Building with Straw Bales: A practical manual for self-builders and architects (Sustainable Building)

Building with Straw Bales explains in straightforward terms the principles of straw-bale building. It covers design principles; the different types of foundations; how to raise and stabilise walls and protect them from the weather, including a detailed analysis of how straw performs with humidity; and how straw-bale buildings can easily meet Building Regulations requirements. Straw-bale building is now entering the mainstream - used by firms who see its value in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of installation and energy efficiency. Straw has great loadbearing qualities and provides superb insulation at an affordable price. Now in full colour for the first time, the beautiful photographs throughout this book illustrate the techniques described and show-case the diverse possibilities of straw-bale building. A book for self-builders as well as architects and construction industry professionals; straw-bale building is accessible to many people and provides immense opportunity for creative fun, enabling you to design and build the sort of shape and space you'd really like.