Natural Building: Creating Communities Through Cooperation

Timothy Rieth, Bob Ferris

This brilliant book combines the wisdom of a great reference tool with the wonder of an inspiration guidebook. Basics in foundations, framing, wall systems, and roofs are explored through the shared experiences of teachers, students, and seekers who came together one summer to build a folly and created a legacy. The value of natural building is told in four parallel stories. At its core is a primer on low-impact and very accessible building techniques, materials, and approaches. Even more, it is a narrative of shared experience and camaraderie. The book yields insights about the value of teaching in a mentoring, experiential, and enabling manner. It is also a glimpse into how natural building projects — when done with care and purpose — can re-stitch the fabric of community lost to so many.

Follows the design and construction of a living “green” roof.

Details different wall systems, including straw bale, cob, rubble, and plaster.

Examines the dynamics of community in creating a hand-built, alternative home.

status	Copy #1 (4524): in
genre	Utopian Studies » Community
publisher	Schiffer Publishing
publish date	July 28, 2008
popularity	checked out 1 time(s)