Table of Contents

Part 1 Introduction: how this handbook might help you; terminology. Part 2 General considerations: what earth is; strength and weakness; climatic performance and comfort; earthquake resistance; choosing whether and how to build with earth. Part 3 Choosing a suitable soil: soil composition; particle characteristics; laterites; expansive soils; soil analysis; initial sensory observations; field tests; field laboratory tests. Part 4 How to determine and improve quality: standards; visual assessment; compressive strength; bending strength or 'modulus of rupture'; resistance to water erosion; moisture absorption; soil improvement. Part 5 Wall construction: combination walls; load-bearing walls. Part 6 Roofs: self-supporting earth vaults built on shuttering; vaults and domes without formwork; flat and pitched roofs; short span earth components between supporting beams; reinforced earth roofs. Part 7 Foundations and floors. Part 8 Protection: preliminary considerations renders; caring for your building. Part 9 Openings, joinery, finishes and furniture, electricity and plumbing.

About the Author

Informed by over a quarter of a century of experience of working the field with the Development Workshop, John Norton's clear statements of intention, step-by-step descrip­tions of practice, and lucid explanations of tech­nical data make this an invaluable, readable handbook of manageable length and dimen­sions which provides a reliable basis for new housing with the most accessible of means.