Table of Contents

Why build with straw bales?
Affordable houses
Low environmental impact
Building techniques explained
Designing with the bale in mind
Cement free foundation
Keeping the straw dry
Wall raising
Windows and doors
Compression
Carpentry for load-bearing buildings
The roof
Services, fixings and alcoves
Lime and clay plasters
Planning and permission
Building regulations

Promotional Information

An updated, fully revised, full-colour edition of the definitive manual on building with straw bales.

About the Author

Barbara Jones is well known internationally as a pioneer of straw bale building, and has been designing and building with natural materials for more than 20 years. Barbara was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Women in Construction in 2011, and a Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award in 2009. She runs her own company designing and building, as well as training people to build with straw bales, both in the UK and Abroad.

Reviews

Practical advice and guidance throughout the book, on each key aspect of straw bale construction, makes this the perfect accompaniment to inspiring and then achieving success in your own build project.
*Helen Gribbon, engineer and director of Renaissance Associates Ltd*

If you have an urge to build a planet-friendly house that will give you great pleasure and satisfaction both to construct and to live in, then this is the book for you.
*Cliff Blundell*

Barbara Jones is the UK’s most experienced straw bale builder. In this clear and practical book, she shares her years of practical wisdom and offers would-be builders, architects and planners a detailed understanding of how and why to build with straw bales.
*Ben Law, woodsman, author and eco-builder*