Art Of Natural Building Design, Construction, Resources

Part practical manual, part radical manifesto for a reimagining of construction, part rich immersion in a global movement rooted in craftsmanship, beauty and place. Every home in these pages is a work of heart. ROB HOPKINS , FOUNDER, TRANSITION TOWN MOVEMENT AND AUTHOR, THE POWER OF JUST DOING STUFF

A tour de force, providing a veritable encyclopedia of ecologically sound, healthy building designs constructed out of a remarkable range of locally available natural materials. MICHAEL P. TOTTEN , SENIOR FELLOW, ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE

THIS COLLECTION from over 50 leading voices in the field of natural building describes dozens of eco-friendly building techniques, from straw bale and cob, to hemp and salvaged materials, illuminating the best practices for ecological design. Learn about:

• The case for building with natural materials, from the perspectives of sustainability, lifestyle and health.
• What you need to know to plan and design your own beautiful and efficient natural home.
• Explanations of thirty versatile materials and techniques, with resources on where to go for further information on each.
• How these techniques are being used to address housing crises around the world.

Clearly written, logically organized, and stunningly illustrated with more than 400 photographs, The Art of Natural Building is a must-read for anyone interested in building durable, low-cost, environmentally sensible structures. This completely revised and updated comprehensive resource is the one-stop, user-friendly introduction to natural building, for everyone from do-it-yourselfers to architects and designers.

With chapters on how to get a permit or a LEED rating, design for your climate, and apply building science to buildings of dirt and straw, along with a whole new section of sage experience from case studies worldwide, this book is a go-to-guide for new and seasoned natural building enthusiasts. LAURA BARTELS , BOARD PRESIDENT, COLORADO STRAW BALE ASSOCIATION

If you're looking for the collective wisdom of the entire tribe, you'll find it gathered here. Don't build a home without it! BRUCE KING , FOUNDER, BUILDWELLLIBRARY.ORG

Joseph F. Kennedy is a designer, builder, writer, artist and educator, and co-founder of Builders Without Borders.

Michael G. Smith is a respected workshop instructor, consultant, and co-author of the bestselling book The Hand-Sculpted House .

Catherine Wanek is a co-founder of Builders Without Borders and author/ photographer of The Hybrid House and The New Straw Bale Home .

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.