BOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE:
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Embarking upon this project is unlike anything we've done previously. To learn new skills has required many hours spent reading or studying. Below are my favourite books or courses that I would recommend for anybody wishing to learn more about the various techniques that I will be employing throughout this project.
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All I have to do now is employ some of the skills!!
Please note: many of these links are affiliate links, so if you purchase any of these items through links on this page, we will receive a small commission that is used to help support this project.
I will be adding to the list as the project develops.
The links are not sponsored and I will only link to products we personally use and support wholeheartedly. If you purchase items through these links, you have my sincere thanks!
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Gavin
PERMACULTURE GUIDE TO REED BEDS:
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I thought there must be a more sustainable way of dealing with waste rather than connecting to sewers or installing a waste treatment plant, both of which create a carbon footprint in their manufacture, construction, installation, running and upkeep.
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This book pointed me in the right direction, a way of dealing with waste & creating a beneficial output instead of detrimental cost.
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THE HUMANURE HANDBOOK:
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Hand-in-hand with reading the Permaculture Guide to Reed Beds is this insightful little book that deals with treating black waste, not as a waste, but seeing it as a potential resource.
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Although written with a comedic prose, this book raises serious questions, which I had never considered before. For example why do we treat water to purify it - a highly intensive process - only to use 1/3 of it in flushing away faeces, which is then in turn treated through an intensive process. That's not even taking into consideration the infrastructure required to carry the flush water or the pipes and pipe laying required to convey this waste to the treatment site. Definitely recommend reading this book!
BUILDING WITH STRAW BALES:
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Absolutely fascinating book written by the pioneering expert, Barbara Jones.
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I would also recommend the courses run by Straw Works, of which Barbara is a founding member.
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This book comprehensively covers the benefits of building with straw bales, design principles, how to, finishing techniques, planning and building regulations.
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Another book I would strongly recommend!
tHE $50 & UP UNDERGROUND HOUSE BOOK:
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Well worth a read for anybody considering earth-bermed or earth-ship construction.
The book teaches how to build a well ventilated, dry underground home. It covers both hillside and flat land design, and explains how to solve drainage problems.
cordwood building:
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A comprehensive guide to cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact and beautiful building method.
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This book is a fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to cordwood construction by Rob Roy, recognised as a world leading authority on cordwood masonry construction methods and the author of 15 books.
EARTH-SHELTERED HOUSES:
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Another book by Rob Roy, this is a practical guide for those who want to build their own underground home at moderate cost. It describes the benefits of sheltering a home with earth, including the added comfort and energy efficiency from the moderating influence of the earth on the home's temperature - keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Personally, if you were choosing only 1 book, I would choose this book over The $50 & up Underground House Book.
SOLAR ELECTRICITY HANDBOOK:
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This book assumes no previous knowledge of solar (so great for me!). It explains the advantages of solar energy and the drawbacks you need to take into account. As well as explaining the underlying principles, it provides a step-by-step guide to successfully designing and installing a solar energy system from scratch.
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There is also a website accompanying the book, which includes online solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar installation.
EARTHBAG CONSTRUCTION:
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Is a practical guide to building with polypropylene bags, usually filled with natural, earthern materials.
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Packed with information it covers;
Material specification, pros and cons of different fill material, step-by-step guidance for bag filling and installation, design details, foundation concepts, finishing techniques and tools and materials needed.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT:
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A manual for Still-Water Coarse Fisheries is a fantastic book covering all aspects of maintaining a fishery. Carefully compiled by three leading specialists, who each draw on many years' of experience, this book is an essential purchase for all still-water coarse fishery managers.
Although a little pricey, I would definitely recommend this book!
A FISHERY OF YOUR OWN:
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Although not as good as Fisheries Management: A Manual for Still-Water Coarse Fisheries, this is still an informative book with many helpful tips.
AQUAPONICS pLANS & INSTRUCTIONS:
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Media-Bed (Flood-and-drain) Systems.
Includes illustrations & plans for building a DIY system step-by-step.
This valuable resource has everything from beginner basics to showing you how to scale-up as you desire to grow your system.
AQUAPONICS, HOW YO BUILD YOUR OWN AQUAPONIC SYSTEM:
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Provides a good overview of the benefits of this closed-loop, symbiotic system. Make use of nature's own methods, growing your own fish and food simultaneously. Learn about the nitrogen cycle and how plants and fish need certain things to grow.