Earthen Floors
A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice
by Sukita Reay Crimmel , James Thomson
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Pub Date Apr 15 2014 | Archive Date Apr 30 2014
Description
For most of human history, people have lived in durable, comfortable buildings made from natural materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and fiber. All over the globe, these ancient traditions persist; a quarter to a third of the world's population today lives in houses built partially or entirely of earth. Conventional Western building techniques using industrial materials may save time and create efficiencies, but these perceived savings come at considerable financial and environmental cost.
As well as boasting a unique and beautiful aesthetic, natural building techniques are accessible, affordable, and non-toxic. Earthen Floors: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated manual covering the history, use, and maintenance of this attractive, practical flooring option. This detailed, fully illustrated guide explains every part of the process, including:
Sourcing and harvesting materials Preparing the subfloor Pouring, finishing, and sealing the floor Living with and maintaining your earthen floorBecause information on creating quality earthen floors was not previously widely available, there have been some negative experiences. Drawing on the combined knowledge of the most qualified earthen floor practitioners, as well their own substantial experience, the authors deliver the definitive resource for this exciting technique, perfect for everyone from the novice to veteran builder.
Sukita Reay Crimmel has installed over twenty thousand square feet of earthen flooring, and is one of the preeminent experts in the emerging field of earthen floors.
James Thomson is part of House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country.
A Note From the Publisher
James Thomson is a workshop facilitator with House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country. His early experiences with alternative, mainly owner-built natural building projects grew into his current interest in integrating these practices into more conventional, urban homes. Since beginning to include earthen features, including floors, in sustainable renovations, James has become passionate about this satisfying, practical technique. He has lived on (or near) earthen floors for most of the past 10 years.
Advance Praise
At last! The mystery is removed from most wonderful floors in the world. First thing you do: go find an earthen floor, pull off your shoes and socks, have a little walkabout, and discover great surprise and tactile delight. Next thing you do: buy this book, learn everything you need, and go make one yourself. Thank you Sukita and James for making this ancient treasure accessible to all.
---Bruce King, PE, Director, Ecological Building Network
Earthen
floors have long been shrouded in mystery... Natural building enthusiasts have
known about them and lusted after them, but despite the vast amount of natural
building information produced in the past two decades, a tested and true
treatise on earthen floors has been missing. No longer! This book is full of
information, hard-won lessons learned and the real heart and spirit of natural
building. The authors successfully de-mystify the process of mixing,
installing, finishing and maintaining an earthen floor in a way that will help
novices and seasoned builders alike to produce floors that are the most
beautiful, sensual and eco-friendly option available. Thanks Sukita and James!
---Chris Magwood, author of Making Better Buildings
With Earthen Floors: A
Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice, Sukita and James have come up with
the ideal mix of inspiration, experience, technique, and instruction. This book
will be of use and benefit to both experienced practitioners and those just
dipping their toes into the subject of earthen floors for the first time. It is
always a delight to find a well-written, clear and practical guide to natural
building practice, and a special treat when fun and informative personal
stories are interwoven with good graphics to bring the whole process to life.
This book makes a great contribution to the field on every level.
---David Eisenberg, Director, Development Center for Appropriate Technology
Marketing Plan
This is an comprehensive guide to the history, use, installation and maintenance of earthen floors for modern homes
There are currently no books on the market that focus on earthen floors.
These sealed floors can be installed in just about any home, and are a perfect project for the sustainability-minded “DIY” homeowner
Earthen Floors is also an inspirational book, with beautiful pictures of finished floors intended to inspire those who are unfamiliar with the concept.
It is accessible to the novice, but detailed enough for the professional.
Not only are earthen floors beautiful and durable, they can be made from local, minimally processed ingredients that are non-toxic, have low embodied energy, and are easily recyclable.
Their relative simplicity to make and install allows homeowners with more time than money the opportunity to put "sweat equity" into their homes.
Sukita has installed over 20,000 sq ft of earthen floor and founded the company , From These Hands, LLC in 2002. She has developed a reputation as one of the preeminent experts in the field.
James is the co-owner of House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the US, and has worked extensively with Sukita’s company, From These Hands.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780865717633 |
| PRICE | $29.95 (USD) |
