Natural Building Companion

Natural buildings not only bring satisfaction to their makers and joy to their occupants, they also leave the gentlest footprint on the environment. In this complete reference to natural building philosophy, design, and technique, Jacob Deva Racusin and Ace McArleton walk builders through planning and construction, offering step-by-step instructions on:siting and site analysischoosing materialsintegrating basic structural considerations into a designstrategies for heating/cooling efficiency and moisture managementplanning for acousticsdeveloping an integrative designnavigating budgeting, code compliance, and project managementcreating the foundation, wall system, roof, and floorsselecting and making plasters and paintsevaluating options for mechanical and utility systemsprotecting against fire and insectsintegrating structures within landscape, climate, and human communities...and moreApplicable to building in climates that are cold and wet, hot and dry, or somewhere in-between, The Natural Building Companion provides the tools necessary to understand basic principles of building science, including structural and thermal engineering, and hydrodynamics. This guide offers thorough, up-to-date, and advanced installation details and performance characteristics of straw-bale, straw-clay, woodchip-clay, and cellulose wall systems, as well as earthen and stone wall systems and a variety of framing, roofing, flooring, mechanical system, and finishing options. This fully-illustrated volume informs professionals making the transition from conventional building, homeowners embarking on their own construction, or green builders who want comprehensive guidance on natural-building options. A State-of-the-Art Resource for Natural Builders The Natural Building Companion is a part of The Yestermorrow Design/Build Library and includes an instructional DVD.