Hempcrete is a building material with excellent properties. It's made from lime and hemp shivs (a waste product from hemp fiber growing); it can be used for walls, floors, and for roof insulation; it's breathable, absorbing and emitting moisture to regulate internal humidity and avoid trapped moisture and mold growth; it provides excellent acoustic and thermal insulation and thermal mass; it's lightweight and reduces construction costs; and it's environmentally friendly--it locks up CO2 for the life of the building, and the hemp doesn't require agrochemicals or insecticides in its...

Straw bale building is a radically different approach to construction, and this book explains, in straightforward and commonsense terms, the principles of the technique, which was pioneered in the United States more than a hundred years ago and is now entering the mainstream. It is used by firms who see its value in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. Straw has great load-bearing qualities and provides superior insulation at an affordable price. Straw bale building is accessible to many people who are normally excluded from the construction process and...

Essential reading for anyone planning to design an eco-home
Designing an eco-house is as much about working with your natural surroundings as it is about planning to use the right materials for your building. In this book, Christopher Day draws on his extensive experience to explain the key principles of ecological house design. Beautifully illustrated, it highlights how aesthetics arise from eco-responsible design: they are not add-ons, nor are ecology and art in conflict. This book will give you essential guidance in working with your surroundings, understanding what you can do...