravel, and clay or lime/cement binder packed into forms - is a low-energy, high-performance building method, yielding beautiful, sustainable results. It's thermally stable and can be insulated, can actively modulate humidity, provides a healthy indoor environment, and allows site materials to be used for major structural and building envelope elements. Essential Rammed Earth Construction covers design, building science, tools, and step-by-step building methods for any climate, with a special emphasis on building in cold climates of the northern US, Canada, and northern Europe. Coverage includes: Overview of earthen building Appropriate use of rammed earth walls Stabilized versus raw rammed earth Design considerations, including structural, insulation, and building envelope details Special considerations for cold and freeze-thaw climates Construction drawings, with step-by-step building instructions Tools and labor covering industrial methods, low-tech techniques, formwork options, mix design, budgets, and schedules Codes, inspections, and permits. This guide is an essential resource for experienced builders, DIY home owners, designers, engineers, and architects interested in learning about rammed earth construction. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Earthbag Construction Kelly Hart, 2018-05-01 Build economical and resilient earthbag structures using simple tools and techniques. Earthbag construction- building with polypropylene bags usually filled with earthen materials- is a versatile, easy-to-master, low-impact, and highly durable form of building, suitable for structures from houses to root cellars. Containing over 75 photos and illustrations, Essential Earthbag Construction is a practical guide to this affordable method of building. Going well beyond the scope of other sources, this indispensable manual is packed with all the information you need to determine if it's the right choice for your project, and to start building. Distilling decades of experience, research, and best practices, it covers: Material specifications, performance, and when and where to use it Pros and cons of different fills from gravel, to earth and clay, to insulative perlite, rice hulls, and volcanic stone Illustrated, step-by-step guidance for efficient bag filling and installation Details for various designs, including domes and arches Foundation options and seismic and stability considerations Finishing and maintenance techniques Tools and materials Additional resources. Essential Earthbag Construction presents the practical guidance and best practices for both the DIYer and professional to design and build high-quality earthbag structures. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Green Roof Construction Leslie Doyle, 2021-11-09 Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings. Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. Coverage includes: The benefits of a green roof The basics of planning and design Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads Navigating building codes and working with building officials Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing Annual green roof maintenance. Where common sense meets beauty — a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place. Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Cordwood Building Rob Roy, 2017-12-05 Cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact, and beautiful building method. Its durability and performance has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings in North America and Europe. Yet until now, there has been no trusted, practical guide to cordwood construction using the material in a wide variety of construction projects. Distilling decades of experience and best practices, Essential Cordwood Building is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to cordwood building. Ideal for the DIYer and professional designer and builder alike, it covers: Wood species selection, log-end length, and seasoning Cement, lime putty, and cob mortar options Wall cavity insulation options Budgeting and estimating Highly illustrated, step-by-step building techniques Window and door frame installation Pointing and chinking, finishing, and plastering Special designs and decorative features Code references, compliance, building science, and best practices Troubleshooting and maintenance |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Rammed Earth Construction Tim Krahn, 2019-01-01 “All of the essential knowledge for completing a successful rammed earth project. Written by a geo-technical engineer with experience ramming earth.” —Kelly Hart, author, Essential Earthbag Construction Everything you need to know to build with rammed earth in warm and cold climates. Rammed earth—sand, gravel, and clay or lime/cement binder packed into forms—is a low-energy, high-performance building method, yielding beautiful, sustainable results. It’s thermally stable and can be insulated, can actively modulate humidity, provides a healthy indoor environment, and allows site materials to be used for major structural and building envelope elements. Essential Rammed Earth Construction covers design, building science, tools, and step-by-step building methods for any climate, with a special emphasis on building in cold climates of the northern US, Canada, and northern Europe. Coverage includes: Overview of earthen building Appropriate use of rammed earth walls Stabilized versus raw rammed earth Design considerations, including structural, insulation, and building envelope details Special considerations for cold and freeze-thaw climates Construction drawings, with step-by-step building instructions Tools and labor covering industrial methods, low-tech techniques, formwork options, mix design, budgets, and schedules Codes, inspections, and permits. This guide is an essential resource for experienced builders, DIY home owners, designers, engineers, and architects. “A much-needed and science-based update to a North American audience of designers, engineers and builders.” —Bruce King. P.E., author, The New Carbon Architecture “ A great book for anyone who wants to deepen their technical knowledge of rammed earth walls systems. It’s very helpful to have a book on rammed earth that is more focused on engineered rammed earth walls for cold climates.” —Clifton Schooley, Clifton Schooley & Associates, Rammed Earth Designers and Builders |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Building Science Jacob Deva Racusin, 2016-11-28 Down and dirty – a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science. Essential Building Science provides a highly visual and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building science for residential construction. Part one covers the rationale behind high-performance design and the fundamentals of building physics, including thermal dynamics, moisture transfer, and hygro-thermal dynamics such as vapor drive and condensation. Part two teaches the vital critical thinking skills needed to consider buildings as whole systems and to develop thermal and moisture control strategies regardless of the specifics of the design. Case studies and examples from across North American climatic zones illuminate real-life problems and offer builders, designers, and DIYers the insights and tools required for creating better new buildings and dramatically improving old ones. Good science plus critical thinking equals high performance buildings. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Rainwater Harvesting Rob Avis, Michelle Avis, 2018-12-11 Design a rainwater harvesting system for any home in any climate. Water is a crucial resource increasingly under stress. Yet rainfall, even in arid climates, can make up a sizable portion of any home, acreage, or farm's water requirements if harvested and utilized with care. The key is appropriate planning and high-quality site- and climate-specific design. Essential Rainwater Harvesting is a comprehensive manual for designing, building, and maintaining water harvesting systems for the warm and cold climates of the world. Presenting design considerations and approaches for the most common household rainwater supply scenarios – primary, supplemental, and off-grid supply – this step-by-step approach covers: Considerations for full-property water security Demand planning and conservation strategies Supply calculations and design implications for extreme rainfall and drought Materials selection and water quality System and site assessment Sizing and design of gutters, conveyance, tanks, and pumps Pre-filtration, filtration, and disinfection options System maintenance and upkeep This practical resource provides DIYers, trades, and rainwater practitioners with the essential tools, methods, and technical know-how to design, build, and maintain rainwater harvesting systems anywhere. Rob Avis, P.Eng and Michelle Avis, P.Eng own and operate Adaptive Habitat, a leading edge property design firm for resilient homes, acreages, and farms and Verge Permaculture, a globally recognized award-winning education business. They have over 20 years of combined experience in project management, ecological design, and sustainable technologies, which they share at vergepermaculture.ca from their suburban house and yard that they've transformed into a model of cold climate urban permaculture in Calgary, Alberta. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Composting Toilets Gord Baird, Ann Baird, 2018-11-27 From wastestream to mainstream, a practical guide to composting toilet systems. Composting toilets are a key feature for local resilience, money saving, water conservation, resource recovery, septic system replacement, and an improved bathroom experience in rural and urban buildings. Essential Composting Toilets is a streamlined manual that takes a practical, how-to approach to composting toilet system selection, design, installation, and operation, while meeting universal health and safety objectives. Drawing from existing regulations and research, this book dispels myths and provides tools to assess various systems. It includes: Easily-understood drawings, plans, and photos Coverage of all main composting toilet systems Selection criteria including site considerations, urine separation pros/cons, renovations/new builds, ventilation, servicing, and composting details Design and installation details. Offering a professional approach accessible to DIYers, homeowners, designers, building consultants, water conservation advocates, and regulators, Essential Composting Toilets provides key information for redesigning toilet systems anywhere in the world. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Natural Plasters Michael Henry, Tina Therrien, 2018-06-26 A veritable cookbook of natural plaster recipes and techniques for beautiful, durable finishes Natural plasters made of clay, lime, and other materials mixed with sand are beautiful building finishes. Fun to work with, low-impact, and allowing infinite creativity, they are high performance and provide proven, centuries-long durability. Yet until now there's been no resource that has pulled together the best North American plaster recipes and how-to into one place. Essential Natural Plasters covers it all: Sourcing and selecting materials, including site-soils Clay, lime, and gypsum plasters as well as fibers and amendments Interior and exterior use and specialty plasters such as tadelakt for bathrooms Preparing substrates, from straw bales and cob to lath and Sheetrock How to set up a safe, efficient worksite Mixing, testing, tinting, repairing, and applying plasters Coveted recipes from leading plasterers in Ontario, Vermont, New Mexico, France, and New Zealand. Richly illustrated and deeply researched, Essential Natural Plasters is the must-have resource for owner-builders and professionals alike. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Straw Bale Construction Manual Gernot Minke, Benjamin Krick, 2020-06-08 Bereits vor gut 100 Jahren wurde in Nebraska die Technik des Bauens mit Strohballen entwickelt. Durch das Stapeln und Verbinden der Ballen ließen sich preisgünstig Wohnhäuser errichten. Seit einiger Zeit erlebt dieser Baustoff in vielen Teilen der Erde eine Renaissance: Die Häuser sind wirtschaftlich, da sie zum Teil in Eigenleistung errichtet werden können, und ökologisch sinnvoll, da der Rohstoff nachwächst und sehr gute Dämmeigenschaften aufweist. Das Buch zeigt praxisnah die Konstruktion von Strohbauten. Es erörtert die wichtigen Themen Brandsicherheit, Nässeschutz und Verhinderung von Schädlingsbefall , und dokumentiert die Montage Schritt für Schritt mit Baustellenfotos. 30 ausgewählte Projekte zeigen das vielfältige Gestaltungspotential dieses Materials. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Build it with Bales S. O. MacDonald, Matts A. Myhrman, 1994 |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Sustainable Home Design Chris Magwood, 2017-07-31 Design your own sustainable home Many people dream of building a beautiful, environmentally friendly home. But until now there has been no systematic guide to help potential builders work through the complete process of imagining, planning, designing, and building their ideal, sustainable home. Essential Sustainable Home Design walks potential homebuilders through the process starting with key concepts, principles, and a project vision that will guide the house to completion. Coverage includes: How to clarify your ideas and create a practical pathway to achieving your dream A criteria matrix to guide design, material, and systems decisions Creating a strong, integrated design team and working with professionals and code officials to keep the project on track from start to finish. Key building science concepts that make for a high-performance, durable building Primer on building logistics, material sourcing, and protocols to ensure that the initial vision for the project comes to fruition. One-page summaries and ratings of popular sustainable building materials and system options. Ideal for owner-builders and sustainable building contractors working with clients aiming to design and build a sustainable home. Chris Magwood has designed and built some of the most innovative, sustainable buildings in North America, including the first off-grid, straw bale home in Ontario. He is co-founder and director the Endeavour Centre for Innovative Building and Living and co-editor of the Sustainable Building Essentials series. Chris is the author of Essential Prefab Straw Bale Construction, Essential Hempcrete Construction, Straw Bale Details, More Straw Bale Building , and Making Better Buildings . |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Small Strawbale Bill Steen, Athena Swentzell Steen, Wayne J. Bingham, 2005 A thorough guide to building with strawbale and other natural materials, thisuide includes an eclectic sampling of houses, studios, meditation spaces,utbuildings, and landscape walls. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Straw Bale Building Details CASBA, 2019-04-30 The devil is in the details-the science and art of designing and building durable, efficient, straw bale buildings Straw bale buildings promise superior insulation and flexibility across a range of design aesthetics, while using a typically local and abundant low-embodied energy material that sequesters carbon-an important part of mitigating climate change. However, some early straw bale designs and construction methods resulted in buildings that failed to meet design goals for energy efficiency and durability. This led to improved building practices and a deeper understanding of the building science underlying this building system. Distilling two decades of site-built straw bale design and construction experience, Straw Bale Building Details is an illustrated guide that covers: Principles and process of straw bale design and building, options, and alternatives Building science of straw bale wall systems How design impacts cost, building efficiency, and durability Avoiding costly mistakes and increasing construction efficiency Dozens of time-tested detailed drawings for straw bale wall assemblies, including foundations, windows and doors, and roofs. Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or owner-builder interested in making informed choices, Straw Bale Building Details is the indispensable guide to current practice in straw bale design and construction. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: The Green Studio Handbook Alison G. Kwok, Walter T. Grondzik, Tom Hahn, 2025-07-03 Making the complexities of green architecture accessible to the design studio, The Green Studio Handbook remains a must-read for current and future architects. The heart of this book provides 43 comprehensive design strategies covering the building envelope, lighting, heating, cooling, energy and electricity, and water and waste – each with a description, key architectural issues, implementation considerations, and a step-by-step design procedure for integration early in the design process. Each design strategy has been thoroughly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest evidence-based guidance, best practices, and standards in consideration of all climatic zones. In addition to more than 80 building examples provided throughout, ten in-depth case studies illustrate successful integration of numerous strategies. All case studies are brand-new to this fourth edition and include a wide range of building types, from the USA, Colombia, Rwanda, Malaysia, Denmark, Bhutan, Canada, and Australia. Envelope design strategies have been significantly revised and expanded to include new strategies on: Foundation systems for the reduction of embodied carbon Framing systems using mass-timber, bamboo, and other natural material-based systems Low-complexity wall systems using natural elements such as earth, lime, straw, and hemp High-complexity wall systems for enhanced thermal performance and strength Additional roofing systems beyond green roofs |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Green Roof Construction Leslie Doyle, 2021-11-09 For the do it yourself builder, an “essential guide . . . to install and maintain a beautiful and ecological compliment to your home or office” (Kelly Hart, author of Essential Earthbag Construction). Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings. Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. This book includes: The benefits of a green roof The basics of planning and design Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads Navigating building codes and working with building officials Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing Annual green roof maintenance. Where common sense meets beauty—a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place. Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof. “Impressive . . . and, importantly, easy for the average person to understand.” —Stephen Hill, associate professor, School of the Environment, Trent University “Well-written, well-researched, and full of clear and informative drawings and photos.” —Lloyd Kahn, editor-in-chief, Shelter Publications, author, Shelter and The Half-Acre Homestead “An excellent resource for both DIY and design professionals.” —Tim Krahn, P. Eng. Building Alternatives Inc., author, Essential Rammed Earth Construction |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Natural Plasters Michael Henry, Tina Therrien, 2018-06-26 A veritable cookbook of natural plaster recipes and techniques for beautiful, durable finishes Natural plasters made of clay, lime, and other materials mixed with sand are beautiful building finishes. Fun to work with, low-impact, and allowing infinite creativity, they are high performance and provide proven, centuries-long durability. Yet until now there's been no resource that has pulled together the best North American plaster recipes and how-to into one place. Essential Natural Plasters covers it all: Sourcing and selecting materials, including site-soils Clay, lime, and gypsum plasters as well as fibers and amendments Interior and exterior use and specialty plasters such as tadelakt for bathrooms Preparing substrates, from straw bales and cob to lath and Sheetrock How to set up a safe, efficient worksite Mixing, testing, tinting, repairing, and applying plasters Coveted recipes from leading plasterers in Ontario, Vermont, New Mexico, France, and New Zealand. Richly illustrated and deeply researched, Essential Natural Plasters is the must-have resource for owner-builders and professionals alike. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Building Science Jacob Deva Racusin, 2017 Poor heat and moisture detailing are enemies of durability, comfort and efficiency in house design. Essential Building Science provides a visual, accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building physics and the skills to develop thermal and moisture strategies for creating better new buildings and improving old ones. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: The Greening of America's Building Codes Aleksandra Jaeschke, 2022-12-20 Environmental disasters and severe weather due to climate change, both triggered by human actions, have had an increasingly direct impact on our homes. But the way in which America builds its homes is part of the problem. This deeply researched history of sustainable design standards in building codes explores how public policy, standard-setting trade associations, and financial incentives influence the ways in which the construction of our homes impacts the environment. The Greening of America's Building Codes investigates the regulations and economic incentives meant to control the environmental impact of contemporary construction practices as it analyzes the history of residential building codes. The book exposes how the socioeconomic and political forces that influenced early building code development continue to define the character of current building codes and, by extension, determine how we regulate environmental impact and define sustainability today. More relevant than ever, The Greening of America's Building Codes is a valuable tool for architects, architecture students, builders, real estate developers, and homeowners who want to understand how public policy and their own day-to-day decisions impact the environment. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Building Your Own Home For Dummies Kevin Daum, Janice Brewster, Peter Economy, 2005-02-25 Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Essential Composting Toilets Gord Baird, Ann Baird, 2018-11-27 From wastestream to mainstream, a practical guide to composting toilet systems. Composting toilets are a key feature for local resilience, money saving, water conservation, resource recovery, septic system replacement, and an improved bathroom experience in rural and urban buildings. Essential Composting Toilets is a streamlined manual that takes a practical, how-to approach to composting toilet system selection, design, installation, and operation, while meeting universal health and safety objectives. Drawing from existing regulations and research, this book dispels myths and provides tools to assess various systems. It includes: Easily-understood drawings, plans, and photos Coverage of all main composting toilet systems Selection criteria including site considerations, urine separation pros/cons, renovations/new builds, ventilation, servicing, and composting details Design and installation details. Offering a professional approach accessible to DIYers, homeowners, designers, building consultants, water conservation advocates, and regulators, Essential Composting Toilets provides key information for redesigning toilet systems anywhere in the world. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Building Construction Illustrated Francis D. K. Ching, 2011-03-10 The classic visual guide to the basics of building construction, now with the most current information For nearly three decades, Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new edition of the revered classic remains as relevant as ever-providing the latest information in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style. Its rich and comprehensive approach clearly presents all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equips readers with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter. Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full under-standing of how these choices affect a building's form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1,000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems, and finishes. Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that present the state of the art in construction processes and materials Updated and revised to include the latest knowledge on sustainability, incorporation of building systems, and use of new materials Archetypal drawings offer clear inspiration for designers and drafters Reflects the most current building codes and CSI Master Format numbering scheme With its comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work, Building Construction Illustrated, Fourth Edition equips students and professionals in all areas of architecture and construction with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter in building planning, design, and construction. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Light Earth Building Franz Volhard, 2016-04-11 The interest in clay as a building material – which has proved its sustainable characteristics over centuries – is growing. Light clay, which is light in weight and easy to work, is presented here as a versatile and forward-looking building material for modern computer-aided timber construction and the renewal of historic timber-framed buildings with clay infill. The balanced building physics properties of the material, which can be controlled through the mixing proportions, make it suitable for resource-efficient building in various different climate zones. Thermal storage, sound insulation, protection against moisture and fire in conventional timber construction are improved, and the construction is simplified. This standard publication describes detailed production methods, includes practical tips for self-building, and demonstrates the application of ready-made materials in modern construction. The book is aimed at architects, engineers, and their clients, as well as for listed building officers, manufacturers, tradesmen and self-builders |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Performance of Bio-based Building Materials Dennis Jones, Christian Brischke, 2017-07-07 Performance of Bio-based Building Materials provides guidance on the use of bio-based building materials (BBBM) with respect to their performance. The book focuses on BBBM currently present on the European market. The state-of-the-art is presented regarding material properties, recommended uses, performance expectancies, testing methodology, and related standards. Chapters cover both 'old and traditional' BBBM since quite a few of them are experiencing a comeback on the market. Promising developments that could become commercial in the near future are presented as well. The book will be a valuable reference resource for those working in the bio-based materials research community, architects and agencies dealing with sustainable construction, and graduate students in civil engineering. - Takes a unique approach to bio-based materials and presents a broad overview of the topics on relevant areas necessary for application and promotion in construction - Contains a general description, notable properties related to performance, and applications - Presents standards that are structured according to performance types |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials , 2020-01-09 Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: The Dome Builder's Handbook John Prenis, 1973 This book is for people who want to build their own domes. It's also for those who are interested in domes and want to learn more about them. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: The Straw Bale House Athena Swentzell Steen, Bill Steen, David Bainbridge, David Eisenberg, 1994 |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: European Building Construction Illustrated Francis D. K. Ching, Mark Mulville, 2014-02-10 The first European edition of Francis DK Ching’s classic visual guide to the basics of building construction. For nearly four decades, the US publication Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new European edition focuses on the construction methods most commonly used in Europe, referring largely to UK Building Regulations overlaid with British and European, while applying Francis DK Ching’s clear graphic signature style. It provides a coherent and essential primer, presenting all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equipping readers with useful guidelines for approaching any new materials or techniques they may encounter. European Building Construction Illustrated provides a comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work. Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full understanding of how these choices affect a building′s form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems and finishes. Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that effectively communicate construction processes and materials Provides an overview of the mainstream construction methods used in Europe Based around the UK regulatory framework, the book refers to European level regulations where appropriate. References leading environmental assessment methods of BREEAM and LEED, while outlining the Passive House Standard Includes emerging construction methods driven by the sustainability agenda, such as structural insulated panels and insulating concrete formwork Features a chapter dedicated to construction in the Middle East, focusing on the Gulf States |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Basic Building and Construction Skills TAFE New South Wales Staff, South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, 2013 The new edition of Basic Building and Construction Skills Revised Edition provides learners with the fundamental skills and basic knowledge for the building and construction industry. It has been fully updated to reflect present-day building practices. So that your students have access to the latest WHS standards this edition contains an updated version of Chapter One - Workplace health and safety. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Building with Hemp Steve Allin, 2005 Building with Hemp has been an inspiration for architects, builders, community activists, students and teachers around the world and as this construction system is gaining in popularity this edition will be even more important in assisting the uptake of this technology internationally. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Sustainable Housing for Sustainable Cities Oleg Golubchikov, Anna Badyina, 2012-01-01 |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Environmental Impacts of Traditional and Innovative Forest-based Bioproducts Andreja Kutnar, Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu, 2016-03-21 This book provides a comprehensive description of traditional and innovative forest-based bioproducts, from pulp and paper, wood-based composites and wood fuels to chemicals and fiber-based composites. The descriptions of different types of forest-based bioproducts are supplemented by the environmental impacts involved in their processing, use, and end-of-life phase. Further, the possibility of reusing, recycling and upgrading bioproducts at the end of their projected life cycle is discussed. As the intensity of demand for forest biomass is currently changing, forest-based industries need to respond with innovative products, business models, marketing and management. As such, the book concludes with a chapter on the bioproducts business and these products’ role in bioeconomies. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Making Better Buildings Chris Magwood, 2014-03-01 Sustainable building from the ground up - the pros and cons of the latest green and natural materials and technologies From foundation to finish, a wealth of information is available on sustainable construction methods-entire volumes have been published on individual green and natural building techniques. But with so many different ideas to choose from, there is no single resource that allows an owner or builder to quickly and objectively compare the merits of each system for their particular project. Making Better Buildings cuts through the hype and provides the unvarnished facts about the upsides and downsides of the most widely discussed materials and technologies. Drawing on the real-world experiences of designer/builders, this comparative guide systematically and comprehensively examines each approach in terms of: Cost, sourcing, labor intensity, and ease of construction Energy efficiency, embodied energy, and environmental impacts Availability/accessibility Viable applications and future potential. Each chapter is rounded out by a chart which summarizes the material in a quick and accessible manner. Whether you are an owner preparing to build a green or natural home, or a conventional contractor determined to integrate sustainable alternatives into your existing construction practices, this up-to-the minute resource will help you make the best decisions for your project, while meeting your energy, efficiency, budgetary, and site-specific needs. |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus in Dictionary Form Barbara Ann Kipfer, 1993 |
| essential prefab straw bale construction: Biomass Utilization Wilfred Cote, 2013-12-01 This proceedings volume represents the culmination of nearly three years of planning, organizing and carrying out of a NATO Ad vanced Study Institute on Biomass Utilization. The effort was initi ated by Dr. Harry Sobel, then Editor of Biosources Digest, and a steering committee representing the many disciplines that this field brings together. . When the fiscal and logistical details of the original plan could not be worked out, the idea was temporarily suspended. In the spring of 1982, the Renewable Materials Institute of the State University of New York at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York revived the plan. A number of modifications had to be made, including the venue which was changed from the U.S.A. to Portugal. Additional funding beyond the basic support provided by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO had to be obtained. Ul timately there were supplementary grants from the Foundation for Microbiology and the Anne S. Richardson Fund to assist student participants. The New York State College of Forestry Foundation, Inc. provided major support through the Renewable Ma terials Institute. The ASI was held in Alcabideche, Portugal from September 26 to October 9, 1982. Eighty participants including fifteen principal lecturers were assembled at the Hotel Sintra Estoril for the program that was organized as a comprehensive course on biomass utilization. The main lectures were supplemented by relevant short papers offered by the participants. |
Home | Essential Mod
Essential mod supports the latest and most popular versions of Minecraft Java Edition (1.8, 1.12, 1.16 to 1.21) on Fabric, Forge and NeoForge modloaders. See all versions
Downloads - Essential Mod
Download Essential Mod for enhanced Minecraft features, Minecraft hosting, character customization, and more!
Wiki - Shaders - Essential Mod
Essential Mod’s compatibility with Fabric, Forge and NeoForge modloaders makes it simple to enhance your game with stunning shaders. Learn how to install shaders alongside Essential Mod.
Wiki - Play Together - Essential Mod
Wondering how to play Minecraft with friends? Joining friends in Minecraft is super easy with Essential Mod. Following these steps works on both Minecraft worlds and Minecraft servers. …
Wiki - Manual Install - Essential Mod
Learn how to manually install Essential Mod and its required modloader for the vanilla Minecraft launcher.
Wiki - OptiFine - Essential Mod
This guide explains how to install Optifine alongside Essential Mod, for an enhanced Minecraft experience.
Wiki - Essential Network Error | Essential Mod
Essential Mod can fail to authenticate your connection due to various reasons. The guides below help you fix common issues. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve Essential Mod Network Errors.
Wiki - Essential Coins | Essential Mod
Unlock premium cosmetics and emotes with Essential Coins! Discover how to use coins to access exclusive wardrobe items and support your favorite Minecraft creators.
Changelog - Essential Mod
Jun 4, 2025 · When Essential comes bundled with another mod, we will ask the user during the onboarding process whether they would like the full version of Essential with all features or the …
Wiki - Sodium & Iris - Essential Mod
This guide explains how to install Sodium and Iris alongside Essential Mod, for a more performant and enhanced Minecraft experience.
Home | Essential Mod
Essential mod supports the latest and most popular versions of Minecraft Java Edition (1.8, 1.12, 1.16 to 1.21) on Fabric, Forge and NeoForge modloaders. See all versions
Downloads - Essential Mod
Download Essential Mod for enhanced Minecraft features, Minecraft hosting, character customization, and more!
Wiki - Shaders - Essential Mod
Essential Mod’s compatibility with Fabric, Forge and NeoForge modloaders makes it simple to enhance your game with stunning shaders. Learn how to install shaders alongside Essential …
Wiki - Play Together - Essential Mod
Wondering how to play Minecraft with friends? Joining friends in Minecraft is super easy with Essential Mod. Following these steps works on both Minecraft worlds and Minecraft servers. …
Wiki - Manual Install - Essential Mod
Learn how to manually install Essential Mod and its required modloader for the vanilla Minecraft launcher.
Wiki - OptiFine - Essential Mod
This guide explains how to install Optifine alongside Essential Mod, for an enhanced Minecraft experience.
Wiki - Essential Network Error | Essential Mod
Essential Mod can fail to authenticate your connection due to various reasons. The guides below help you fix common issues. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve Essential Mod Network …
Wiki - Essential Coins | Essential Mod
Unlock premium cosmetics and emotes with Essential Coins! Discover how to use coins to access exclusive wardrobe items and support your favorite Minecraft creators.
Changelog - Essential Mod
Jun 4, 2025 · When Essential comes bundled with another mod, we will ask the user during the onboarding process whether they would like the full version of Essential with all features or the …
Wiki - Sodium & Iris - Essential Mod
This guide explains how to install Sodium and Iris alongside Essential Mod, for a more performant and enhanced Minecraft experience.
