Description
Book SynopsisStep-by-step instructions to build your own beautiful, environmentally friendly, healthy natural home.
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Why build a natural home ?
• The authentic food/authentic home analogy
• our impacts and responsibilities
• appropriate response and design
• alternative building methods and materials
• conventional vs. regenerative living
• myths and realities
• history of light clay construction
Site Selection
• cultural history of site selection
• modern day health concerns
• ecological site designs
• natural climate control
• regenerating the landscape
• food and shelter
EcoNest: a Family of Design and Building Strategies Applying the Principles of Building Biology in the design, construction and occupation of a home:
a. Recognizing nature as the gold standard for a healthy indoor environment.
b. Design for Health and Ecology;
• History of use
• non-toxic choices
• natural materials
• maintaining hygroscopicity
• natural lighting
• proportion
• size
• beauty
• sacred space
• relationship to nature
• adaptability
• flexible space
• color in accordance with nature
• maintaining a healthy balance of humidity
• a healthy electro-climate
c. Recognizing the role of the craftsman in enriching the lives of all who dwell within.
• Modern day precedents for building craft revival
• Why we teach others,
• Building the Builder, Craftsmanship Leadership and teamwork
• Design for the temperate climate zones
Home Owners Guide to the design process
• Initiating a legacy
• Working with a design professional
• Phases of design
• Making a thousand choices and staying sane!
• Putting it all in perspective
Foundation Systems “ a good pair of boots”
• The role of the foundation in the health and longevity of the building
• drainage issues
• height of foundation
• reduction of concrete
• rubble trench construction
• wood insulated concrete forms
The Timberframe
• About the sustainable use of wood
• ecology and re-useabiltiy of timber framing
• framing terms and concepts
• European vs. Japanese Frame Construction Styles
• plan
• layout
• encoding
• cutting
• assembly
• raising the frame
The EcoNest Clay Straw Wall System
• Wall terms and concepts
• Site analysis and staging for efficient production
• Scaffolding, circulation, site safety
Framework
• Load-bearing and non-load-bearing Larsen trusses
• Larsen truss layout
• Planning for future interior attachments
• Incorporating mechanical and electrical systems
Formwork
• Interior face and exterior face forming
• Building a leap form
• Door + window framing and insulation
Production
• . Testing soil for clay content
• Choosing the straw
• Mixing
• Variation of densities in accordance with wall orientation
Delivery
• Making hoppers
• Materials handling and delivery
Filling
• Placing and tamping clay straw
• Horizontal reinforcing
• Topping off the wall
• Removing and re-using the formwork
Drying and Prepping for Finish
•
• Accelerated drying techniques
• Chinking and creating an air tight envelope
• Other delivery techniques (sidebar about crane delivery)
The Roof System
• the “good hat” concept
• roofing terms and concepts
• form
• calculations
• truss roof process
• roof details
• roof ventilation
• insulating the roof
• alternative insulation materials
Exterior Finishes
• exterior skin comparisons
• exterior earth plaster
• exterior lime plaster
• Keim treatments
• wood siding
• vented rain screens
Crafting the Interiors
• plaster ceilings
• ceiling finishes
• the mandala ceiling construction
• wood ceilings
• plaster wall finishes
• partition walls
• mass interior walls
• framed walls
• shoji screens and pockets for shoji screens
• cabinetry construction and selection
• attaching cabinetry to the walls
• nichos
• doors
• floor systems, alternatives to concrete
• earthen floors
• wood floors
Natural and Mechanical Systems for energy efficient, year round comfort
• passive heating and cooling strategies for a temperate climate
• decreasing or eliminating dependence mechanical systems
• power + electrical considerations
• day lighting and artificial lighting
• water collection, storage, purification and drinking
• plumbing considerations
• heating with fuel
• masonry heaters
• cooling and the 4 strategies
Portfolio
Several new EcoNest Case studies
Appendices
a. general construction guidelines
b. New Mexico construction guidelines
c. State of Oregon Reach Code
c. Sources of information: books + websites
d. Architects and builders guide
e. Material suppliers
