The Natural House A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes

About this book

Describes thirteen natural building methods, including straw bale, rammed earth, cordwood, adobe, earthbags, papercrete, and Earthships, covering how they are built, how much they cost, and the pros and cons of each.

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Biography

Dan Chiras paid his last electric bill in June of 1996. It is not that he has disavowed the use of electricity and modern conveniences, but rather that he has turned to the sun and wind to meet his family's needs. In 1995, Dan, a former full-time college professor with years of experience in sustainable development, built a state-of-the-art rammed earth tire and straw bale home in Evergreen, Colorado. He installed solar electric panels on the roof; a year or so later he installed a small wind generator. Since that time, he has met nearly all of his electrical needs for his home and office from these clean, renewable sources.