Building
with Vision — Overview
Combining environmental philosophy, practical information
and dynamic visuals, Building with Vision makes accessible
many solutions to wasteful tree-dependent construction and
design. In addition to identifying the benefits, challenges,
and applications of the recommended alternatives to contemporary
American construction, this book details building methods
to minimize wood waste, maximize efficiency, and emphasize
the unique aesthetic properties of non-wood materials.
Part resource guide, part photo essay, this 136-page gem
is packed full of beautifully composed, nearly tactile photographs
that bring to life an array of alternative materials. Case
studies highlight successful building projects that utilize
innovative and effective framing, siding, insulation, roofing,
and finishing materials and techniques.
Building systems featured include Rastra, a new kind of interlocking
block made of recovered Styrofoam packaging; Structural Insulated
Pales (SIPs) made of plywood; OSB or strawboard with a thick
foam core; and a variety of "eco-Crete," super-insulating
concrete systems. A wide range of finish materials are discussed
as well; panel board made from agricultural crop waste, flooring
derived from used tires, natural linoleum and certified woods,
and cement countertops embedded with finds from the urban
waste stream. |