In 1994, when Chelsea Green published The Straw Bale House, the response from many people was a loud, "Huh?!" Those days are gone. With more than 100,000 copies sold, and straw bale projects underway in most regions of North America, we've entered a new era. Even building-code officials and insurance companies now look favorably upon straw bale buildings, with their extraordinary energy efficiency and wise use of agricultural waste for construction materials. Bergeron and Lacinski's new book Serious Straw Bale is the first to look carefully at the specific design considerations critical to success with a straw bale building in more extreme climates-where seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity create special stresses that builders must understand and address. The authors draw upon years of experience with natural materials and experimental techniques, and present a compelling rationale for building with straw-one of nature's most resilient, available, and affordable byproducts. For skeptics and true believers, this book will prove to be the latest word. * Thorough explanations of how moisture and temperature affect buildings in seasonal climates, with descriptions of the unique capacities of straw and other natural materials to provide warmth, quiet, and comfort year-round. * Comprehensive comparison of the two main approaches to straw bale construction: "Nebraska-style," where bales bear the weight of the roof, and framed structures, where bales provide insulation. * Detailed advice-including many well-considered cautions-for contractors, owner-builders, and designers, following each stage of a bale-building process. This is a second-generation straw bale book, for those seeking serious information to meet serious challenges while adventuring in the most fun form of construction to come along in several centuries.
Serious Straw Bale
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
About the Author
Paul Lacinski is a partner in Green Space Collaborative, an environmental consulting firm offering integrated project management and innovative design services. He lives in Ashfield, Massachusetts. Architect Michel Bergeron is a founding member of Quebec's legendary ecological design-build firm, Archibio. He is an author, designer, and builder. He lives in Montreal.
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Warren
Format:Paperback
As the other reviews say, this is a great read for those interested in straw baling. I especially liked how the authors are balanced with their approach to straw bale: they tell you the good and the bad, and are conservative about what straw can do given its limited history. I feel much more confident knowing that they're not just trying to sell the idea, but are really attempting to spread their knowledge and experience on the subject.
I was a bit disappointed with lack of information on climates other than the cold and wet Northeast. (I'm hoping to eventually build in the hot dry San Joaquin Valley of California.) The subtitle seems to be written by an editor in an attempt to sell more copies. Unlike other construction books I've seen which weigh different weather needs across the country or the continent with descriptions and maps, this focuses on New England and Eastern Canada. This focus is fine, of course, but only if the book is initially presented as such.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book now rockets into the forefront as the most complete straw bale book. It seems pretty much to be all here: Interested in mud floors - got it; Interested in earth plaster - It's here too. All the main building subjects are covered, often exhaustively. Once one strays from the 2x4 and block foundation, into alternative building, there are by definition a lot of options. There isn't a standard set of details yet for bales, which partially accounts for the length of the book.
The authors come from the enviro alternatives camp, but they aren't romantic about it. Expect some well deserved skepticism about the virtues of Nebraska style load-bearing walls in cold climates. On the other hand they leave the decision up to you. After spending 12 pages telling you why you might not want to build load bearing walls, they spend 22 more pages telling you how to do it (not to mention the countless other pages devoted to related topics).
This book covers the subject of framed straw bale walls more completely than any other thus far. This is an important addition to the literature. While the authors are driven in this direction by the realities of snow loads that are not experienced by all, those who live in wet climates, or wish to build multi-story houses will find much of use here also.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have been designing and building straw houses for a decade now, as well as teaching others how to do it. Across that time there have been a small handful of books on straw construction, each a great contribution in its time. But now we have what I feel is the book we have been waiting for: solid information in a well written format.
The authors are experienced builders with a common sense, grounded approach. Where most of the earlier books were coming out of the desert South West, this book specifically looks at the detailing needed in the colder and wetter parts of the world.
A wonderful contribution to the growing field of natural building. I recommend this book highly.
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 27 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
balin' balin' balin', keep those balers balin', straw bale!
This book introduced me to the techniques of straw bale building, and it was very informative and useful to me as a beginner. The authors' dedication shows through in every page. Read more
Published on Dec 6 2001 by Mary Vogt
4.0 out of 5 stars
Informative, not for the casual reader
Lots of information on many aspects of straw bale building but appears to be more of a book for a trained builder. Read more
Published on Jun 7 2001 by A. Burchfield
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fills a big gap
I am a construction manager (trained as an architect) working in more conventional styles of construction but I am itching to get more involved with alternative building systems. Read more
Published on Mar 2 2001 by Sarah Culgin
5.0 out of 5 stars
separate the wheat from the chaff
In the growing field of straw bale construction this book separates the wheat from the chaff. The authors offer in-depth information based on in-depth experience. Read more
Published on Feb 26 2001 by pete blose
5.0 out of 5 stars
3rd millenium gift
In my everlasting search for practical informations on natural housing techniques I had not to this day encountered a book so complete on the different aspects of straw bale... Read more
Published on Feb 20 2001 by francine marsolais
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a great book!
This book goes beyond SERIOUS straw bale- I found it downright witty at times. The many aspects of designing a straw bale house are presented candidly in an easy to read format,... Read more
Published on Jan 15 2001 by Janene J. Loughran
5.0 out of 5 stars
At last, an in-depth strawbale book for cold, wet climates
As someone who's been considering building straw bale in the Northeast for over a year now, I've never been been able to find a resource that deals in detail with the special... Read more
Published on Jan 1 2001 by S. P. Crowell
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Business & Investing > Real Estate
- Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Buildings & Construction
- Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Design > Design & Construction
- Books > Professional & Technical > Accounting & Finance > Industries & Professions > Real Estate
- Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Buildings
- Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Reference > Methods & Materials
- Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Civil > Construction
- Books > Science & Math > Earth Sciences > Ecology
- Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Ecology
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
