Customer Reviews

EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw, and Timber

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this text thinking it would give useful information on how to create an "econest" using timber frame and clay/straw techniques. I was disappointed that the book gave superficial information on the building techniques and seemed to be more of a promotional text for the writer's alternative home building system and business. If someone is interested in building a very upscale home using timber framing and clay/straw techniques and using the author's home building enterprise to do so, this is the book for them.

My neighbor couldn't wait to borrow this book from me, and his daughter gave it back with a note: "My dad loved every page of this book!" It brilliantly showcases what can be done with Earth's finest building materials to create energy efficient, healthy homes with natural breathing walls. Educational in its clear photos and diagrams, it inspires with the beauty and variety of its spectacular "heirloom" homes.

For the architect or builder's library, Brilliant in common sense, genius in craftsmanship. A simple solution to creating homes that are healthy, energy efficient and built to last. Esoteric as it is artful, speaking to the professional but with beauty and interest to grace anyon's coffee table.

I agree with S.L. Norton: the book is long on pretty pictures and short on details. It is mostly a paean to trendy alternative houses built by people with lots of money. It is also a promotional book for the author's building company. Aside from learning that ladder trusses are also called Larsen Trusses and that they are non-load bearing, I didn't get much out of the book. If you want to build a straw/clay house, find another source of information. Unless you like to look at pretty pictures that you can find in Natural Home.

Paula Baker-Laporte & Robert Laporte's Eco Nest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries Of Clay, Straw, And Timber (158685691X, $24.95) surveys and contrasts different methods of green building which avoid the typical troubles of conventional building methods, from pollution and chemical usage to inefficient synthetic insulation. From design details to take advantage of solar energy to choices in lighting, entryways, and architectural design, ten selected 'dream homes' are presented. Full-page color photos of interiors and exteriors compliment design plans and first-person insights by the owner-builders on what makes each home a work of art - and an ecologically sustainable structure.

One review describes this book as a coffee table book with nice photos but little practical assistance in learning about light clay straw construction. This is what the book is so if you want more practical help then what is already on the internet then this book isn't for you. If you want a coffee table book featuring great photographs of light clay straw homes then go right ahead. Moral of the story for me take better notice of reviews.

Paula Baker-Laporte & Robert Laporte's Eco Nest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries Of Clay, Straw, And Timber (158685691X, $24.95) surveys and contrasts different methods of green building which avoid the typical troubles of conventional building methods, from pollution and chemical usage to inefficient synthetic insulation. From design details to take advantage of solar energy to choices in lighting, entryways, and architectural design, ten selected 'dream homes' are presented. Full-page color photos of interiors and exteriors compliment design plans and first-person insights by the owner-builders on what makes each home a work of art - and an ecologically sustainable structure.

Amazing architecture! Very modern and green. Will be the homes of the future. Recommend everyone look at these great works!

Great for case studies of Eco friendly construction of homes with some detail of how to do the job itself.

Have just read Econest and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was presented beautifully
and was easy to read. Very informative