Rating: 
Summary: At last, an in-depth strawbale book for cold, wet climates
Review: 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 considerations of construction in cold and wet climates.Well, it's finally here. This book is as complete in its considerations, with a lot of updated details, as the original The Straw Bale Home by Athena and Bill Steen. However, be forwarned, the authors admit that while successful buildings have been built (the oldest is the Hay House in CT - 25 years), there are risks and no one method is foolproof. They talk about the specific construction detailing techniques required to avoid moisture problems and offer a number of case studies that point out both successes and pitfalls. This book is a must read for anyone considering such a undertaking - it has made me think carefully about my intentions.
Rating:
Summary: No Bale Left Unturned
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Great read, though focuses on cold & wet climates
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Fills a big gap
Review: 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. Straw bale has caught my attention and imagination for many years but the lack of information on damp climate straw bale construction has made me very hesitant to do more than read about it. This is a witty, candid look at the issues that must be considered if building with bales in a damp climate. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more illustrations of building details- many concepts described could have been made clearer with more illustrations and many other concepts that I wanted to see clearly addressed were only skimmed over (such as what to do where the bale wall meets the roof and what are the recommended methods of firestopping). Overall, it is a very valuable resource but there is room for more information in a second edition!
Rating:
Summary: Fills a big gap
Review: 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. Straw bale has caught my attention and imagination for many years but the lack of information on damp climate straw bale construction has made me very hesitant to do more than read about it. This is a witty, candid look at the issues that must be considered if building with bales in a damp climate. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more illustrations of building details- many concepts described could have been made clearer with more illustrations and many other concepts that I wanted to see clearly addressed were only skimmed over (such as what to do where the bale wall meets the roof and what are the recommended methods of firestopping). Overall, it is a very valuable resource but there is room for more information in a second edition!
Rating:
Summary: The straw bale book we have been waiting for!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The straw bale book we have been waiting for!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: 3rd millenium gift
Review: 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 construction adapted to cold climates. This well written and illustrated survey brings me confidently into a third millenium level of knowledge. I highly recommend it to all those who needed a big shot of confidence in that new style of home design. I am just a prospective home-owner but my guess is that with its detailed approach this book will be of high interest for all the professionals involved in home design and construction as well.
Rating:
Summary: separate the wheat from the chaff
Review: 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. If you're serious about building with straw this is the book to get. If you're building with straw in a cold climate this book is essential.
Rating:
Summary: separate the wheat from the chaff
Review: 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. If you're serious about building with straw this is the book to get. If you're building with straw in a cold climate this book is essential.
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