Timber Frame Construction: All About Post and Beam Building

Timber Frame Construction: All About Post-And-Beam Building

Timber Frame Construction: All About Post and Beam BuildingAuthor(s): Jack Sobon, Roger Schroeder

Publisher: Storey Books

Paperback: 208 pages

ISBN: 0882663658

ISBN-13: 978-0882663654

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“If you’ve ever dreamed about building with timbers, this book will convince you that this method is not only beautiful and practical, but often less expensive than “stick building.” Includes dozens of illustrations and photos.” – Countryside & Small Stock Journal

If you have only dreamed about the beauty of building with timbers, this book will open your eyes. It will convince you that this method is not only practical today for homes and other buildings, but often is less expensive than “stick building.”

Timber frame builder Jack Sobon and writer Roger Schroeder offer a book for builders as well as those wishing to have the work done for them. Here is practical how-to for both beginners and experienced carpenters who want to try this method. It offers:

The basics of timber framing.

How to design for strength and beauty.

How to combine modern tools and time-tested methods.

A starter project: How to build a 12 x 16 garden toolshed.

Dozens of illustrations and photos that make it all easy to understand.

Timber-Frame Houses (Fine Homebuilding's Great Houses Series)

Timber-Frame Houses (Fine Homebuilding’s Great Houses Series)

Timber-Frame Houses (Fine Homebuilding's Great Houses Series)Publisher: Taunton Press

Paperback: 160 pages

ISBN: 156158150X

ISBN-13: 978-1561581504

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Timber-Frame Houses (Fine Homebuilding’s Great Houses Series)

Paperback
Publication date: April 1996
Traditional methods and current innovations make timer-frame building more practical than ever. Top teachers and practitioners like Tedd Benson, Jack Sobon and George Nash describe remodels and reconstructions, houses modeled after old-world sytles, and inspiring new designs with open, modern floor plans. 207 color photos.

From Library Journal

A compilation of articles from the last ten years of Fine Homebuilding magazine, this attractive volume reflects the full-scale revival of the timber-framer’s craft as applied to house construction. It features master builders like Tedd Benson, Ed Levin, and George Nash and others who have successfully integrated modern approaches with traditional craft. More than half the 30 or so articles document the design and construction of specific houses, and the remainder survey the latest methods and materials. Included are such topics as milling timbers, cutting and forming various joints, hoisting impossibly heavy frame members, and working with stress-skin building panels and other product innovations. An important addition for any library serving designers, architects, or builders (professional and amateur alike).
– Bill Demo, Tompkins Cortland Community Coll., Dryden, N.Y.
Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods

Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods

Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable MethodsAuthor(s): Jack A. Sobon

Publisher: Storey Books

Paperback: 208 pages

ISBN: 0882668412

ISBN-13: 978-0882668413

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The timber-framed home is attractive, affordable, and easily expanded to meet the needs of a growing family. With the step-by-step instructions in this book you can build your own classic timber-framed house — one that’s enduring, and features a level of craftsmanship rare in modern construction. Following the traditional “hall-and-parlor” home design, architect and builder Jack Sobon carefully and clearly explains finding the ideal building site; creating the master plan; selecting the best tree species; hewing and milling timbers; assembling the frame; installing wall sheathing, windows, and doors; designing and finishing the interior; expanding on the plan.

One of the best-known and most distinctive figures in the timber-framing revival, Jack Sobon knows how to make home building affordable with economical hand tools, by taking control of the processing of building materials, and through using local inexpensive supplies.

The basic house design of this book is easily adapted to meet different needs. Sobon’s practical advice incorporates the latest knowledge on building a healthy house, integrating natural systems, and finding effective home heating solutions.

Booklist:

Sobon outlines a unique craft that is part conventional furniture building, part home construction. In timber frame construction, there’s a minimum of metal fasteners (nails, nuts, bolts, etc.), and wood is joined by many of the basic joints (for example, the mortise and tenon, the dovetail) traditionally used in making furniture. Knowing that one’s home is put together by a variety of pins, slots, and notches may not be reassuring to most, but be assured that timber framing is an old technique that produces very solid structures. It does, however, require quite a lot of timber, since main beams, for instance, can be as much as eight-inches square; the various cuts must be made to rather close tolerances; and the way the timbers are harvested and sawn will have great effect on how they (and the building) respond when exposed to moisture and cold. Although the book’s sample project and copious illustrations do enlighten the initiate, it’s possible to come away feeling that a month-long class on the subject might provide a better education. Still, this is an excellent how-to. Copyright© 1994, American Library Association. All rights reserved –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The publisher, Storey Books , 04/17/98:
Using actual plans, the book shows how to build a classic hall-and-parlor home. Includes photos and line drawings.

Cottage Water Systems: An Out-of-the-City Guide to Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification, and Privies

Cottage Water Systems: An Out-of-the-City Guide to Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification, and Privies

Cottage Water Systems: An Out-of-the-City Guide to Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification, and PriviesAuthor(s): Max Burns

Publisher: Cottage Life Books; Revised edition (January 1, 1999)

Paperback: 152 pages

ISBN: 096969220X

ISBN-13: 978-0969692201

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If you have a pump, a well, a septic system, or an outhouse …

If you winterize your water system or use it year round …
Or if you simply care about the quality of the water your drink,
Cottage Water Systems will save you time, money, and headaches

Cottage Water Systems is written specifically with cottages — and cottage problems — in mind. It explains in a clear, easy-to-understand style how each component of the water system works, with dozens of tips on installation and repair, as well as troubleshooting guides to help you diagnose what’s wrong with your system. Each chapter is accompanied by explanatory diagrams and illustrations.

Cottage Water Systems includes:

  • how to choose the pump that’s right for your property
  • a guide to water quality and types of water purifiers
  • foolproof methods for priming your pump
  • the ins and outs of composting toilets and other alternatives
  • how to extend the life of your septic system
  • step-by-step instructions for closing a seasonal water system in the fall and opening it in the spring
  • how to build a first-class outhouse
  • ways to get water in winter
  • how to keep the cottage’s environmental impact low
  • North American sources for water-system components

About the Author

Max Burns is a regular contributor to Cottage Life magazine, and how won several National Magazine Awards for his work. He specializes in how-to journalism, and the subjects he writes about are as varied as his interests — everything from docks to butter tarts. He is currently building a passive solar home within shouting distance of his cottage in northern-Ontario. Cottage Water Systems is his second book.

Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape

Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape

Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable LandscapeAuthor(s): Craig Campbell and Michael Ogden

Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 22, 1999)

Paperback: 288 pages

ISBN: 0471107204

ISBN-13: 978-0471107200

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Constructed wetlands are gaining worldwide acceptance as effective, low-cost and low-impact alternatives to unsightly, high-impact wastewater treatment facilities. The creative involvement of today’s planners, landscape architects, developers, environmental engineers and public officials is helping to maximize the potential of these wetland habitats — from their aesthetics to their multiple uses as water treatment plants, wildlife refuges and recreational or educational facilities. Yet, to date, the literature has paid no attention to these aspects, focusing instead on the technical side of wetlands construction and function.

Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape is the first book to integrate aesthetic design and planning issues with the technical aspects of wetlands engineering. Renowned landscape architect Craig S. Campbell and engineer Michael H. Ogden clearly demonstrate how the successful development and management of multifunctional, sustainable wetland habitats depend on harnessing the knowledge and working principles of a number of disciplines. Richly illustrated with real-world case studies, the book:

 

  • Covers the concept of sustainable development and the nature of wetland processes.
  • Discusses designs for new and existing municipal and small community wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Offers calculations for designing surface and subsurface flow wetlands.
  • Provides guidance for construction and operation.
  • Contains examples of on-site planning for, and management of, stormwater renovation, single-family residential systems and multiple-use systems.
  • Examines landscape engineering and planning for ponds, urban wildlife, and ecological art.

Clearly written and accessible to nonengineers and nonscientists, Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape is a crucial guide for landscape architects, environmental engineers, planners, developers and government officials.

Review

“This book is a valuable resource to be consulted in the early planning stages of a wetland construction project, particularly where aesthetics and social acceptance are important factors.” (Theodore J. Hogan: Environmental Practice 3(1), March, 2001)”This book addresses a broad audience: water and environmental engineers, planners, landscape architects, developers and public officials responsible for planning and environment protection. Written in a clear way, it is accessible to a wider audience than engineers and scientists, and can be a useful compliment in studying. Indeed, anyone interested in sewage treatment, water protection, landscape planning and ecology may find this book useful. Specialists may benefit from a new, broader perspective on their professional problems.” (Hydrological Sciences Journal, Feb. 2002)

Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performance, Second Edition

Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performance, Second Edition

Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performance, Second EditionAuthor(s): John Carmody, Stephen Selkowitz, Lisa Heschong

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc; 2 edition (October 9, 2000)

Paperback: 224 pages

ISBN: 0393730530

ISBN-13: 978-0393730531

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This guide to style and energy efficiency in windows covers design, technology, placement and other issues. It looks at window selection, considering factors such as glare, ventilation and sound control, as well as procedures for calculating the energy performance of windows.

The publisher, www.wwnorton.com (akatler@wwnorton.com):
Everyone knows that windows give us views, fresh air, and light , and recognizes the important role windoews play in how buildings look What is less obvious is that windows have undergone a remarkable technological transformation over the last fifteen years. Based on the latest research, Residential Windows offers a fascinating look at the state of the art today as well as the windows of the future, and the information necessary to evaluate windows and make intelligent choices. Emphasizing energy performance, residential Windows covers every aspect of window design and technology: the basic mechanisms of heat transfer; new products and rating systems; the effects of the window frame material and installation; and how to make the best decisions when specifying or purchasing windows for a new house or renovation.

Planning for Biodiversity: Issues And Examples

Planning for Biodiversity: Issues and Examples

Planning for Biodiversity: Issues And ExamplesAuthor(s): Sheila Peck

Publisher: Island Press

Paperback: 232 pages

ISBN: 1559634014

ISBN-13: 978-1559634014

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A significant consequence of the development of natural landscapes is habitat loss and fragmentation that results in widespread loss of biological diversity. While scientists have made great strides in determining principles and concepts fundamental to preserving biodiversity, their work will have little impact unless it is understood and implemented by those who are making on-the-ground decisions about land use.”Planning for Biodiversity” provides an accessible introduction to ecological concepts for planning professionals and students. Sheila Peck explains why planners should be concerned with habitat preservation and presents practical approaches to incorporating conservation principles into planning efforts. The book.introduces a clear framework for understanding biodiversity explains concepts related to ecosystem structure and function discusses the effects of size and connectivity on habitat quality and species movement suggests conservation priorities at different scales presents elements of reserve design examines types and sources of information considers the causes of uncertainty in biodiversity planning and the need for monitoring and adaptive management.In each chapter, Peck presents case studies that explore the practical implications of the concepts examined, and provides contact information for each group involved in the case. Case studies include the Beaverhead/Deerlodge National Forest, Montana; Pinhook Swamp Linkage, northeastern Florida; National Gap Analysis Program; CALFED Bay-Delta Program, California; and numerous others. In addition, she includes planning guidelines which summarize the main points of the chapters, and a useful glossary of ecologicalterms.”Planning for Biodiversity” synthesizes and explains important ecological concepts and represents the first guide for planners that clearly details how to incorporate conservation plans into their work. Planners, landscape architects and designers, planning and design students, developers, local officials, and anyone interested in designing and developing more ecologically sound land-use projects will find the book an invaluable resource.
Green Plans: Greenprint for Sustainability (Our Sustainable Future)

Green Plans: Greenprint for Sustainability (Our Sustainable Future)

Green Plans: Greenprint for Sustainability (Our Sustainable Future)Author(s): Huey D. Johnson, David R. Brower

Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (December 28, 1996)

Paperback: 210 pages

ISBN: 080327596X

ISBN-13: 978-0803275966

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Green Plans are the most effective strategies yet developed for moving from industrial environmental deterioration to postindustrial sustainability. Huey D. Johnson provides the first detailed and understandable examination of the theory, implementation, and performance of green plans in the Netherlands, Canada, and New Zealand. Plans being considered in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and the European Community are also discussed. Green plans will serve future generations as models of creative collaboration between government and business.

Review

Green Plans examines strategies utilized in several countries for dealing with sustainable development. ”Green Plans” are comprehensive schemes requiring extensive dedication and a large-scale integrated commitment by government. Johnson maintains that America”s approach to environmental problems has usually involved a narrow focus on individual issues that sometimes comes too late, whereas comprehensive and integrated green plans involve all of society. . . . This is not another ”doom and gloom” depiction of the environment with extensive fingerpointing at industry, but is instead a balanced, well-written argument for a mutually beneficial plan for enabling sustainable development while protecting environmental quality.”—Choice

(Choice )

“In this plainly written manual, Johnson . . . offers green planning (developing comprehensive and integrated plans to protect and sustain the environment) as a practical alternative to the hopelessness and sporadic reaction to single issues with which we face continuing environmental degradation. . . . Johnson argues that green plans work because, unlike laws or regulations that address specific issues, they provide a framework, goals, and priorities for long-term sustainable resource management.”—Library Journal

(Library Journal )

“This book is quite informative. It would be useful for anyone seeking (detailed) knowledge about designing a ”greenprint for sustainability.” The more technical emphasis, in combination with a case-study approach, make it quite suitable for public officials, such as environmental planners/managers, and for beginning students of environmental policy. . . . As one of the first books to deal with the development, implementation, and performance of green plans, this is certainly a welcome addition to the literature relating to the operationalisation and implementation of the concept of sustainability.”—Environmental Politics

(Environmental Politics )

“Green plans can solve environmental problems for the world, the nation, businesses, labor, environmentalists, future generations—for everyone. They show what planning can and should be, and rescue the concept of planning from the scrapheap of history. Green plans are comprehensive, integrated, and large-scale—three traits that are key to solving environmental problems. . . . [This book is] clearly-written and important.”—Future Survey

(Future Survey )

“Green plans are comprehensive, integrated and large-scale national environmental strategies. H. J. Johnson shows us what Green Plans are and what they are not. His examples of pioneering countries, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Canada are very convincing. He shows how those very different countries have developed innovative Green Plans, how they translated the concept of sustainability in practical strategies and action plans. His personal experience, as head of California”s Resources Agency, from 1977 to 1982, in developing a comprehensive resource strategy, called Investing For Prosperity (IFP) gave him a basic understanding of Green Plans. He gives us a very good overall view of Green Plans, their ingredients for success, their principles and techniques and the new relationship needed between government and business. His clear vision for the United States should be read by all politicians and concerned citizens. It is still very actual. Of the many books published in environmental protection and sustainable development, this book should be on all bookshelves. And it is a real pleasure to read.”—Julius de Heer, ECOSCAN sa, Lausanne, Switzerland

(Julius de Heer ECOSCAN )

“As we strive to implement sustainable development, we must share experience of how green plans can work, as Huey D. Johnson has done here. Green Plans is a necessary book that many of us need to read.”—Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway

(Gro Harlem Brundtland )

“Persuasive and urgent.”—RECIEL: Review of European Community and International Environmental Law

(RECIEL ) –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Huey D. Johnson is founder and president of the Resource Renewal Institute in San Francisco. David R. Brower, the first executive director of the Sierra Club and cofounder of Friends of the Earth, is the author of numerous books including For Earth’s Sake.

Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Foreword By David R. Brower
Introduction
1. A Commitment to Change
2. Sustainability from Theory to Practice
3. A Green Plan Predecessor: California’s IFP Program
4. The Netherlands: Each Generation Cleans Up
5. New Zealand Starts from Scratch
6. Canada’s Green Plan: Making Virtue of Necessity
7. On the Green Plan Path
8. Broadening the Scope of Resource Management: Principles and Techniques
9. A New Relationship between Government and Business
10. Building a Political and Social Base for Change
11. A Greenprint for the United States
Afterword
Appendix
Notes
References
Index