Resources

Earthen Construction Books and Magazines

The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage

Worth every penny, this book is brimming with information about everything from the history of building with cob, to site selection, to dealing with local building codes. The Hand-Sculpted House is written in very accessible language, and is full of illustrations and true-life stories. Although no one book will ever be all you need, the Hand-Sculpted House is a real treasure for both the beginner and the experienced builder alike.

The Natural Plaster Book: Earth, Lime, and Gypsum Plasters for Natural Homes

The Natural Plaster Book outlines the entire process of plastering with earth, lime, and gypsum for a long-lasting and durable finish. Starting with an overview and history of the natural building movement, the book handles a wide variety of topics including earthen plaster versus cement stucco, tools and techniques of the trade, plaster recipes, and pigmentation of the plaster or painting walls with natural paints. Special focus is paid to the importance of planning and designing for earthen plasters—before building begins.