EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw, and Timber
A bird builds its nest using the materials at hand to create its perfect shelter. It doesn't fly to the next state for twigs or build a bigger home than it needs. Instinctively it creates an environment that is nurturing and nontoxic. Like the bird, humans desire shelter that is cozy and nurturing, that satisfies the soul, mind, and body. This is what you find when you step into an econest. Beginning with a timberframe structure and walls created with a mix of clay and straw, EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw, and Timber describes a unique method of green building that avoids the typical problems involved with conventional building, such as industrial waste, excessive chemical usage, and inefficient synthetic insulation. Design details such as which direction a home is oriented, what kind of lighting illuminates each room, and whether or not there is a step-down entryway are a vital part of creating each econest. Meet the homeowners of ten different econests around the country in regions as diverse as Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, and California who chose to build in appreciation of the harmony and beauty of nature, using nature's resources so as to consume less energy, create less waste, nurture their health, and enrich their senses. EcoNest invites you to experience a healthy and sustainable kind of building, avoid the pitfalls of modern homes and acute chemical sensitivity, and to live simply, in harmony with nature. Paula Baker-Laporte, A.I.A., graduated from the University of Toronto, School of Architecture in 1978. She is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a certified Bau-biologist. Since 1992, Paula has dedicated her practice to the precepts of environmentally sound and health-enhancing architecture. She is the author of Prescriptions for a Healthy House. Robert Laporte is the founder of the Econest Building Company and the Natural House Building Centre. He served on the original board of directors for the Timber Framers Guild from 1985 to 1987 and specializes in earth, straw, and timberframe structures. He has been designing and building natural homes in Canada and the United States and Scandinavia for the past twenty-five years. Robert and Paula's Econest projects have been featured on HGTV and in several magazines, including Natural Home, Fine Homebuilding, Residential Architect, Organic Style Magazine, Yoga Journal, and The Inspired House.