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The art of natural building: design, construction, resources

Joseph Kennedy et al

This book is a nice introduction to the whole field of natural building for non-professionals as
well as architects and designers. With a focus on both the practical and the aesthetic concerns
of ecological building designs and techniques, this book is divided into five sections, with the
first providing an overview of the natural building movement from the various perspectives of
sustainability, lifestyle, and health. The second section looks at planning and design, followed
by a section that focuses on specific techniques and the vast variety of materials used in
natural building. Next, examples of diverse natural dwellings are shared. Finally,
complementary systems, such as solar appliances, composting toilets, and alternative power
systems are covered. Overall, a fantastic book covering all aspects of natural building. 292pp

Natural building: a guide to materials and techniques

Tom Woolley

This hardback book explores the many materials and methods used by the pioneers of natural
building, and discusses the reasons why various materials have been chosen. Illustrated with
over 220 colour photographs and diagrams, it is aimed at architects, self-builders,
environmental groups, and at those interested in green issues. Its author, Tom Woolley is an
acknowledged expert on natural building and related environmental issues. 192pp

The natural plaster book: earth, lime and gypsum plasters for natural homes
Cedar Rose Guelberth & Dan Chiras

For builders of natural homes (straw bale, cob, adobe, rammed earth, and other natural
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materials), this unique step-by-step guide takes the confusion out of choosing, mixing, and
applying natural plasters. From principles to practicalities, and with every stage of the process
illustrated, The Natural Plasters Book details the entire process of plastering with earth, lime,
and gypsum for a long-lasting and durable finish. The only comprehensive guide available on
natural plasters, this book is written for the growing number of people who have decided to
build their own natural homes as well as for professionals. Heavily illustrated with practical
drawings and photographs, it also includes an extensive resource guide. 250pp

Using natural finishes: lime and clay based plasters, renders and paints - a step-by-step
guide
Adam Weismann & Katy Bryce

'Using Natural Finishes' is an in-depth guide to the selection, mixing and application of lime
and clay based plasters, renders, paints and washes. Providing step-by-step instructions with
detailed illustrations to show the practical elements of working with lime and clay-based
finishes, the authors demonstrate how these natural 'breathable' plasters and paints can be used
on a wide variety of wall surfaces, including traditional and eco-build materials like cob,
strawbale and stone, as well as modern plasterboard and concrete surfaces, with stunning
results. Easy to follow DIY projects guide the reader through all aspects of using these natural
finishes, with beautiful photographs of techniques and examples from the UK and abroad.
264pp

Earthbag building: the tools, tricks and techniques

Kaki Hunter & Donald Kiffmeyer

This book is the first comprehensive guide to all the tools, tricks and techniques for building
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with bags filled with earth -- earth bags. Introduced to sandbag construction by the renowned
Nader Khalili in 1993, the authors have developed this 'Flexible Form Rammed Earth
Technique' over the last decade. A reliable method for constructing homes, outbuildings,
garden walls and much more, this enduring, tree-free architecture can also be used to create
arched or domed structures of great beauty -- in any climate, and at home, in developing
countries, or in relief work. 257pp

Planting green roofs and living walls

Nigel Dunnett & Noel Kingsbury

The green roof industry is booming and the technology changing fast as professionals respond
to the unique challenges of each new implementation. In this comprehensively updated, fully
revised edition of their authoritative reference, Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury reveal the
very latest techniques, materials, and plants, and showcase some spectacular new case studies.
Planting on roofs and walls began in Europe but is now becoming popular all over the world
as people become aware of their beneficial impact on the environment.

Green roofs and walls reduce pollution and run-off, help insulate and reduce the maintenance
needs of buildings, contribute to biodiversity, and provide food and habitats for wildlife. In
addition to all this, they are attractive to look at and by greening up living environments
enhance the quality of life of residents. In "Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls" the
authors describe and illustrate the practical techniques required to design, implement and
maintain a green roof or wall to the highest professional standards.

They go on to explain how roofs may be modified to bear the weight of vegetation, discuss
the different options for drainage layers and growing media, and list the plants suitable for
different climates and environments. This informative, up-to-the-minute reference will
captivate professionals with its illuminating new findings, and encourage gardeners
everywhere to consider the enormous benefits to be gained from planting on their roofs and
walls. 336pp
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Serious straw bale: a home construction guide for all climates

Paul Lacinski & Michael Bergeron

Bergeron and Lacinski's new book is the first to look carefully at the specific design
considerations critical to success with a straw bale building in more extreme climates-where
seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity create special stresses that
builders must understand and address. This is a second-generation straw bale book, for those
seeking serious information to meet serious challenges while adventuring in the most fun
form of construction to come along in several centuries. Solid information in a well written
format. 480pp

Small strawbale
Bill Steen, Athena Swentzell Steen & Wayne J. Bingham

This book presents a collection of small strawbale houses, tiny studios and meditation spaces,
outbuildings and landscape walls. It includes the tangible creations of simple dreams and
modest pocketbooks - little houses and little buildings, the kind that most people can afford.
Overflowing with beautiful, vivid colour photographs, detailed illustrations and floor plans,
'Small Strawbale' spotlights the personal stories of people who have created simple,
economical, and beautiful structures out of natural materials. 240pp
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The beauty of straw bale homes

Athena & Bill Steen

This book celebrates in gorgeous colour photography the accomplishments of straw bale
artisans. Selecting from a variety of building types and applications, they vividly portray the
sensuous versatility and cross-cultural appeal of this most accessible form of construction.
Accompanying the stunning visual display is a text that incorporates key lessons Athena and
Bill Steen have learned in their years as straw bale pioneers. Their insights into design,
materials, and construction techniques provide a practical grounding by highlighting the
special features and unique personality of each building. 114pp