Essential Light Straw Clay Construction, livre ebook

Build High-performance, Low-impact Walls with Light Straw Clay
Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Light Straw Clay Construction is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to using light straw clay—a durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly wall material. Learn how to create beautiful, code-compliant walls that combine centuries-old wisdom with modern high-performance building science.

What You'll Learn

• Sustainable, Low-carbon Construction: Uses straw "waste" mixed with clay for a high-insulation, low-impact material that reduces embodied energy.
• Thermally Efficient and Moisture-resistant: Naturally regulates indoor humidity, buffers temperature swings, and improves comfort year-round.
• Durable and Code-compliant: Proven long-lasting in historical and modern buildings, meeting US building codes for safety and performance.
• Step-by-step Guidance: Illustrated instructions for mixing, installation, and variations such as slip-chip, plus detail drawings for stud, timber, pole framing, Larsen trusses, and retrofits.
• Project Planning Made Simple: Material selection, quantity estimation, budgeting, sourcing, and best practices for a successful build.
• Finishing and Maintenance: Learn techniques to ensure long-term durability, aesthetics, and minimal upkeep.

Written by Lydia Doleman, licensed contractor and natural building expert, this guide combines hands-on experience, practical instruction, and building science to give DIYers and professionals the confidence to use light straw clay in a variety of construction and renovation projects.

Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials series for practical, illustrated guidance on natural building techniques, sustainable wall systems, and high-performance construction

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Rationale
Chapter 3: Appropriate Use
Chapter 4: Building Science Notes
Chapter 5 : Material Specifications
Chapter 6: Design Options: Framing Systems and Form Options
Chapter 7: Design Notes, Details, and Budgeting
Chapter 8: Construction Procedures
Chapter 9: Finishes
Chapter 10: Maintenance and Renovation
Chapter 11: Building Codes
Chapter 12: Tools

Appendix 1: APPENDIX R – Light Straw Clay Construction, from 2015 IRC
Index
About the Author