This book replaces Basic Mud Brick. The new version is larger, more comprehensive, and has been especially written for Australian conditions. The author began experimenting with mud brick in 1950 and considers it to be one of the most versatile of building methods. All the techniques described in this book are taken from actual jobs. The aim has been to teach methods which can be used by the whole family so that everyone can help in creating a home from the simple elements around them. .
Written for and tested in Australian conditions.
The Chinese are the world's greatest builders in earth, using it for everything from humble hen houses to the Great Wall. There are an estimated 90 million earth homes in China.
Here are the various methods of earth building and Chinese techniques which will be of great interest to anyone planning on building in earth.
MUD BRICKS can be laid in various ways to create very strong walls. One worker can make 500 bricks in a day using this simple Chinese system.
RAMMED EARTH is favoured for barns and farm buildings. Three forms and their uses are explained.
POLE MOULD WALLS are unknown in the West. A family can build a 12.5m long x 2.6 m high in a day.
RAMMED BRICKS are ideal for areas of low rainfall as they need no water.
CAVE HOMES and PIT DWELLINGS are also discussed, as are methods used to construct house frames and roof coverings.
The traditional bushcrafts keep on coming!
Comprehensive instructions on making a horse collar and a pack saddle and even some leggins for yourself.
Useful tips on gates, bush furniture, and making shearer's moccasins.
Tips and hints sent in from Aussies all over the country, and a section on seafaring.
The oldest, simplest form of earth building but rarely used in the West.
Rammed earth and mud brick have been well tested over the past few years, while cob techniques are known by a few experts.
How to build strong stable earth walls. Possibly faster than mud bricks.
Various methods with full details including how to make use of bush timber.