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Alternative Building Books
Add these to your library of books about sustainable home design, architecture and natural home building methods
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If you're like me, you're always on the look out for more great books about sustainable home design, alternative building methods, natural homes and other related topics.
Here are a few books that I've collected over the years, and still find useful today; this timeless and exciting way of building your dwelling never gets old.
Some of the methods of using timber framing for building long lasting structures, old half forgotten lore about stone masonry, carpentry using salvaged timbers and other natural materials is all there, for the seeking.
Some of these books may be out of print, but well worth searching for in garage sales and auctions.
If you see them, snap them up! Look in your local library too; depending on the demographic in your area, you could find tattered and dogeared copies that are well loved and always in demand.
The books I recommend to add to your library are often available on Amazon for a song;
Building Green: A Complete How-To Guide to Alternative Building Methods Earth Plaster * Straw Bale * Cordwood * Cob * Living Roofs
A really nice overview of all things sustainable. I particularly like the pictures of this little project when completed, and dreaming of my own.
Cordwood Building: The State of the Art (Natural Building Series)
I highly recommend this book if you're building (or planning to build) a cordwood project. Includes the mortar recipe that actually works.
The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
This whole set is invaluable for getting the cogs turning and all the inspiration.
Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home (Susanka)
Again, part of my favorite set of books for inspiring outside the box thinking.
Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Natural Building Series)
What a cool way to build - in a bag. Or actually many bags, or a long fillable tube to be precise.
The Art of Natural Building: Design, Construction, Resources
If you like The Hobbit, you'll love the project in this book, with all the natural and creative ways to use the materials.
The Barefoot Home: Dressed-Down Design for Casual Living
If you want accessibility, this book is the one to give you ways to have that, with charm and grace.
The Passive Solar House: Using Solar Design to Heat and Cool Your Home (Real Goods Independent Living Book)
Why have a trombe wall? Why not use the floor instead?
Redux: Designs that Reveal, Recycle, and Redefine
Another inspirational book, with ideas for your next project. Dream away!
And that's just a few of the books I've found intriguing and/or useful in designing and building my tiny house.
If you have a good local library, get them on loan to see if they're something you would like in your library, then buy them from Amazon using the links above.
There are many more, as I found when putting together this page. The hard part is narrowing down the choices.
The Composting Tips, Tutorials and Troubleshooting E-Book
Having problems with your compost? Use this guide to get your compost back on track!
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