The EcoNest Home

Table of ContentsWhy build a natural home ?* The authentic food/authentic home analogy* our impacts and responsibilities* appropriate response and design* alternative building methods and materials* conventional vs. regenerative living* myths and realities* history of light clay constructionSite Selection* cultural history of site selection* modern day health concerns* ecological site designs* natural climate control* regenerating the landscape* food and shelterEcoNest: a Family of Design and Building Strategies Applying the Principles of Building Biology in the design, construction and occupation of a home:a. Recognizing nature as the gold standard for a healthy indoor environment.b. Design for Health and Ecology; * History of use * non-toxic choices* natural materials* maintaining hygroscopicity* natural lighting* proportion* size* beauty* sacred space* relationship to nature* adaptability* flexible space* color in accordance with nature* maintaining a healthy balance of humidity* a healthy electro-climate c. Recognizing the role of the craftsman in enriching the lives of all who dwell within.* Modern day precedents for building craft revival* Why we teach others, * Building the Builder, Craftsmanship Leadership and teamwork* Design for the temperate climate zonesHome Owners Guide to the design process* Initiating a legacy* Working with a design professional* Phases of design* Making a thousand choices and staying sane!* Putting it all in perspective Foundation Systems " a good pair of boots"* The role of the foundation in the health and longevity of the building* drainage issues* height of foundation* reduction of concrete* rubble trench construction* wood insulated concrete formsThe Timberframe* About the sustainable use of wood* ecology and re-useabiltiy of timber framing* framing terms and concepts* European vs. Japanese Frame Construction Styles* plan* layout* encoding* cutting* assembly* raising the frameThe EcoNest Clay Straw Wall System* Wall terms and concepts* Site analysis and staging for efficient production* Scaffolding, circulation, site safetyFramework* Load-bearing and non-load-bearing Larsen trusses* Larsen truss layout* Planning for future interior attachments* Incorporating mechanical and electrical systems Formwork* Interior face and exterior face forming* Building a leap form* Door + window framing and insulationProduction * . Testing soil for clay content* Choosing the straw* Mixing* Variation of densities in accordance with wall orientationDelivery* Making hoppers* Materials handling and deliveryFilling* Placing and tamping clay straw* Horizontal reinforcing* Topping off the wall* Removing and re-using the formworkDrying and Prepping for Finish* * Accelerated drying techniques* Chinking and creating an air tight envelope* Other delivery techniques (sidebar about crane delivery)The Roof System* the "good hat" concept* roofing terms and concepts* form* calculations* truss roof process* roof details* roof ventilation* insulating the roof* alternative insulation materialsExterior Finishes* exterior skin comparisons* exterior earth plaster* exterior lime plaster* Keim treatments* wood siding* vented rain screensCrafting the Interiors* plaster ceilings* ceiling finishes* the mandala ceiling construction* wood ceilings* plaster wall finishes* partition walls* mass interior walls* framed walls* shoji screens and pockets for shoji screens* cabinetry construction and selection* attaching cabinetry to the walls* nichos* doors* floor systems, alternatives to concrete* earthen floors* wood floors Natural and Mechanical Systems for energy efficient, year round comfort* passive heating and cooling strategies for a temperate climate* decreasing or eliminating dependence mechanical systems* power + electrical considerations* day lighting and artificial lighting* water collection, storage, purification and drinking* plumbing considerations* heating with fuel* masonry heaters* cooling and the 4 strategiesPortfolioSeveral new EcoNest Case studiesAppendicesa. general construction guidelinesb. New Mexico construction guidelinesc. State of Oregon Reach Codec. Sources of information: books + websitesd. Architects and builders guidee. Material suppliers