Articles

Earth walls - Load Bearing or non load bearing The arguments for and against Load bearing or Non load bearing walls has been going on for as long as earth wall construction. Load bearing means that the weight of the roof or upper floors is supported directly on the walls. This generally requires the walls to be constructed before the roof or upper floors are built. Non-load bearing implies that the roof or upper floor loads are supported on a structure that carries the load independent of the earth walls. This allows the earth walls to be built after the roof is on.

Site Selection

Water, Fire, Access, Power, Slope, Excavation, Vegetation, Sun, Wind, Views, Aspect. These are probably the main considerations when thinking about siting your house. Mind you there are plenty of others like privacy, noise from the motorbike next door, road dust, and stroppy neighbors although one usually doesn't find them out till after one has stepped on their toes.

Using Second Hand Materials.

Recycling is the modus operandi of all environmentally conscious people, not least the intrepid self builder. Recycling, particularly building materials, is a major industry throughout the world. Unfortunately environmental awareness is not always the driving force behind recycling. In places where building materials are scarce, even the most rusted sheet of roofing or bent piece of timber is not wasted. Asbestos is reused until it crumbles to an indigestible toxic dust.

Water heat your house.

Foundations and Footings.

Foundations are the material that a house rests on.
Footings are the base structure of the building that supports the house above the foundation material. If the foundations are not prepared appropriately, movement may occur which could be detrimental to the top structure.