The Art of Natural Building - Second Edition - Completely Revised, Expanded and Updated: Design, Construction, Resources

I expected more of a how-to book. I will say that the information presented regarding the many types of 'natural' construction is quite good as it gives a very good overview of the different types. A good book to read if you are unfamiliar with the different types, and need to understand the concepts, materials and techniques.Not for those who are looking for the actual step by step how to process of building.

At first glance, Natural Building looks like a great coffee table picture book. But once inside, the reader is pleasantly surprised to find, not only natural building methods and techniques, but also a wide variety of information including; design and planning, maximizing square footage, energy efficiency, building codes, integrated permaculture...the list goes on and finishes with some very interesting case studies. . A well done edition of expert articles with a ton of references - Be careful or you'll buy a dozen more books while reading this one!Highly recommended.

Very informative

Very much a beginners book. Not the best layout and doesn't go as in depth into vertical walls and roof top garden building as I was hoping.

excellent....

Tons of information to get you started on your natural building project. It helped me decide which direction to investigate next. I'm looking forward to several outbuildings and possibly a house!

This is a great intro to natural building with a number of articles/chapters by well known natural builders. awesome photos, really a good resource for actual hands on builders, beginners, or just folks interested in this ancient craft.

Today, around 5 million people on Earth work and live in buildings made of adobe, stone, rammed earth, straw bale, cob, wattle and daub and so forth. That is, most of our planetary brothers and sisters live in earthen houses that rely on renewable human labor and local resources like mud, straw, rock and tree. These houses are less energy intensive, more durable, and are often more esthetically pleasing than so-called "modern" homes, as this book shows."The Art of Natural Building" questions the environmental responsibility of a 5,000-sq-foot, 500,000-dollar house. As more and more people begin to make the kind of money it takes to buy their own American Dream house, we must question the feasibility our of contemporary building practices. Would it be possible cover the globe with modern homes? Building companies certainly think so, but aside from what a project of this immensity what mean environmentally, the resources are simply not available.There is simply not enough lumber, brick, cement, and processed material to go around. Our building industry would gladly sell us into oblivion if it meant a buck or two in the short-haul, but we need to get away from this kind of thinking. We also need to consider the environmental impacts of our current practices. What are these impacts?As this book reminds us, buildings already account for one quarter of the world's wood harvest, two-fifths of its material and energy use, and one-six of its fresh water usage. In the past 100 years the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen 27 percent, one-quarter of which has come the burning of fossil fuels just to provide energy for buildings. During the same period, the world lost more than 20 percent of its forest. Quite simply, our building philosophy is not sustainable; and with a populaiton of 6 billion rising at an incredible rate every year, reconstruction of this philosophy becomes all the more timely and important.We can start by dropping out of the rat race and getting our hands dirty. Natural building is much more affordable, durable, environmentally responsible and estheticly pleasing than the track homes and skyscrapers advancing on the horizon. We can also avoid the loan-mortgage game which weds us to unfulfilling job and Sisyphus-like existence. We can create spaces that are non-toxic, unique, and ecologically sound. And perhaps most importantly, we can reconnect with Earth and the spirit of artisanship.Along with the philosophy, you will discover a veritable treasure trove of natural building styles and ideas, from the radically new and innovative - like concept "earthship" - to the ancient and elegant, such as the living roof pictured on the cover. Architects need not apply, nor must you be good with your hands to fashion your own natural house. I consider myself very fortunate to have seen this book before investing in a home of my own. Like many people, I might have ended up working the rest of my life to pay for "a house without a clue."By far and away, this is one of the most important books I have ever read. Philosophers dabble with theories of justice, beauty and truth, but with this book you will discover how all of these ideas can be BUILT into the very structure and fabric of your life. You will discover the ethics and aesthetics of building design and ecological living.Filled to the brim with great references, links and some amazing photographs to stimulate your right brain, "The Art of Natural Building" is a must for anybody interested in saving the planet and saving a little money at the same time. The ultimate ecological building encyclopedia! A must read for all dwelling creatures.

Three stars is a bit harsh. This is a terriffic introduction to natural building, with hundreds of example buildings with well presented technical detail and photographs. I think this an excellent reference for those wishing to introduce themselves to many techniques of "natural building".After so much effort has obviously been put into illustrating this book, I cannot understand why it has been printed in black and white. Virtually every page has excellent photographs and diagrams, but with the exception of a couple of token colour pages, all the photographs are a disappointing monochrome grey. I hope this book will be re-published with full colour illustration, and then someone will give it the five stars that it deserves.

very good