we often 'oooh' and 'aaah' over the most elaborate structures which were designed by the most famous
of architects and were expensive to build, but sometimes the simplest pieces of architecture have the
most long lasting impression.

founded in 1994, the red feather development group is a volunteer-based organization that has been
working to help plague the housing problems that the american indians have been facing.
with the help of a strong community of members, the group has been able to provide the community
with a house solution through the construction of straw bale homes. the choice of the straw bales
may seem simple, but this inexpensive material provides good insulation, is incredibly lightweight
and easy to handle, requires minimum tools for building and above all, is ecologically sustainable.
since the first houses were erected, the popularity of straw bale architecture has increased,
with the red feather development group's methodology and construction techniques resulting in
an architectural phenomenon.



'building a straw bale house' is truly a handbook, providing the reader with detailed step-by-step
instructions, material and tool lists, and everything else you need to know to get started.
it opens with the site work and foundations of building a straw bale structure and follows through
to the finishing touches, like interior wall texture and color choices. but, beyond all of the 'how to'
technical work and safety guides that are outlined, the book itself is an inspirational story which
has had a huge impact ecologically, socially and culturally, empowering the reservation communities.

the images of prototypes, accompanied by over 35 case studies covering a range of red feather
development group projects could very well change the way you see the future of architecture.



is it for me?
sure, this handbook may sound technical, but with the easy to follow instructions, along with
images to help guide you, by the end, you too will have the knowledge on how to build your
very own straw bale house.



red feather development group: http://www.redfeather.org
princeton architectural press: http://www.papress.com


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designboom ratings:

......................... interesting
................... good read, worth a look
............. very good
....... excellent, recommended
. must have
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