Earth Building: Methods and Materials, Repair and Conservation

by Laurence Keefe

Overview

Buildings with load-bearing earth walls were once widespread throughout Britain and many thousands still survive, including some dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

Earth is the ultimate form of ‘green’ building construction, creating no environmental pollutions and consuming virtually no energy. Subsoil can be dug from or near the site to construct buildings that will meet modern needs and conform to the latest building regulations.

This book describes all aspects of earth building, explaining how earth performs as a building material and providing guidance on how best to repair and conserve existing earth buildings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415323222
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/04/2005
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Laurence Keefe, Dip. Arch. Cons., M.Phil.

Table of Contents

Part One: Earth Construction: Methods and Materials 1. Earth Building in Britain - International 2. The Raw Material: Soils for Use in Building 3. Earth Construction 1: Preparation and Mixing 4. Earth Construction 2: The Building Process 5. Standards and Regulations Part Two. The Conservation, Repair and Maintenance of Earth Buildings 6. The Principal Causes of Failure in Earth Walls and How to Recognise Them 7. The Diagnostic Survey and Repair of Earth Buildings. Organisations. References and Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

'This book is highly recommended to practitioners, academics and enthusiasts of earth building techniques in general ... This book will certainly be of great interest to conservationists working in the field and to home owners.' - Building Engineer

'This book has been eagerly awaited, and is not a disappointment ... [it] provides a well argued and sound base for action.' - Cornerstone

'This is a clearly written book ... and it should suffice for people who themselves wish to engage in the construction of earth houses.' - Architectural Science Review

'This book is highly recommended to practitioners, academics and enthusiasts of earth building techniques in general ... This book will certainly be of great interest to conservationists working in the field and to home owners.' - Building Engineer

'This book has been eagerly awaited, and is not a disappointment ... [it] provides a well argued and sound base for action.' - Cornerstone

'this is a clearly written book ... and it should suffice for people who themselves wish to engage in the construction of earth houses.' - Architectural Science Review

From the Publisher