Straw bale building is a radically different approach to the process of building. Like all innovative ideas, it has been pioneered by the passionate, and used experimentally by those with the vision to see its potential. It is firmly based in that sustainable, 'green building' culture that has brought to the construction industry many new and useful ideas about energy efficiency and responsibility towards the environment. As a building material, straw excels in the areas of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. This practical guide has been written by the most experienced straw bale builder in the UK. It gives details of all the main construction methods, and includes: * bale specifications * plans * walls and foundations * doors and windows * plastering * building regulations and planning permission * frequently asked questions * construction drawings. This fully revised and updated edition includes new construction drawings, standard details for best practice design, examples of off-the-peg drawings for small buildings such as summer-houses and studios, and designs for affordable houses. These designs meet Building Regulations Code 6 for sustainable homes, and have a carbon rating of less than zero.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Why build with straw bales? Chapter 2 - Affordable houses with low environmental impact Chapter 3 - Strawbale building techniques explained Chapter 4 - Bales to build with Chapter 5 - Bale plans Chapter 6 - Safety and tools Chapter 7 - Cement-free foundations Chapter 8 - Roof and fittings Chapter 9 - Wall raising Chapter 10 - Windows and doors Chapter 11 - Plasters and renders - lime Chapter 12 - Plasters and renders - clay Chapter 13 - Planning permission Chapter 14 - Building Regulations Appendix 1 - Humidity in strawbale walls Appendix 2 - Frequently asked questions Appendix 3 - Resources and research Appendix 4 - Construction drawings

About the Author

The Author: Barbara Jones FRSA is the founder and director of amazonails, the leading UK company for strawbale design, consultancy and training. She has pioneered techniques for use in the UK climate, including the use of traditional lime and clay plasters. Awards won by amazonails buildings include the Grand Designs Eco-home of the Year in 2008 and the East of England Sustainability Award from the RICS in 2009. Amazonails' website is www.amazonails.org.uk.

Reviews

"All you want to know about in situ strawbale building construciton, explained in one easy-to-understand book" - Tim Yates, Technical Director, BRE Ltd, and Peter Walker, Director, BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, University of Bath "Explains the principles of the system in straightforward, common-sense terms. All the essentials are covered, including design, foundations, raising and stabilising walls and how straw bale buildings can exceed Building Regulations requirements. There are also new sections on natural plasters, the effect of humidity on straw bales and an extensive resources section." Build It "The essential guide to straw-bale building." Grand Designs "A perfect balance between hard facts, sociological context, and beautiful images... Get yourself a copy of Jones' book, and buy one for a friend" -- Mark Anslow The Ecologist