This book is the first comprehensive guide to all the tools, tricks and techniques for building with bags filled with earth -- earthbags. 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.

Table of Contents

Introduction; The Merits of Earthbag Building; Basic Materials for Earthbag Building; Tools, Tricks and Terminology; Foundations; Structural Design Features for Earthbag Walls; Step-by-Step Flexible Form Rammed Earth Technique; Electrical, Plumbing, Shelving, and Intersecting Walls: Making the Connection Lintel, Window, and Door Installation; Roof Systems; Arches: Putting the Arc Back into Architecture; Dynamics of a Dome; Illustrated Guide to Dome Construction; Roofing Options for Domes; Exterior Plasters; Interior Plasters; Floors; Designing for Your Climate; The Code; Index.

About the Author

Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer have been involved in the construction industry for the last 20 years, specialising in affordable, low-tech, low-impact building methods that are as natural as possible. They developed the FFRET of building affordably with earthbags and have taught the subject and contributed their expertise to several booka and journals on natural building.