A completely re-written edition of the 20,000-copy best-selling original, it leads the potential builder through the entire process of building a bale structure, tackling all the practical issues: finding and choosing bales; developing around building plans; roofing; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; building code compliance and special concerns for builders in northern climates. Down-to-earth and complete, this book makes the remarkable benefits of straw bale building available in the most comprehensive and practical book on the subject to date.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Why Build with Straw?; Other Natural Building Materials; What Are Straw Bales?; The Red Flag Questions; The Hotly Debated Often-Distorted Question of Cost; Getting Focused; Design Considerations; The Many Styles of Bale Building; Structural Design Options: Foundations, Roofs and Partition Walls; More Design Options: Mechanical Systems; From Designer to Draftsperson; Straw Bale Construction Plans; Building Permits; Do-It-yourself (DIY) and Building Professionals; Budgeting; Going Shopping: Materials; Construction: Before the Bales; Raising Bale Walls; Plastering Your Bale Walls; Bale Wall Finishes; Common Mistakes; Constructing with Work Parties; Other Straw Bale Projects; The Challenge; Index.