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Low Imact Building

Self Build Environment Sustainable Misc  

LOW IMPACT

BUILDING A LOW IMPACT ROUNDHOUSE
Author - T. Wrench

Tony lives in Wales, in a self-built dwelling, on next to nothing. This excellent tome takes us (with illustrations and plans) through the process he went through to build his roundhouse and the subsequent battles he's had with the local authority planners - who seem hell-bent on tearing his house down for bureaucratic reasons. £8.43

HOW TO BUILD AND FURNISH A LOG CABIN
Author - W. Ben Hun

W. Ben Hunt's classic has earned a reputation as the" authentic handbook since it was first published in 1939. Updated in 1974, it remains the only step-by-step guide to building log cabins and log furniture - pioneer style. Excellent instructions for a small log cabin and lots of ideas about all the rest of the stuff: fireplaces, gates, floors, furniture, bridges etc. £7.95

BUILD YOUR OWN LOW COST LOG HOME
Author - R. Hard

From the USA where they do these things well, possibly all you need to get started on your own woody residence. Provides step-by-step instructions and detailed plans for building a moderate-sized, two-story log home from a pre-cut manufacturer's kit or from freshly cut logs, proceeding from site selection to finishing work and maintenance tips. £11.24

SHELTER
Author - Ed. L. Khan

The original edition was described as a piece of environmental drama. Now updated, improved and even more fun. Large in size (the same size as a broadsheet newspaper), huge in scope, this is a real eye catching book with over 1000 photos and numerous plans, sketches and instructions. Its the way the information is all mixed together that really gives this book lots of appeal. There's so much visuals and info to take in you feel deliciously gorged just looking at a couple of pages a day.

We are treated to a book of diverse vernacular homes, natural materials and habitations for humans in all environments. From the smallest bender to that dwelling we all dream of building, this is a celebration of human resourcefulness. One of my personal favourites, this one comes recommended. £10.49

THE GAIA NATURAL HOUSE BOOK
Author - David Pearson

Always a best seller in eco bookshops, now updated and with extra info. Full of great photos and drawings of buildings and interiors having the quality but with no brand names, an excellent source book for designers. The text describes design features, materials, con-struction details, finishes and furnishings which can be used to create living spaces with an open, healthy, human feel to them. A book from which to develop dreams. £16.99

BUILDING WITH STRAW BALES
Author - B. Jones

Straw bale building is a radically different approach to the process of building. Its background is grassroots self-build; it is firmly based in the sustainable, "green building" culture that has brought to the construction industry many ideas about energy efficiency and responsibility towards the environment.

As a building material, straw excels in the areas of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. If used to replace the more traditional wall-building system of brick and block, it can present savings of around £10,000 on a normal 3-bedroomed house, and a huge reduction in heating costs due to super-insulation of the walls.

This practical guide has been written by the most experienced straw bale builder (and instructor in the field) in the UK. It gives details of all the main construction methods, and covers bale specifications, plans, walls and foundations, doors and windows, plastering, building regulations and planning permission. The author also answers frequently asked questions about straw bale building. £9.95

 
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