This volume compiles floor plans and images from 40 cutting-edge homes across North America, showcasing a spectrum of regional styles and personal aesthetic choices. 150 color photos.

A house made out of straw? Yes! Whether you build an entire house or something more modest--a home office or studio, a retreat cabin or guest cottage--plastered straw bale construction is an exceptionally durable and inexpensive option. What's more, it's fun, because the technique is easy to learn and easy to do yourself. And the resulting living spaces are unusually quiet and comfortable.

"The first architects, builders, and homeowners to embrace the straw bale renaissance were excited by the energy conservation, resource recycling, and affordability of this rediscovered building material. As their movement evolved, however, it became apparent that the elegant simplicity of straw had also enabled its practitioners to tap into an undiscovered creative aquifer." "Athena and Bill Steen, co-authors of The Straw Bale House (Chelsea Green,...

This comprehensive guide will help designers, contractors, and owner/builders everywhere decide if straw bale is a viable building option for their situation.

"Filled with comprehensive case studies selected from over thirty-five of Red Feather's successfully completed housing and community-based building projects, Building a Straw Bale House documents the organization's collaboration with reservation communities and provides a step-by-step, bale-by-bale construction handbook - from initial site selection to finished product. Complete with information on safety, design, tools, and materials, it is an inspiring...