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Earthbuilding - Building Using Natural MaterialsMan has always had a strong nesting instinct and, until relatively recently, the majority of people had to create their own homes. Professional builders only constructed churches, big public buildings, castles and mansions.
We have increasingly bought ready-made, off-the-peg houses, but the growth of the owner-builder movement has led to the rediscovery of the value of the use of natural resources, economic approaches, sustainability and self-help. What greater satisfaction can there be than to create your own nest?
Climatic Considerations
Climate can determine the method most suitable for you. For example, you are unlikely to want to live in a bamboo house in a temperate climate, since big bamboo grows in the tropics and it also has next to no insulation. The most versatile material is strawbale, which can keep you warm in the cool and cool in the hot: its insulation qualities serve both equally well. As for wet weather, as long as your roof has large overhanging eaves and the walls are well-rendered and maintained, all materials will survive indefinitely.
Materials and Methods
A fifth of the world's homes are built from earth, mostly of pise (rammed earth) or adobe (mudbricks).
more: www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1165448... (187)
June 2, 2004 | Viewed 24,618 time(s)
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