Today’s architectural books are a far cry from my usual eye candy selections. Both The Concrete House by Pieter A VanderWerf and The Rammed Earth House by David Easton are detailed and practical manuals for those interested in pursuing either of these very earth-friendly and efficient building types. While the writing style of each book is a bit different with The Concrete House taking on a questions and answers style that definitely lends readability and provides answers to all sorts of questions.
This "conversational" style works very effectively for VanderWerf who does a great job of selling "Insulating Concrete Forms" which are highly insulating foam bricks designed to have concrete pored into them, thus creating a highly energy efficient home which can be finished in almost any architectural style. These homes are highly resistant to weather related disasters highly energy efficient. The only drawback seems to be that it is somewhat more expensive than conventional building at this time (though this may change if the construction method becomes more commonly used). A useful and important book for anyone contemplating a new home building project. Recommended.
Where VanderWeef argues strongly for hiring an architect and general contractor team, David Easton’s focus in The Rammed Earth House is very much do-it-yourself oriented. A real primer on all types of earth and how specifically to create mud bricks and build with them. Easton strongly advises starting with a shed or other small outbuilding to practice and learn earth construction methods. Where the VanderWeef book featured mostly text and a few drawings, Easton’s volume is well illustrated with color photographs and drawings to take you through every step of the mud building process. If you were the sort of kid who just Loved to play in the dirt this one is Highly Recommended.
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August 27th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Great post! We are building an ICF home to maximize the energy benefits.