Here are a few facts gleaned from Low Cost Pole Building Construction, by Ralph Wolfe and Practical Pole Building Construction, by Leigh Seddon. – Adaptable to steep terrain, rocky soils, marshes, beaches, earthquake and hurricane zones. For instance, you can save a lot of money by building on low cost hillsides. – Meets building codes … Read more
Numerous readers have requested advice on the quickest, easiest way to build post and beam frames. I suggest using standard galvanized metal wood connectors by companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie. (I’m referencing Simpson anchors because they’re widely available. Shop and compare. All brands meet code.) Deciding which connectors to use can be a bit confusing … Read more
Guest article by Cliff, who’s planning his sustainable home in a rural area. “Am pondering using a 10ft container as a systems room located at the back of the vault. It will keep the inside of the house clean without need for additional space or clutter. I can put the coal boiler, hot water cylinder, … Read more
“Earth sheltering is the architectural practice of using earth against building walls for external thermal mass, to reduce heat loss, and to easily maintain a steady indoor air temperature. Earth sheltering is popular in modern times among advocates of passive solar and sustainable architecture, but has been around for nearly as long as humans have … Read more
“More than a third of the average American’s after-tax income is devoted to shelter, usually rent or mortgage payments. If a person works from age 20 to age 65, it can be fairly argued that he or she has put in 15 years (20 in California) just to keep a roof over their head. With … Read more
More work by Ben Law. His ideas are spreading throughout the region. The video below shows his finished home before he built the addition. “Beautiful, sustainable, luxury holiday accommodation. Located on a working dairy farm on the edge of the South Downs National Park, this unique roundwood timber, straw bale and cedar shingle holiday cottage … Read more