The first comprehensive guide to combining traditional natural materials and modern construction methods. From adobe to straw bales; traditional building materials are being adapted to meet code-required standards for health and safety in contemporary buildings around the world. Not only are they cost effective and environmentally friendly; but; when used correctly; these natural alternatives match the strength and durability of many mainstream construction materials. This book examines a broad range of traditional and modern natural construction methods; including straw-bale; light-clay; cob; adobe; rammed earth and pise; earthbag; earth-sheltered; bamboo; and hybrid systems. It also covers key ecological design principles; as well as current engineering and building code requirements. Experts on each building system have contributed core chapters that explore the history; development; climatic appropriateness; environmental benefits; performance characteristics; construction techniques; and structural design principles for each method. More than 200 visuals depict both construction processes and completed structures. An extensive resource guide shows where to go for further information; training; and research. In an increasingly resource-conscious era; alternative construction is truly an idea whose time has come. Whether youre an architect; designer; student; or homeowner; this book will help you to combine indigenous building materials with modern construction systems and design standards to create low-impact; high-quality buildings that meet the highest levels of comfort; health; and safety.
#982125 in eBooks 2009-04-03 2009-04-03File Name: B0026LTMG4
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book will help.By Kindle CustomerI read this book to try to clear up some confusion I was having on my experiments with home recording. This book takes it slow and easy. step by step. I was able to get a thorough understanding of the basics. With the knowledge I gained from this book. I was actually able to go back to several songs we had recorded not knowing what we were doing. and remix them into decent recordings.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rcording with a lot of big wordsBy williamI like the beginning part of the manuel but it seems to go into a lot of technical words and me I am just about c average when it comes to getting the big picture. It is full of promise though. And I appreciate the wording however I learnt my music basically by ear. Never took a music course in ever my whole life. I am a hurrier in reading books. Because I just like to have everything explained to me. But still want details. Cant help it. Like Robert Blake once said. Infinity in the palm of you hand etc...1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Exactly what it should be.By Andrew R. CroweI have been recording in my home. as a hobby. for a couple of years now. I had gathered a lot of knowledge but I knew there were gaps. This book is a quick read. written in easy language. that gives you a great "big picture" of home recording - all aspects. from beginning to end. There is plenty of detail for getting started and knowing which areas you want to explore more in depth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to the field or who. like me. wants to cover some areas that are still nebulous. I will undoubtedly go back to this book as an easy reference. whenever I have a question. Depending how crazy in depth you want to go. this might be the only book you ever need on home recording.
