Straw Bale Building

Rating:
Summary: Balefull
Review: Easy read, everything you need to know to build it yourself. Very thorough and informative.

Rating:
Summary: Dynamite book, full of useful information
Review: Straw Bale Building contains a gold mine of information for future straw bale builders. It is extremely well written, superbly illustrated, and altogther a delight to read. The authors have done a remarkable job. Read this book along with other important straw bale building books to see a variety of approaches to this innovative, environmentally friendly building technique.

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Summary: An unique and welcome contribution to architectural studies.
Review: Straw Bale Building: How To Plan, Design & Build With Straw is unique in that it does a great deal more than just tout the benefits, economies, and aesthetics of straw bale buildings. Chris Magwood and Peter Mack collaborate to instruct the reader in the nitty gritty, "nuts and bolts" of the actual construction techniques for building with straw bales. This practical, detailed, step-by-step "how to" instructional guide covers how to find and choose bales; developing sound building plans and budgets; roofing; electric, plumbing, and heating systems; building code compliance and working with building inspectors; and special concerns for builders in northern climates. From multi-story luxury dwellings to homes of elegant simplicity, architectural students and do-it-yourself home builders will find Straw Bale Building an indispensable "must" that is wonderfully enhanced throughout with photos, illustrations and diagrams.

Rating:
Summary: Good But Incomplete
Review: This book is a great volume for a layperson, with little or no construction experience, interested in straw bale building and other construction topics. For someone like myself, with modest building experience, ready to build a straw bale house, Straw Bale Building doesn't have enough detail. The authors spend too much space discussing general building considerations--mechanical systems, roofing styles, working with architects, etc.--taking up space that could be devoted to more straw bale-specific details like flashing, roofing detailing, and more. I like their eco-friendly bent, and there are some interesting (but brief) case studies. If you're new to construction and straw bales, this is a good starter book. However, it doesn't have enough information to get you to a finished building unless you do a lot of reading between the lines and puzzling out details.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the Best!
Review: This book is the BEST on the market for straw building - clear, comprehensive, unbiased and loaded with references.