PASSIVE SOLAR in TASMANIA - The Owner Builder

169WIN!A two nights ruralstraw bale stay. See p.68FEBRUARY – MARCH 2012 $6.95PASSIVE SOLARin TASMANIATermite freetimber extension Straw bale flood repairsSelf-sufficient earthbag homeWet areas THE OWNER BUILDER special ♦ 169 February feature– March 2012 1

Inside...ISSUE Nº 169February – March 20126 COUNTRY HAVEN BUILT TO LASTA seamless, termite-less addition to a ‘60s weatherboard cottage.14 A TEENAGE TAKE ON OWNER BUILDINGA hilarious look at the process through the eyes of a 14-year old.16 THE BIRTH OF AN EARTHBAG HOMEA first time builder in the USA designs and builds her own home for $US 6000.22 STONE SETTLER’S COTTAGEThe dream of building a stone cottage is still alive and well, and progressing.625 EXPOS AND EVENTSA wrap-up of some events over the past two months.26 RURAL LAND SHARING CO-OPERATIVESHave you considered this as an alternative to freehold land and a mortgage?28 GREEN RENOVATIONPart 6: All dressed up. Decks and fencing.1632 OWNER BUILDER INERTIAThe path from ‘armchair builder’ to ‘down and dirty’ can be taken in small steps.35 EARTH BUILDING UPDATEEarth Building Association of New Zealand (EBANZ) Conference, October 2011.38 PASSIVELY AND PATIENTLY SOLARConcrete block and Ecoply cladding combine with large glass windows for solar access.3848 SPECIAL FEATURE: WET AREASBathrooms, toilets, laundries and mud rooms – as you have never seen them before!60 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEAfter the flood – straw bale wall repair in Emerald, Qld.70 BUILDING DIARY…Roofing, rocking and body wrecking – a lesson in moderation.REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Bits & bobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .55Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Prize giveaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69From the back porch . . . . . .7448COVER PHOTOGRAPHWith two other building projectsunder their belts, these ownerbuilders were glad to complete theirown home. Story starts page 38.Photo: Lynda Wilson.The Owner Builder© Copyright 2012 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 170 Apr/May 2012Editorial – 7 FebruaryAdvertising – 14 FebruaryNº 171 Jun/Jul 2012Editorial – 3 AprilAdvertising – 10 April© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 169 February – March 2012 3

170Free!Choose a free buildingbook. See page 67APRIL – MAY 2012 $6.95SUSTAINABLE DESIGNPRINCIPLES INACTION Eco town housesStraw bale working beeExtensions to a mud brick homeFood storage solutions

Inside...ISSUE Nº 170April – May 20126 ENDURANCEThe story of two women and two (more) buildings.16 UPDATING A MUDDYA small 1980s mud brick house is given a spacious Hebel extension.23 ECO TOWN HOUSES IN THE CBDA small sustainable development close to the Perth CBD, being undertaken bytwo couples.629 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEStraw bale walls and bushfires.32 MUD HOUSE RESTORATIONA mud brick vault and dome, built in 1982, is given a little TLC.38 TASMANIA – SEA TO SKYBuilding a sustainable home that is also healthy was important to this couple.1649 CREATING A NEW WAY OF BEINGCERES is recognised as an international leader in community andenvironmental practice.55 MOUNTAIN RIVER STRAW BALE WORKING BEEA lot can be learned by working directly on a real building project.58 SPECIAL FEATURE: FOOD STORAGEFrom keeping vermin out to ensuring contents stay in, here are a few handysolutions to your storage problems.3268 TINY HOMES: SIMPLE SHELTER‘Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it.’– Leonardo da Vinci.74 FUTURE HOMES 2012A new round of design challenges for students in Hunter and Central CoastSchools is about to start.REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .48Directory of services . . . . . .52Expos & events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5438Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74A variety of alternative buildingstructures, including earthbag,mud brick and straw bale, can beseen at CERES in Melbourne, Vic.Story starts page 49.Photo: Lynda WilsonThe Owner Builder© Copyright 2012 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 171 Jun/Jul 2012Editorial – 3 AprilAdvertising – 10 AprilNº 172 Aug/Sep 2012Editorial – 5 JuneAdvertising – 12 June© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 170 April – May 2012 3

JUNE – JULY 2012 $6.95171HILLSIDE BOARD& BATTEN DIY bamboo flooringHemp building workshopFirepits, barbeques and ovens‘Cool’ building THE OWNER BUILDER in ♦ the 171 June – tropicsJuly 2012 1

Inside...ISSUE Nº 171June – July 20126 LOCALLY MILLED, LOCALLY MADEHillside board and batten ‘tree house’ on a steep slope.15 HEMP BUILDING WORKSHOPParticipants get their hands dirty learning about hempcrete.18 COB STUDIO AT TUMBLEDOWNAn experiment resulted in a useful little building made of mud.622 BUILDING WITH RE-USED MATERIALSHow can you get help with the hands-on work required for your project?24 NIFTY RENDERING TOOLA handheld machine speeds up the tedious job of rendering straw bale walls.26 IT’S COOL IN THE TROPICSDesigning and building for the tropical climate of Magnetic Island.1833 DIY BAMBOO FLOORINGLaying your own strand woven bamboo floor is easily achievable.38 SPECIAL FEATURE: FIREPITS, BARBEQUES AND OVENSIndoors or outdoors, there is nothing like fire to draw a crowd.50 COB RESTORATION IN CANTERBURY, NEW ZEALANDAn original cob cookhouse is painstakingly restored, with the help of volunteers.3857 A STRAW BALE HOUSE IN SUNRAYSIA – Part 2The obstacles of owner building are finally overcome to complete a dream home.70 BUILDING DIARY PART 5: BACK ON THE JOBWork continues as John recovers from a badly injured back.57REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Expos & events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .48Directory of services . . . . . .53Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66Book extract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74Building on a slope is always achallenge, but the views overdistant green paddocks and bushclad hills made it worthwhile.Story starts page 6.Photo: Sharyn Munro.The Owner Builder© Copyright 2012 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 172 Aug/Sep 2012Editorial – 5 JuneAdvertising – 12 JuneNº 173 Oct/Nov 2012Editorial – 7 AugustAdvertising – 14 August© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 171 June – July 2012 3

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2012 $6.95173www.theownerbuilder.com.auPoured earth boomerangMud brick community complexMilling your own timber Painting and finishing a straw bale homeAnalysing power requirementsLifting roof trussesBuilding your own swimming poolTHE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 173 October – November 2012 1

Inside...ISSUE Nº 173October – November 20126 BALED UP & RENDERED: LOOKING BACKIn part two, the sisters get on with painting and fitting out their straw bale house.15 JIM DA SILVA FARMA 10–bed mud brick complex, built with volunteer labour.18 STRAW BALE WORKING BEEA prospective owner builder’s workshop and working bee experiences.1522 HOW MUCH POWER DO WE NEED?Analysing how much energy electrical devices use and if they are really needed.26 SPECIAL FEATURE: FENCESWalls of straw bale, recycled timber and metal, plus a whimsical stone creation.32 MILLING QUALITY WOOD FROM YOUR FARM GROWN TREESArticle first published in Town & Country Farmer June/July 2011.1835 BEAR’S CASTLEA folly or a fairytale house, made of cob in the 19th century still survives.38 GRECO-GIPPSLAND POURED EARTHA boomerang shaped post and beam solar home in Victoria.48 LIFTING ROOF TRUSSESA home made lifting device is used to place roof trusses on a shed.50 A DREAM IN THE MAKING: OUR HALF BUILT SHED-HOUSEThe house design that evolved on the deck of a sailing boat becomes reality.2660 BUILD YOUR OWN SWIMMING POOLFinished with the house, Miles Harris decided to add an owner built swimming pool.70 BUILDING DIARY PART 7: BEE IS FOR BALESThe wall raising working bee proves to be both useful and productive.REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Directory of services . . . . . .45Expos & events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .58We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7460FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHThis double-winged boomerang shapedhouse turns its back to wet and wildweather, keeping its occupants snug.Story starts page 38.Photo: Sharyn MunroThe Owner Builder© Copyright 2012 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 174 Dec 2012/Jan 2013Editorial – 2 OctoberAdvertising – 9 OctoberNº 175 Feb/Mar 2013Editorial – 27 November 2012Advertising – 4 December 2012© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 173 October – November 2012 3

DECEMBER 2012 – JANUARY 2013 $6.95174www.theownerbuilder.com.auCurved insulatedpanel kit home Building a stone houseStraw bale on a low budgetSacred geometry in house designHeavy timber frame raisingKeeping it compact and simpleTHE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 174 December 2012 – January 2013 1Special feature: STAIRS

Inside...ISSUE Nº 174Dec 2012 – Jan 20136 BUILDING A STONE HOUSEA unique family home of stone and steel on Magnetic Island.14 STRAW BALE IN MANSFIELD VICTORIAA house built with little money but lots of determination.18 LIGHT WEIGHT CONSTRUCTION OPTIONSWise choices in design, materials and suppliers can get you to lock-up stage quicker.23 EARTH BUILDING UPDATEThe 2012 EBAA AGM and Conference was held at a creative and rustic bush haven.625 COMPACT AND SIMPLE BUILDMinimising maintenance and allowing for simple bushfire protection.28 SACRED GEOMETRY IN HOUSE DESIGNA design incorporating harmony, balance and symmetry.32 REPORTS, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONSThe building blocks for the success of your construction project.1434 SPECIAL FEATURE: STAIRSWhile they need to be practical, there is no need for stairs to be purely utilitarian.39 LIVING IN A RAL HOUSEModules of insulated panels are bolted to form a structural arch.46 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEThe 2012 International Straw Builders’ Conference was a great place to share ideas.2848 AS SHE LIKES ITAn owner builder prepares to do it all over again – in Hebel.58 A WINTER’S TALEHeavy timber frame raising on a winter’s day.70 EARTH, WARMTH, COOLTHFrugal innovation and ancient ideas have a modern application.REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Expos & events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Directory of services . . . . . .43Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .55Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7434FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHA curved profile is the simplest and mostefficient form to both enclose spaceand maximise openness to a changinglandscape. Story starts page 39.Photo: Peter PickeringThe Owner Builder© Copyright 2012 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 175 Feb/Mar 2013Editorial – 27 November 2012Advertising – 4 December 2012Nº 176 Apr/May 2013Editorial – 5 February 2013Advertising – 12 February 2013© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 174 December 2012 – January 2013 3

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 $6.95175www.theownerbuilder.com.auOctagonal timber gemLiving in an owner built stone houseOwner builder financeSuperadobe fire circle and domeStone settler’s cottageStraw bale building diary updateSpecial feature: OUTDOORSTHE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 174 December 2012 – January 2013 1

Inside...ISSUE Nº 175February – March 20136 LIVING IN STONEBuying a unique owner built stone home helped one couple realise their dream.12 BUILDING IN STONEAn owner builder interview with Bruce Davidson, a reprint from TOB 12 Jul–Oct 1984.16 SMALL HOUSESA review and extract from ‘Small Houses,’ published by The Taunton Press.624 OWNER BUILDER FINANCEOne of the keys to a successful project is to plan ahead and get it right.26 SPECIAL FEATURE: OUTDOORSFerry shelters, cubby houses, benches and arbours, and a delightful Shepherd’s Hut.32 PROFESSIONAL PROFILEPeter Pedals of Rainbow Power Company shares some personal insights with us.2638 OCTAGONAL HOME FOR OLD TREESWith fabulous views all round, an octagonal house seemed the logical choice.50 EARTH BUILDING UPDATEUsing only sandbags, barbed wire and earth, it is possible to create a shelter.60 STONE SETTLER’S COTTAGEAnother update on the stone cottage Reg Wilson is building himself in Qld.3868 THE ACCESSIBLE HOMEA review and extract from ‘The Accessible Home,’ published by The Taunton Press.70 BUILDING DIARY PART 8Winter is waning and spring has sprung; time to get back to serious building.50REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 68Expos & events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34We want your... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Directory of services . . . . . .46Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54TOB merchandise . . . . . . . . . .55Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Bits & bobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHAdapting an octagonal plan toincorporate passive solar designprinciples and maximise on the viewsresulted in a light filled home.Story starts page 38. Photo: Sharyn MunroThe Owner Builder© Copyright 2013 • ISSN 0728-7275Phone: 0402 428 123(10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Email: info@theownerbuilder.com.auWeb: www.theownerbuilder.com.auwww.facebook.com/TheOwnerBuilderPostal address:PO Box 9000, Paterson NSW 2421AUSTRALIAEditor: Lynda WilsonPublishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited(A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)Printer: Graphic ImpressionsDistributed to newsagentsby: Gordon & Gotch LtdDEADLINES:Nº 176 Apr/May 2013Editorial – 5 February 2013Advertising – 12 February 2013Nº 177 Jun/Jul 2013Editorial – 2 April 2013Advertising – 9 April 2013© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 0402 428 123THE OWNER BUILDER ♦ 175 February – March 2013 3