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Archives: Info Articles
How to spend less
Ways to reduce outgoings (and be healthier and happier). Please send us more ideas.
Building Regs & Environmental Health
This section covers the bodies you need to satisfy in the UK. Sorry, we have no information about circumstances in other countries, but probably the best place to start is your local authority.
Build your own compost toilet
The main benefit of building your own is that you can do it cheaply, especially if you have the materials lying around already.
Off-the-shelf toilets: which model?
Some models, for example Envirolet, Sun-Mar and Biolet, collect all the solid matter and urine together, then attempt to evaporate the liquids, either with a fan or a heating element, and then excess urine is drained off later.
Living with a compost loo: self-built toilets
We want to spread the word about compost toilets, and so they have to be pleasant to use.
Step-by-step guides to growing different herbs
Here’s a guide to growing a range of different herbs. Thanks to John Harrison of Allotment & Gardens.
Buckminster Fuller – inventor of the geodesic dome
Richard Buckminster Fuller, 1895–1983, American architect and engineer, born in Milton, Massachusetts, USA.
History of domes, plus background information
Here’s some background info on domes.
What is building lime?
All types of building lime are made from limestone, which is a sedimentary rock composed of the dead bodies of sea creatures such as shellfish, corals and some planktons.
Different types of lime
Non-hydraulic lime (quicklime), hydrated lime, hydraulic lime and lime sand.
Environmental and health benefits of lime
Environmental and health benefits of lime.
Benefits of lime for buildings
Lime is not much good for tower blocks or supermarkets, as it doesn’t have the strength or speed required; but it’s ideal for the domestic scale,
Modern alternatives to lime
….. and why lime fell out of favour.
The natural house
By natural house we mean one that uses natural materials that don’t damage the environment in their manufacture or use, and that is good for the health of its inhabitants. These qualities typified houses built before the introduction of cement and other impermeable / inflexible building materials. Typical differences between traditional / natural buildings and …
Health & safety
Quicklime is dangerous. It is extremely caustic, and can burn skin especially when wet. Eyes must be protected at all times.
Burning lime
For interest – you’re probably not going to do this, but…
Slaking lime
You may be interested in following the process through from beginning to end – although you may not want to burn your own limestone, you may want to slake quicklime.
Rendering straw-bale buildings
This section contains specific information for straw-bale buildings. It’s best to let the building settle for as long as possible after building, before you render it.
Lime slurry
Lime slurry can be applied to a wall to present a uniform surface to further coats of lime wash.