Essential Prefab Straw Bale Construction ─ The Complete Step-by-step Guide

Prefabricated straw bale wall panels combine the performance and low environmental impact of traditional straw bale with reduced labor and more consistent results. These structural insulated panels (SIPs) are built offsite and transported to the job site, or built onsite and "tipped up" into position. Essential Prefabricated Straw Bale Constructionis a fully-illustrated practical guide to this affordable, scalable method.

Going well beyond the scope of many natural building books, this indispensable manual includes a complete introduction to the use of prefabricated bale walls, packed with all the information you need to determine whether they are the right choice for your project. It covers:

Specifications, engineering details and building code referencesComprehensive step-by-step instructions and detail drawingsFinishing and maintenance techniques Budgeting and labor estimates Additional resources.

Essential Prefabricated Straw Bale Construction is part of New Society's Sustainable Building Series. Series editors Chris Magwood and Jen Feigin have scoured the world of sustainable building to bring you the techniques and systems that deliver measureable benefits in terms of greater energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Written by the world's leading sustainable builders, designers and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information are key to success. Get the Essentials!

Chris Magwood is a sustainable builder and designer specializing in green and natural building techniques, the co-founder and co-director of the Endeavour Centre, and the author of several books on sustainable building includingMaking Better Buildings, More Straw Bale Building and Straw Bale Details.