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"The Straw Bale House" by Athena Swentzell Steen et al

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Guide Rating - rating

The Bottom Line

An outstanding book that gives newcomers the basics while it provides specific details for anyone who wishes to build a straw bale home.
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Pros
  • Authors give options for all building techniques discussed.
  • In-depth coverage of topics.
  • Good photos and illustrations.
Cons
  • None from my point of view

Description

  • A look at the history of straw bale homes and how the craft has progressed worldwide.
  • Answers to common concerns, including fire safety, moisture, odors, pests and rodents, and more.
  • Discussions about building codes, insurance, and financing.
  • Extensive information about working with bales to create the structure.
  • Information to help you incorporate passive solar principles.
  • A variety of options for building foundations, roofs, floors, and finishing walls.

Guide Review - "The Straw Bale House" by Athena Swentzell Steen et al

This book was my first real glimpse at straw bale houses. It lead me through the basics in an easily understandable, non-intimidating manner, laying the foundation for the more detailed information ahead. I especially appreciated the authors' obvious desire to give readers options for nearly every aspect of the building and finishing process.

Photos and illustrations throughout the text point out that straw bale homes are definitely not all alike, and that we can indeed inject our own needs and tastes into the layout of our home designs.

Learn what works -- and what doesn't. "The Straw Bale House" is one of those rare reference books that cross over to provide us with a healthy dose of inspiration.

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