the owner builder 2000-2009 97-156

TheOwner BuilderThe Australasian home builders magazine FEBRUARY - MARCH 2000 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST) $4.50

Issue Number 97

Print Post Approved by Australia Post. Publication No. 326764/00022.

Self sufficiency on Flinders Island

At home on a hilltop

Home & gallery in a recycled church

Building with lime

Half sized mud bricks

The Owner Builder Magazine 3The Owner Builder Magazine 3The Owner Builder Magazine 3

Fred and Shirley’s place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A house that’s at home on a hill.

Lime and its uses in building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10An ancient tecnology that’s also as modern as Y2K.

Selecting a site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15You’ve made the move to the bush. Now what?

A history of the house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Trevor Howe continues his series on the evolving house.

Green Gates Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Making house and gallery in a recycled church.

Self sufficiency on Flinders Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Building with what man and the tides have discarded.

Going with the flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Square mud bricks in constant curves.

Fixing devices for mud brick walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Making connections that won’t work loose in time.

Of children and houses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42The way we build can effect the way we grow.

The handy half. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46There’s sometimes a place for mud brick veneer.

A few notes on bracing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Don’t let your house distort in the wind.

The Owner Builder Magazine

© Copyright 2000

66 Broadway,Dunolly Vic 3472

Australia

Telephone/Fax(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]

Editors:Valerie & Russell Andrews

Publishers:Russell Andrews

& Assoc. Pty Ltd (A.C.N. 005 711 740).

Art Director:Toni Lumsden

Printers:McPherson’s Printing Group

62 Sutton Road Maryborough, 3465

Print Post Approved Publication No.

326764/00022ISSN 0728-7225

Distributed to newsagents by:

Gordon & Gotch Ltd

DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE:Editorial copy

Display & Directory advertising11 February

Line ads18 February

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In House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Line ads & letters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

COVER PHOTOGRAPHShirley and Fred’s hill top

house. See page 6 for story.

Inside...

TheOwner BuilderThe Australasian home builders magazine APRIL - MAY 2000 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST) $4.50

Issue Number 98


Poured earth shed

History of the house

Solar powered home in Tasmania

Buildingwith lime

Strawbale house at Daylesford

House designtechniques


A solar powered house in the Huon Valley . . . . . . . . . 6Our cover story from beautiful Tasmania.

House design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Organising thoughts, arranging ideas.

Home sweet office building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Turning shire offices into a real home.

A history of the house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21The final part of Trevor Howe’s series of articles.

New shed... Old materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Discarded materials become a very useful workshop.

Strawbale house at Daylesford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30An architect and builder create their own home.

My formwork cob shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Building is always a learning experience.

Lime and its uses in building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41The second in Rob Hadden’s two part series.

A superior chook house. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Ferro cement with style.

Having fun with timber wedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Radially milled timber in the garden.


© Copyright 2000


Australia


[email protected]



& Assoc. Pty Ltd (A.C.N. 005 711 740).





326764/00022ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd


Display & Directory advertising

14 April

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In House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

COVER PHOTOGRAPHHelmut Krebs’ Huon Valley

cottage. Photograph by Jonathon Duddles.

Inside...

TheOwner BuilderThe Australasian home builders magazine JUNE - JULY 2000 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST) $4.50 (excl. GST)

Issue Number 99


Is owner building for you?

Strawbale shed conversion

Solving moisture problems

Off the grid refrigeration

Building with light earth


The Phoenix philosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Where the dumps and developers lose.

Off the grid refrigeration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14A cost comparison of refrigeration systems without mains power.

A straw bale studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Basil Eliades tells of the pitfalls of building with straw.

A sense of space, a sense of place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23How big does your home need to be?

Building with light earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Another use for clay and waste timber.

Visiting old friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Checking out progress on two very special houses.

Solving moisture problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Avoiding the problems of condensation, mould and corrosion.

In praise of hardwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Board and batten: old idea, new style.

Owner build? Self build? Contract build?. . . . . . . . . .45What’s best for you?

Mountford Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50A small scale owner built mud brick winery.


© Copyright 2000


Australia


[email protected]


Publishers:Russell Andrews & Associates Pty Ltd

(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).


Advertising Manager:Andrew MacMillan




326764/00022ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd


Display & Directory advertising

16 June

Line ads23 June

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In House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Coming events/Letters. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

COVER PHOTOGRAPHFront cover: Dhaj Sumner’s

in situ adobe home. (Photo by Graeme North)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder

Print Post Approved by Australia Post. Publication No. 326764/00022

Building just for fun

A strawbale home in WA

Split level passive solar house

Building a set of gates

R rating. What does it mean for earth buildings?

A self sufficient little muddie

What a difference a verandah makes

THE AUSTRAL ASIAN HOME BUILDERS MAGAZINE

Nº 100 – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2000 N.Z. $6.50 – AUSTRALIA $4.95 (both prices incl. GST)

a Nature Loo®

composting toilet

Celebrate our 100th issue!

The Owner Builder Magazine 3The Owner Builder Magazine 3

A family affair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Stabilised mud meets the Big Wet.

Foundations and footings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Understanding the principles of building a solid base for your house.

Getting it all together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A self sufficient little muddie.

Poles apart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Transformed by a verandah.

R-rating of walls... not the full story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Insulation is important, but what about thermal mass too.

Many hands make light work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Building with bales in Tasmania.

Building a set of gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Rob Hadden’s latest heavy timber framing project.

Liz Caffin’s studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Built by the artist herself, it feels just right.

A recipe for thorough owner building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43The main ingredients are hard work and staying power.

Straw bale extensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Bales used to produce a thick-walled cottage feeling.


© Copyright 2000

66 Broadway,Dunolly Vic 3472 Australia

Telephone/Fax (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)

(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



& Assoc. Pty Ltd (A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).






326764/00022ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd


Display & Directory ads11 AugustLine ads

18 August

REGULAR FEATURES

In House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Liz Caffin’s studio in

the bush. See page 40.(Photo: Adrian Cook).

Back: Rob Hadden’s latest building project.

Inside...P

hoto: Dean M

cLaren

TheOwner Builder



Nº 101 – OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2000 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Making a start with straw bale and free form roofing

Energy efficient housing Simple paving Plans for retirement Designing for the tropics Checklist for buying a house

OB 101 • Oct-Nov 2000 • 3

Building our log home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6New Zealand readers Justin and Adie Long share some experiences.

Planning for retirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Two designers, two retiring couples, two design solutions.

Understanding a newly purchased home . . . . . . . . 29It’s never too late to get to know what makes your house tick.

The signal box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Saved from the vandals and restored by more sympathetic hands.

Putting environment first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35A holistic approach to sustainable design.

Paving for a small courtyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40A simple, inexpensive and good looking paving technique.

Life’s a breeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Hints on designing for tropical climates.

A straw bale starter project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47A beautiful little studio of straw and free form ferro.

Ferro cement in the kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58No it’s not a pavlova gone horribly wrong!


© Copyright 2000


Telephone/Fax(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)

(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]


Publishers:Russell Andrews& Assoc. Pty Ltd

(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).




62 Sutton RoadMaryborough, 3465

Print Post Approved Publication No.326764/00022

ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd

DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE:

Editorial copyDisplay & Directory ads

13 OctoberLine ads

20 October

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Lachlan Burke’s straw bale starter project. See page 47.

Back: The railway signal box that found a new home. See p 31.

(Photo: Leesa Needham)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 102 – DECEMBER 2000 / JANUARY 2001 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Masterpiecein stone

A stylish home for $60,000

Catching rainwater

A bushfire shelter

Roof support for mud brick houses

SUBSCRIPTION SPECIAL

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D

etails inside

OB 102 • Dec 2000/Jan 2001 • 3

The curtilage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Planning advice for small rural property owners.

Sculpture to live in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13A stylish home for less than $60,000.

On the verandah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18More on designing for tropical climates.

Harvesting the rain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Setting up your own rainwater system.

Gardening with mud brick soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Establishing a garden on hard clay soils.

Masterpiece in stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Inspired by childhood memories – now enjoyed in retirement.

Feedback from readers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Individuals respond to our standard sketch plans.

Starting with a shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40The archetypal, eclectic, ever-evolving, OB house.

Fire safety, first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50A fire shelter that could also serve as a cellar.

Roof support for mud brick houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55The pros and cons of building with load bearing or non load bearing methods.


© Copyright 2000/2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



8 DecemberLine ads

15 December

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front & back: Barbara and John Foster’s photogenic

masterpiece in stone. (See p.30)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 103 – FEBRUARY/MARCH 2001 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Bright ideas on lighting Light vs heavyweight construction Harvesting waste water... a case study

The healthy house

A shed in the garden

Working with recycled materials

OB 103 • Feb/Mar 2001 • 3

Passive solar by design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Setting the design criteria and getting what you want.

Getting the best out of lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Some bright ideas about all those downlights.

Using second hand materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Hints from an experienced builder.

The earth will provide... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Taking clay for bricks and pottery, paying back with trees.

Improvisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The key to affordable owner building.

The healthy house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Making use of lightweight walls.

Daring to be different. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Glass, glorious colour ...and more glass.

Harvesting waste water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Re-using waste water – a case study.

You’ve got to be bent to build like this . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45And Rob Hadden’s as bent as they come!

Lightweight vs masonry construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51More on building in the tropics.

A shed in the garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Plenty of style and easy to build.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



16 FebruaryLine ads

23 February

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Not all sheds are created equal. Judy & Peter Sherlock’s picturesque version. (See p.55)

Back: Dee & Peter Sansom’s property shows the fruits of

thoughtful planning & permaculture design. (See p.6)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 104 – APRIL/MAY 2001 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Stabilising mud bricks Energy rating of earth walls Stained glass ideas

Make your own windows Rammed earth houses Have you thought of

relocating a house?

OB 104 • Apr/May 2001 • 3

A stone house with a difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Living on an island you use what’s available.

Relocating a house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11It can be a good way of getting a home.

Not just our dream home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16A rammed earth house that’s home to six.

Energy rating of earth walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Trevor Howe looks at an energy rating system.

Looking into windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Hints on choosing and making windows.

A window of opportunity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Leadlighting – a great way to add decoration.

Sense & simplicity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Suburban solar, Spanish style.

The mud loo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Alan and Kate’s dunny is a work of art.

Bitumen stabilising mud bricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Making mud bricks that are practically waterproof.

Open planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Planning a house for tropical climates.

Russell’s shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57At last... a shed of my own.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 13 AprilLine ads

Friday 20 April

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front & back: Julie and David’s rammed earth home. (See p.16)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 105 – JUNE/JULY 2001 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

A studio for $4000 Robert’s house in the trees Keeping house in the tropics

Building in stages Wattle & daub walls Post & beam framing

OB 105 • June/July 2001 • 3

On site recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6A pair of OB addicts bring new life to an old timber house.

Post & beam construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Options in sizing & fixing timbers.

Concrete slabs and termite protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Can termites get through the cracks?

Heaven for $4000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19A place of your own doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Wattle & daub construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Step by step instructions on how to do it.

For the joy of it!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Bob Prudhoe’s magical house in the trees.

Building in stages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Some sound advice on starting simple and adding as you can afford it.

New life for old iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Stephan Nechwatal’s old iron reconditioning technique.

Keep it clean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Housekeeping in the tropics.

Building to budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47A poured earth home built with cost and time constraints.

With the point in view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54A smart beach house with a view of the surf.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 15 JuneLine ads

Friday 22 June

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Bob Prudhoe’s amazing home combines influences from

many cultures. See page 31.

Back: That magic time between the last of the sandflies and the

first of the mozzies.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 106 – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2001 $4.95 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Rating the energy ratings Mortar mixes for laying

mud bricks

Formed stonework Heating with water Passive solar designHouse plans

A strawbale farm house

OB 106 • August/September 2001 • 3

Passive solar design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Energy saving as a lifestyle.

Dressing up a sunken entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A landscaping idea for building on the low side.

Encasing steel columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Steve Dunn’s technique when laying mud bricks.

Taking the plunge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The first steps to a long-awaited mudbrick house.

Rating the energy ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21How not to achieve true energy efficiency.

True to form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26An owner builder friendly stone laying technique.

Of time and place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30A strawbale home at Harcourt North.

Heating your house with water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Hydronic heating has been around for ages and it’s still a good idea.

Pete’s mud mortar recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Getting the mortar mix that suits your job.

At home by the sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47An owner built home on Magnetic Island.

A little bit of history goes a long way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Making the most of a discarded Housing Commission home.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 10 AugustLine ads

Friday 17 August

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 42, 57

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Ada and Prue’s beautiful strawbale farmhouse and B&B.

See page 31.

Back: A cute little dunny built by Niko Stahl of Possum Brush

NSW. See page 11.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




A concrete window frame The perfect mud brick house

Easy lintels House plans

Four storeys in stone– just for funStrawbale update from Rosneath Farm

OB 107 • October/November 2001 • 3

Formed for living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6More on formed stone from Tasmania.

A concrete window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12That innovative Steve Dunn’s at it again.

Back to basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Gary Kruithof looks at the fundamentals of owner building.

Perfection takes time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A hidden mud brick gem, 10 years in the polishing.

Yeah! It’s been worth it… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Things don’t always go to plan.

Cypress Beam Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31A four storey stone outbuilding ...just for fun.

Never underestimate what’s under the paint40Making the best of recycled materials.

No more power bills… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Passive solar that works.

Strawbale & stucco walls at Rosneath Farm . . 47An update on progress at WA’s Permaculture village.

Passive solar rammed earth house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53This one is open for inspection soon.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 12 OctoberLine ads

Friday 19 October

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36, 49


COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front & back: Terry and John’s magnificent Japanese style bath house and a shot of their back

verandah too. See page 17.(Photos by Sharyn Munro)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder



Nº 108 – DECEMBER 2001/JANUARY 2002 $5.75 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

Earth sheltered house Veneering in stone

Steam bending timber

Cob & clomconstructionin the UKA hexagonalgarden shed

House plans

Christmas subscription offer

BOOKS TO BE WONSee inside for

details

OB 108 • December 2001/January 2002 • 3

Underground at Southland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6An earth sheltered home in Western Australia.

The Steam Benders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11An hour in the sauna makes timber really relaxed!

Creative uses for old houses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Gary Kruithof looks at more affordable houses.

From barn to house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24A barn so good you could live in it.

A healthy investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28You’ve sharpened your tools. How’s your body?

Once the bug has bitten.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Be warned. Stone laying can be addictive.

Hexagonal cutie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34No ordinary garden shed.

The Big Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Kate and Allan’s amazing curved roof.

Clay, cob & clom in the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Rob Hadden looks at some ancient technologies.

Easy as making mud pies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52...the hard part is getting started.


© Copyright 2001



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7225


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 7 DecemberLine ads

Friday 14 December

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 37Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Glenn & Patsy Braybrook’s stone veneered home. (See story

on page 30)

Back: Peter Winn’s chook yard gate. See page 15.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Mud brick laying techniquesSimple garden steps

A beaut barn

A rammed earth house Termite protection

How to mill bush timber

with your chainsaw

OB 109 • February/March 2002 • 3

Stone and timber teamwork. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Ingenuity, high standards and a ‘Why not?’ attitude.

Keeping termites out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13First, understand where they can get in.

Build an easy set of garden steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Prefabrication may be the way to go.

Confessions of a bad muddie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26The forgiving and fixable nature of mud.

Rammed earth – at last! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30A case of sticking at it paying off.

Nuggetty Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Building with formed stonework.

Laying mud bricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Go on, have a go. Laying bricks is very satisfying.

Chainsaw milling of timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Taking the mill to the log instead of the log to the mill.

Building language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51What do all these terms the professionals use mean?

A beaut barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Building with the head instead of the back.


© Copyright 2002



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 15 FebruaryLine ads

Friday 22 February

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front & Back: Alan & Marjorie Smidt’s beaut barn. (See story on p.55)

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Earth building basicsexplainedBuilding MoondanceCottage

Make your ownsaw horsesWhen artists build

About embodied energy House plans

Rob’s jolly trolley

Strawbale house extensions... lessons

well learnt

OB 110 • April/May 2002 • 3

Artists building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Owner builders thirty years on.

Building language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Explaining what the builders are talking about.

Strawbale extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Some lessons well learnt.

Rob’s Jolly Trolley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Make yourself a trolley ...and a saw horse or two.

Earth building basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27How unfired earth works in building.

Moondance Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Peter and Sharon’s hydro-powered muddie.

Embodied energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37How much energy did it take to create your house?

Resourceful re-roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41An imaginative response to an inadequate roof.

A post and rail fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50A good use for radially milled timber.

A tale of three builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Success at last at the hands of a third owner builder.


© Copyright 2002



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 12 AprilLine ads

Friday 19 April

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 46Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45


COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Moondance Cottage at Wandiligong. See story on p.30

Back: The shaded courtyard between the Adams’ house and their artist studio. See story p.6

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Corrugated iron goes sculptural

Bluestone & wirebasket walls

Building for funin retirement

Post & beamconstruction

OB 111 • June/July 2002 • 3

Corrugated iron goes sculptural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7System building for sustainability.

Building language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13More on understanding building terminology.

Bluestone & wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16A novel way to build metre thick walls.

Post and beam construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Non-loadbearing construction explained.

Fun in retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Colleen and Brian’s wonderful muddie.

Lamb chops to linguine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Owner renovation of a 90-year-old butcher’s shop.

What’s in a block of land?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Helpful hints for building block buyers.

Musings on mud & other hippy matters . . . . . . . . . . .43Playing with mud should never be only for the kids.

Tin skin, timber heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Compromise for a handmade home.


© Copyright 2002



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 14 JuneLine ads

Friday 21 June

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: Colleen & Brian McCormick’s beautiful gothic inspired muddie. See page 29.

Back: Innovative and creative use of bluestone in a winery.

See story p.16

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Rob’s timber framed workshopCorrugated iron houseExotic pebblepaving

Build yourself a wooden bath

Making floor tilesOwner building in ChinaCavity mud brick walls


Not just any old shed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6A workshop worthy of a master timber framer.

Owner building in China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13A few hundred million Chinese owner builders can’t all be wong.

Cavity mud brick walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Is this the future for mud brick walls in cold climates?

Going with the grain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25An owner builder captivated by the beauty of wood.

House on a hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30A devil of a driveway but a heavenly site.

Getting floored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Making your own coloured concrete tiles.

Living in the shed still feels good... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37The new house is complete but the shed is still home.

Denise and the Singing Brickies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Halfway into her first OB house, already planning her next!

Pebblework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52True artistry in the streets.

Our wooden bath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57A wooden boatbuilder’s approach to having a bath.


© Copyright 2002



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 16 AugustLine ads

Friday 23 August

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: When Rob Hadden sets out to build a workshop, it’s not just any old shed. See story p.6

Back: Gavin & Debbie’s bath-room is one with a difference.

See story p.37.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Light earth construction

Dry composting toilet

Mud gets smarter

Less is more...ELEGANT SIMPLICITY IN

GRANITE & RECYCLED WOOD


Completely out of the box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Two storey rammed earth with Trombe wall heating.

Mud keeps getting smarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The world’s oldest building material is still thoroughly modern.

Composting toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Looking into toilets you can build yourself.

Japanese style; Harcourt granite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30The simple elegance of less is more thinking.

Building with lovable junk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Meet a pair of OB bowerbirds with a sense of humour.

An introduction to light earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40A different way to use mud and straw.

A fence full of fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44A few old hospital beds, an oxy torch and plenty of imagination.

About concrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46An explanation of how’s it made and how it’s used.

Work, play: sun, clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53A first OB effort that set a career path.


© Copyright 2002



(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



(A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 18 OctoberLine ads

Friday 25 October

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 28, 48Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front & Back: Using the maxim of “less is more,” Sue and Colin Jardine have created a Japanese

inspired elegance in their home of Harcourt granite.

See story p.30.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




Art & architecture in the subtropicsMore on light earth constructionAnother angle on energy ratingsAt home in a coal bunker

ENERGY SMART ARCHITECTURE


What’s good for the grossmutter.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Subtropic solar: a southerner’s dream.

The ratings game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Alternative ways to evaluate your house.

The coal bin house. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Complete with piano and loom ...of course!

Why go on an alternative housing tour? . . . . . . . . . . . 20Looking at other people’s achievements can be inspiring.

A home for the whole clan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29A passive solar designed house for three generations.

Energy smart architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34A young architect builds for his family.

More on building with light earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41It’s not straw bale. It’s not mud brick. It’s a mixture of the two.

A simple cottage for two. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48A retirement home built on the keep it simple principle.

“Smart” suburban: sun, privacy and style. . . . . . . . 54A fresh OB approach to a basic block.


© Copyright 2002


Telephone/Fax (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)

(03) 5468 1899

[email protected]



& Assoc. Pty Ltd (A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).





ISSN 0728-7275


Gordon & Gotch Ltd



Friday 13 DecemberLine ads

Friday 20 December

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 46Back issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59From the back porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front: The imposing McLeod family “castle” is home for the

whole clan. See story p.29.

Back: The glorious light-filled interior of the Weber’s subtropic

house. See story p.6.

Inside...

TheOwner Builder




A swimming pool on the cheap

Plastering light earth walls

FROM KNOX TO NOW – A lifetime of building mud houses

OWNER BUILT GARDENS Plumbing your mud brick house

Simple urbanrenovations


ISSUE Nº 115 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2003

6 FROM KNOXIE TO NOWGraham Rose: a lifetime of building mud houses.

13 PUTTING IN A POOL ON A SLOPING SITEYou really don’t have to be a millionaire.

16 URBAN RENOVATIONSSimple but effective alterations.

19 THE PIGGYBACK HOUSEA new meaning to living on site while you build.

30 GARDEN ARTISTRYOwner building beyond four walls.

37 FINISHING LIGHT EARTH WALLSThe conclusion of a three part series.

45 ON HISTORY, HOT DAYS & A SMALL HOUSEAn old stone barn that’s become a much loved home.

52 AN EXERCISE IN ENERGY RATINGWhat wall materials work best where.

54 PLUMBING YOUR MUDDIEPlanning ahead helps.

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Mish & Adrian’s owner built garden. See story p.32.

Back: One of Stefan Nechwatal’s whimsical “Jackson Pollock” gates. See story p.34.

Inside...The Owner Builder Magazine© Copyright 2003

Telephone/Fax:

(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899

Email: [email protected]

Postal address:


Editors:

Valerie & Russell Andrews

Publishers:

Russell Andrews & Assoc. P/L (A.B.N. 71 005 711 740).

Art Director:

Toni Lumsden

Printers:

McPherson’s Printing Group62 Sutton Rd Maryborough, 3465


Gordon & Gotch Ltd

ISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copy

Display & Directory ads

Friday 14 February

Line ads

Friday 21 February

TheOwner Builder




Rebuilding history

Adobe in situ...an artistic way to build

Making good use ofRADIALLY MILLED TIMBER

Cement and clay ...do they mix?

Choosing the right floor

House plans

OB 116 • April/May 2003 • 3

ISSUE Nº 116 APRIL/MAY 2003

6 STARTING WITH SANDSTONEA first OB house, built to last forever.

15 100 HUBBLE STREETAn artist’s recycled renovation.

22 A HAND PLASTERED CEILINGAn alternative to plasterboard or lining boards.

24 ABOUT FLOORSChoosing the right floor for your house.

30 RADIAL MILLING... IT MAKES SENSEA house that demonstrates better saw milling practices.

35 EARTH WALLS & ADDITIVESDoes adding cement make better mud bricks?

38 OLD BUILDING... NEW TRUSSESRob Hadden’s latest building project.

44 INVEROO – AN AUSTRALIAN RURAL PROPERTYOne reader’s story.

48 ADOBE IN SITUThe artist friendly earth building technique.

54 STRAW INFILL HOUSESimple, solid and tailored to fit.

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42


COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Deb and Krispy’s timber home makes extensive use of radi-ally milled timber. See story p.30.

Back: A shower with a difference in artist Andrew Hayim de Vries’ garden. Story starts p.15.


Telephone/Fax:

(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899


Postal address:


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Publishers:


Art Director:

Toni Lumsden

Printers:



Gordon & Gotch Ltd

ISSN 0728-7275



Friday 18 April

Line ads

Friday 25 April

TheOwner Builder




House plans

Breathing walls

Sustainable use of timber

About dormer windows

STRAWBALE AND STEEL IN THE FOREST

OB 117 • June/July 2003 • 3

ISSUE Nº 117 JUNE/JULY 2003

6 ARTFUL OWNER BUILDING...for beautiful living and working spaces.

12 SUSTAINABLE TIMBER...no longer as simple as cutting down a tree.

22 ANOTHER SIDE TO DECKINGWhich way up should decking timber be fixed?

25 MY DORMER WINDOWSRob Hadden shares more of his building knowhow.

29 STRAWBALE AND STEEL IN THE FORESTChanging direction – building a new future.

33 ONE STEP AT A TIMEFrom fibro shack to baltic beauty.

40 MOISTURE, MATERIALS AND WALLS THAT BREATHEExplaining factors that lead to poor moisture control.

46 TANGARA – A POURED EARTH HOUSEAnother reader feedback story.

53 DEMONSTRATING APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGYA community building in Perth that leads the way.

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 20Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 24Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45


COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Marian and Jeffrey’s strawbale house. (Photo: Philip Ashton).

Back: Rob Hadden’s workshop utilising bent timbers.


Telephone/Fax:

(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899


Postal address:


Editors:


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Art Director:

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Printers:



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ISSN 0728-7275



Friday 6 June

Line ads

Friday 6 June

TheOwner Builder




Getting started – choosing a siteModel making for the owner builder

A B&B cottage for $7000Preserving old leadlight windows

LIVING SCULPTUREEARTH, FERRO, WOOD,

STEEL & STONE


ISSUE Nº 118 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2003

6 PEPPER’S CREEK: PETER’S SANDSTONE VILLAGETen simple, utterly charming O.B. stone buildings.

13 MODEL MAKING FOR OWNER BUILDERSIt’s inexpensive and can help the design process.

19 A TUDOR ROMANCESo what to do when the house is finished?

26 EARTHEN PLASTERS FOR MUD WALLSRob Hadden demonstrates his latest techniques.

29 LIVING SCULPTUREEarth, ferro, wood, steel and stone and creative hands.

34 BEAUT BARN BECOMES B&BIt began as somewhere to work on the car...

38 FUNGI – COMING TO A BUILDING NEAR YOU?A quick outline of moisture problems in buildings.

45 CARING FOR OLD LEADLIGHTSThose sagging old windows can be restored.

48 IMAGINE THAT...Designing your home to suit its site.

56 BACK TO BEDROCKNew Zealanders build their strawbale dream.

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 16Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18



COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Donn and Mary Groom’s amazing “sculpture you can live in” is constructed from a variety of materials – stone, earth, tim-ber, ferro to name a few! Story starts page 29. (Photo: Graeme North).


Telephone/Fax:

(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899


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ISSN 0728-7275



Friday 15 August

Line ads

Friday 22 August

TheOwner Builder




A SIMPLE EXTENSION...making a bed nook

Seachange muddie

Load bearing straw bale...one couple’s story

An owner built observatory


ISSUE Nº 119 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2003

7 THE RETIREMENT PROJECTKnocking off work to carry timber.

12 A SIMPLE EXTENSIONAdding space to a small room.

15 SOLAR ZIG-ZAG HOUSEDesigned for easy building, easy living.

22 OUR LOADBEARING STRAW HOUSE Readers Nigel and Jenny share their experience.

30 SEACHANGE MUDDIEEscaping the rat race... finding new careers.

35 CORAL, THE DOG AND ME!...and we’re all going to build a house.

38 TAREE HOUSE TOURAlways something to be learned by looking.

41 A ROOM WITH A VIEWIt’s a serious star gazer’s delight.

47 A GOOD PLACE TO STARTYour first venture into building could be an extension.

58 OPEN HOUSEThe stable that grew.

REGULAR FEATURES

In House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

COVER PHOTOGRAPHFront: Sue and Dieter Mücke made the move from rat race to owner built muddie and found new skills and challenges along the way. Story starts p.30.


Telephone/Fax:

(8am-6pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899


Postal address:


Editors:


Publishers:


Art Director:

Toni Lumsden

Printers:



Gordon & Gotch Ltd

ISSN 0728-7275



Friday 18 October

Line ads

Friday 25 October

TheOwner Builder




Booralea...no ordinary little cabin

Kiwi concrete A-frame

AUSTRALIAN WALLED GARDEN

From wish list to reality

Make your own double glazed windows

Christmas

subscription offer

FREEPLANS BOOK

(new edition!!)

See inside for details


ISSUE Nº 120 DECEMBER 2003/JANUARY 2004

6 KIWI A-FRAME IN CONCRETEGood planning, hard work and plenty of stamina.

11 HOW I DESIGNTurn your “bubble” into a dream come true.

17 BUILT TO LASTPatience plus what’s on the farm.

29 GROWING WITH BUILDING 30 years of whimsy, creativity and learning.

35 MOROCCO, SPAIN, GREECE? ...MARGARET RIVER!!60 acres of coastal heath provided the limestone.

42 THE MAN WITH NO EARSMurphy’s law as applied to solar systems.

44 DIY DOUBLE GLAZINGPractical advice on making your own panels.

46 TALLOWOOD HAND MADE HOUSES TOURA source of inspiration and assurance.

50 CORAL, THE DOG AND ME – Part 2The walls are ready to go up – but no floor.

56 AN AUSTRALIAN WALLED KITCHEN GARDENAussie twist on an English theme.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 25



COVER PHOTOGRAPHIn his forest retreat, Chris Nash has created little buildings that have a wonderful sense of whimsy and creativity. Story starts p.29.

Photo: Sharyn Munro.


Telephone/Fax:

(9am-1pm, Mon-Fri only)(03) 5468 1899


Postal address:


Editor:

Lynda Wilson

Publishers:

Africat Pty. Limited (A.C.N. 106 576 881).

Art Director:

Toni Lumsden

Printers:



Gordon & Gotch Ltd

ISSN 0728-7275



Friday 12 December

Line ads

Friday 19 December

TheOwner BuilderTHE AUSTRAL ASIAN HOME BUILDERS MAGAZINE

Nº 126 – DECEMBER 2004 / JANUARY 2005 $5.75 (N.Z. $6.50 incl. GST)

• Helpful tools for designing your home

• A stone, timber and iron yurt

• Random rubble stonework

www.theownerbuilder.com.au

Passive solar home with a twist...and wings

• Earth building and energy ratings• Pizza ovens & other practical outdoor projects

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Your chance to

WIN4 books!

See inside for details


ISSUE Nº 126 DECEMBER 2004 / JANUARY 2005

6 A TWIST ON PASSIVE SOLARStone, radial cut timber and Colorbond, with a subtle twist.

12 BUILDING IN STONERubble stone wall bases for a heavy timber frame.

18 THE GREAT OUTDOORSNow that summer is here, attention turns to making life outdoors more pleasant.

25 THE STATE OF PLAYWhat’s happening with energy ratings? How do they apply to earth building?

28 FREEDOM IS A STONE YURT Superb use of site, sun, space and stone.

34 RETURN TO TERRA COTTAGEWhat maintenance has been required in the past 12 years?

37 DESIGNING AND PLANNING YOUR HOMESome handy tools to help ensure that the end result is what you envisaged.

41 TWO HOOTS WITH HALF A ROOFOnce the walls are up, it’s time to put on the roof – weather permitting!

50 RAMMED EARTH IN SOUTH KOREAA simple traditional lifestyle for retirement.

54 SELF-SUFFICIENT MUDDIESFamily home and bushlovers’ bunkhouse.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Christmas special . . . . . . . . .11Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 40Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48


COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Huw’s modern passive solar home with a twist. Photo: Brian Lomas.

Back: Chris Nash’s fishy tale.

Inside...The Owner Builder © Copyright 2004

Telephone/Fax:(9am-1pm, Mon-Fri only)02 4995 6228

Email:[email protected]: www.theownerbuilder.com.au

Postal address:PO Box 9000Paterson NSW 2421 AustraliaEditor: Lynda Wilson

Publishers:AfriCat Pty. Limited (A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)

Art Director:Toni LumsdenPrinters:McPherson’s Printing Group62 Sutton Rd Maryborough, 3465Distributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch LtdISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 127 Feb/Mar 2005Editorial – 1 December Advertising – 8 December

Nº 128 Apr/May 2005Editorial – 4 February Advertising – 11 February

CHRISTMASSPECIAL

Your chance to

WIN4 books!

PLUS... special prices on back issues

See pg.11 for details

TheOwner Builder■ THE AUSTRAL ASIAN HOME BUILDERS MAGAZINE ■


• Straw bale framing options

• Stone, mudbrick & timber home

• Tadelakt – a traditional finish

• Mud floor on a concrete slab

• Are you ready for bushfires?

■ www.theownerbuilder.com.au ■

Choosing materialsfor a healthy and sustainable home



6 MUD BRICK GOES MODERNSimply stunning solar cross house.

12 TADELAKT – A BEAUTIFUL WATERPROOF RENDERA traditional finish using natural materials.

17 STRAW BALE FRAMING OPTIONSCurving possibilities are not restricted with post and beam construction.

21 THE TIME OF MEN (AND WOMEN)Building biology can help us create healthier homes.

24 BUSHFIRE PROTECTION From site design to rooftop sprinklers, improvements can always be made.

29 THE GOOD LIFEAn expression of individuality in stone, mud brick and timber.

34 ‘TULACH ARD’ – TO THE HIGH HILL A family effort results in a superb log home in New Zealand.

37 MATERIALS SELECTIONResearch and investigation will lead to the perfect choices... sometimes.

40 A SIMPLE MUD BRICK SUNDIALThe ideal project for using up those leftover mud bricks.

48 MUD FLOOR ON A CONCRETE SLABThermal mass, looks good and feels good.

55 MAGIC IN MISSABOTTICreative touches transform a simple O.B. home.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 15Handy hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 45Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: George and Sue Kokir’s stone, mud brick and timber home nestles in a garden epitomising ‘The Good Life.’ Photo: Brian Lomas.







DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copyFriday 8 October

Advertising

Friday 15 October



• Handmade flagstone floors

• Home heating systems

• Owner built home that floats

• A council approved cave


Fixing to straw bale walls



6 OVER-THE-TOP TIN HOUSEBuilding over while living under!

12 FIXING INTO STRAWBALE WALLSSome handy methods.

14 ZINCALUME IN QUEENSLANDA steel kit home for two.

22 FLAGSTONE FLOORS When you don’t have flagstones...

25 EVERYONE NEEDS A SHED!Design considerations and planning ideas.

28 HOME EVOLUTIONAn OB home that’s still growing after 20 years.

34 A TROGLODYTE’S TALEMark develops his very own cave!

40 KEEPING WARM IN WINTERVarious solutions for you to ponder.

48 TWO HOOTS... AND TWO DOGSThe walls are completed and roof timbers sourced.

51 THE FOLKS WHO WILL LIVE ON THE HILLBuilding again – another OB addict.

56 AN OWNER BUILDER HOME THAT FLOATS!This is the “Way 2 Go.”

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 17Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 24Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: 20 years on and still evolving. Story starts p28. Photo: Sharyn Munro.

Back: Quintessential Aussie icon. Photo: Sharyn Munro.







DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copyFriday 13 August

Advertising

Friday 20 August



• One-man basalt tower • Sustainable future muddie• Build your own staircase • Dream relocation


OB 123 • June/July 2004 • 3


BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH SPEWA community group’s principles embodied in a house.

LIVING SPACESOutside spaces need attention to detail.

GISBORNE MONTESSORI SCHOOLA true ‘community school’ incorporating sustainability.

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS Old England, “Lothlorien” or loft – staircases abound.

ONE-MAN BASALT TOWERBuilding high and round with stone.

STRAWBALEThe friendly building material – a sociable and enjoyable project.

DREAM RELOCATIONTimber recycling at its very best.

TWO HOOTS AND THE DOG ...PART 5Peter is now an official “owner builder.”

LESS IS MORE...In sustainable design.

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIANStrawbale, corrugated iron and hardiplank produce a local landmark.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 17Handy hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 61

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: Carolyn and Val found straw a very friendly building material. Story starts p.34. Photo: Brian Lomas.

Back: Building in the round – Haydn Washington’s one-man basalt tower. See p.28 for the story. Photo: Sharyn Munro.


Telephone/Fax:(9am-1pm, Mon-Fri only)(02) 4995 6228





DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copyFriday 11 June

Advertising

Friday 18 June



Community mud brick efforts

Retrofitting – a practical example

Limestone homestead

Suburban creativity

Spiral muddie


OB 122 • April/May 2004 • 3


A COMMUNITY MUD BRICK EFFORTArmidale Tree Group practises what they preach.

RETROFITTING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCYMaking improvements to your existing home.

SUBURBAN BARONIAL IDYLL (IN PROGRESS)85 squares of pure creative building, and yes, still growing...

TWO HOOTS AND THE DOG ...PART 4 Some decision making gets done during a “quiet” period.

SPIRAL MUD SOPHISTICATEFive star eyrie for five star view.

‘THAT SHED’ ...AT THE RIVERSHACKA tyre and adobe walled shed, with a “Dragons Back.”

AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL RETROFITTINGA practical example of energy efficient principles.

BUILDING EDUCATIONParents and pupils combine forces at the Castlemaine Steiner School.

SUCCESSFUL SUB-CONTRACTINGLimestone walls, French doors and local tradesmen.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 12Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 24Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46


COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: The Armidale Tree Group’s Woodland Centre is a community success story. See p.7. Photo: Sharyn Munro.

Back: Water sculpture at the Castlemaine Steiner School. See p.47. Photo: Lynda Wilson.



Email: [email protected]: www.theownerbuilder.com.au




DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copyFriday 9 April

Advertising

Friday 16 April



A colorbond and timber beautyStraw bale preparation

A wonderfulwindmill

MAKE YOUR OWN FLOORS

Adobe in-situ studioBuilding a stone cottage What’s in your materials?




6 A SMALL SLICE OF HOLLANDTwo Dutch cottages, a station and a windmill.

13 THAT AIN’T A FLOORBOARD...Home made floorboards.

19 TWO HOOTS AND THE DOGThe slab is down, but where is the block layer?

23 STARTING OFF IN STONE A few handy hints about building with stone.

26 ADOBE IN-SITU STUDIOA delightfully detailed work space.

28 COLORBOND BEAUTYCombining old timber and new tin.

36 EARTH FLOORSDry and serviceable earth floors.

42 A CARPORT PENTHOUSESpace and tin used to advantage.

49 LOOKS GOOD, FEELS GOODChoosing the materials that make you feel ‘at home.’

56 NOT A BALE ON SITEPreparation is the key to a successful project.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 16Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: With new colorbond and recycled timber, Peter and Kate have created a stunning family home. Story starts p.28. Photo: Sharyn Munro.

Back:The Lily – a fully opera-tional windmill in WA. Story starts p.6. Photo: Brian Lomas.



Email: [email protected]: www.theownerbuilder.com.au


Publishers:Africat Pty. Limited (A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)


DEADLINES FORNEXT EDITION:Editorial copyFriday 6 February

Advertising

Friday 13 February




Usingwhat comes naturally… stone, earth and straw bale

Tasmania’s owner builders revealedA slab and pug settler’s cottageHave you considered reverse brick veneer?Timber, post and beam kit homePassive solar mud brick



7 USING WHAT COMES NATURALLYFour alternative building methods – slipform, mud brick, pisé, strawbale.

13 MUD BRICK HOMES AND ENERGY RATINGSMUD BRICK HOMES AND ENERGY RATINGSAn example of how to make a mud brick home meet the energy requirements.

15 A USEFUL DIY ROOF LADDERMake a roof ladder using easily available parts.

20 A PASSION FOR THE PASTA PASSION FOR THE PASTA beautifully recreated 1850’s early settlers slab and pug hut.

24 LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIELITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIEA timber, post and beam, barn-style kit house provides a new home in five months.

29 CROWTRAPCROWTRAPA late seventies passive solar mud brick home that still performs beautifully today.

34 TASMANIAN TITBITSTASMANIAN TITBITSA sample of owner building ingenuity from the Taswegians.

38 CAST IN STONECAST IN STONEFormworked field stone walls and a 28ft high roof resulted in an unusual home.

40 OUR REVERSE BRICK VENEEROUR REVERSE BRICK VENEERA timber framed home with Colorbond external cladding and internal brick walls.

44 MAKING USE OF CAMPHOR LAURELMAKING USE OF CAMPHOR LAURELCamphor laurel can provide a termite resistant frame.

47 NOT CRAZY… JUST BUILDING OURSELVES A SCHOOL!Power installation, concrete slab and block laying have all provided challenges.

54 BEACH HOUSE WITH PERSONALITYBEACH HOUSE WITH PERSONALITYA modern, clean beach house with a curving roof and polished concrete floors.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Handy hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 19Bits & bobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHOne of the delightful owner built cabins constructed by Dale and Carolyn Newal at Stanley Lakeside Spa Cabins. Story starts page 34. Photo: Lynda Wilson.







DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 128 April/May 2005Editorial – 4 February Advertising – 11 February

Nº 129 June/July 2005Editorial – 8 April Advertising – 15 April




Strawbale and radial timber loft house

Cool room panel houseA creative use

for concrete tanks

Suburban minimalism Making leadlight windows

Designing with size in mind

OB 128 • April/May 2005 • 3


6 EMPTY VESSELSThe creative use of concrete tanks provides an unusual building block.

11 MAKE YOUR OWN LEADLIGHT WINDOWSStep-by-step details on creating your own simple leadlight window.

16 PERMACULTURE AND THE OWNER BUILDERIntegrate your new home with the rest of the property using permaculture principles.

18 AT THE SHARP ENDSharpening handsaws and chainsaws is possible with the right tools and patience.

22 CREATIVE COOL ROOM PANELSQuick and easy to erect and with low fire risk, modern technology has triumphed.

28 STARTER HOMES TO GROW INTOUnderstanding the difference between empty space and usable space is important.

31 HANDCRAFTED WITH CAREStrawbale and timber allowed these OB’s to be fully involved.

36 A HANDMADE CONCRETE WATER TANKGeorge Kokir shares his method with us.

38 SUBURBAN MINIMALISMSUBURBAN MINIMALISMAn owner built approach to minimalist design.

42 TWO HOOTS AT (ALMOST) LOCK-UP STAGE!In between harvesting the garlic crop and cycling trips, more progress has been made.

55 INDIAN RIDGEA log home, influenced by American Indian style, in the very heart of the vineyards.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 15Order form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHStrawbale combines with radially sawn timber to create a unique home in the Adelaide Hills. Story starts page 31. Photo: Bohdan Dorniak.








Distributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch LtdISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 129 June/July 2005Editorial – 8 April Advertising – 15 April

Nº 130 August/September 2005Editorial – 7 June Advertising – 14 June



What’s happening in earth building?

Stone and mudbrick oasis

Selecting a chainsaw mill

Double brick studioA straw bale

render machineDoing it with limestone

TOB 129 • June/July 2005 • 3


6 STONE AND MUD BRICK OASISStaged building, Swiss neatness and ingenuity.

12 SELECTING A CHAINSAW MILLA mill is a substantial investment, so a little homework is essential.

16 A PLACE OF MY OWNA long-held ambition, of owner building a double brick studio, is finally achieved.

22 A STRAW BALE RENDER MACHINEOne owner builder’s solution to making the job easier.

24 RAISING THE ROOFAn unusual, but practical way, of building your roof first.

26 EARTH BUILDING TODAYModern technology and our increased ‘sophistication’ means we expect more from earth homes.

34 A STONE CHAPELFurther building work has been carried out at Peppers Creek Village.

36 SHARPENING CHISELS AND PLANESWhy struggle with blunt edge tools?

43 SAVONIUS ROTOR WIND TURBINEUsing the free power of the wind to pump dam water.

44 COPPER CAPS AND SHINGLES!A brief visit to a ‘work in progress’ straw bale home.

53 KIT SKELETON, CUSTOM BODYLimestone skin… and a crimson heart.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 21Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Tips of the trade . . . . . . . . . 47Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHA stone and mudbrick oasis that is a testament to Swiss ingenuity and creativity. Story starts page 6. Photo: Sharyn Munro.


Telephone/Fax:(9am - 1pm, most week days)02 4995 6228




Art Director:Toni LumsdenPrinter:McPherson’s Printing Group62 Sutton Rd Maryborough, 3465Distributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch LtdISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 130 Aug/Sept 2005Editorial – 7 June Advertising – 14 June

Nº 131 Oct/Nov 2005Editorial – 9 August Advertising – 16 August




Rescued timber chaletsSustainable design in the bushSelecting windows and doors

A passion for strawbale Pole frame constructionStunning stone garden

TOB 130 • August/September 2005 • 3


RETURN TO MILLDUCK STRAWBALE B&BFive years on and the passion hasn’t abated for these owner builders.

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERESome help with selecting windows and doors, to maximise energy efficiency.

POLE-FRAMED BUSH ‘TEMPLE’Flexible spaces and old film sets combine to provide a serene and unusual home.

GUEST ‘LODGES’ IN THE TASMANIAN BUSHEnvironmentally Sustainable Design students at the Tasmanian School of Architecture helped these owner builders realise their dream.

OWNER BUILDING WITH POLE FRAMEOnce the techniques are understood, pole frame construction becomes a valid option.

ALBION FARMStone and recycled materials have been used extensively to create this unique garden.

BUILDING WITH ‘THAT OLD FEELING’…Sandstone, slabs and second-hand hoards were all instrumental in helping this family create a home as well as several sources of income.

THE COVEA successful country business, incorporating salvaged timber and plenty of ingenuity, has been created in WA.

MUDBRICK IN THE NILLUMBIK SHIREPast and present: this shire has a wealth of earth building history, while still continuing the tradition today.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 21Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Order form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Tips of the trade . . . . . . . . . 44Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60From the back porch . . . 62

COVER PHOTOGRAPHBush ‘temple,’ inspired by, and built around, a recycled film set from ‘The Matrix.’ Story starts page 14. Photo: Sharyn Munro.






Art Director:Toni LumsdenPrinter:McPherson’s Printing Group62 Sutton Rd Maryborough, 3465Distributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch LtdISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 131 Oct/Nov 2005Editorial – 9 August Advertising – 16 August

Nº 132 Dec 2005/Jan 2006Editorial – 7 October Advertising – 14 October

TheOwner Builder THE AUSTRAL ASIAN HOME BUILDERS MAGAZINE



Sustainable straw balePoured earth in progress

Upgrading roof insulationWell designed limestoneOngoing church restoration

TOB 131 • October/November 2005 • 3


MEDITERRANEAN MAGICA light-filled, simple, Mediterranean-style mudbrick home.

PRACTICAL STRAW BALE GUIDEMurray Hollis discusses some of his suggested new methods.

METAMORPHOSIS OF A COUNTRY CHURCHSt. Brendans: 1888 – still going strong!

INSULATION UPGRADELifting the roof sheeting allowed David Holmgren to upgrade the insulation, using loose fill cellulose.

ALONG THE WOOTTON WAY...Visits to a poured earth home in progress and a comfortable mudbrick home.

OWNER BUILDER REGULATIONSWe cover the current regulations, state by state, in this new series.

BUILDING WITH STRAW – WHERE TO DRAW THE LINEFactors to consider if contemplating building with straw bale in hot, high humidity areas.

MAKING THE MOST OF A GREAT SITEA well-designed limestone house that capitalises on the splendid views.

ECO-VILLAGES AND THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSEA visit to a straw bale home at Rosneath Farm Ecovillage

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Coming events . . . . . . . . . . . 25Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reader feedback . . . . . . . . . 40Order form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Tips of the trade . . . . . . . . . 44


COVER PHOTOGRAPHInspired by the Mediterranean, Jeff and Jacinta have combined that style and colour with contemporary Australian mud brick.Story start p.6. Photo: Rob Hadden.






Art Director:Toni LumsdenPrinter:McPherson’s Printing GroupDistributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch LtdISSN 0728-7275

DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:Nº 132 Dec 2005/Jan 2006Editorial – 7 OctoberAdvertising – 14 OctoberNº 133 Feb/Mar 2006 Editorial – 1 December Advertising – 6 December

14

32 45 6 50

TheOwnerBuilder

THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

MAGAZINE


$6.45 (NZ $7.75 incl. GST)

Homes that challenge the rectangular plan norm

The

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NOW WITH 12 EXTRA PAGES OF COLOUR!!

WIN!a 3D drawing board

PLUS great Christmas specials on books and

back issues. See p.47

A simple, low-tech straw bale homePassive solar, double brick in the suburbs

Build your own mobile scaffold towerOctagonal post and beam in Tasmania

TOB 132 • December 2005/January 2006 • 3

ISSUE Nº 132 DECEMBER 2005/JANUARY 2006

6 FLOATING ACROSS THE EARTHStone, cob and weatherboard combine to create a low embodied energy home.

13 MOBILE SCAFFOLD TOWERBuilding your own scaffolding is both challenging and rewarding.

16 SILVER HILL OCTAGONThis octagonal, mud brick, post & beam home was inspired by a neighbour’s studio.

23 WE SAID THIS WOULD BE OUR LAST HOUSE!After many years building and renovating, there is one more house left to build.

26 LOOKING PAST THE STREETA passive solar, double brick home in the suburbs of Western Australia.

34 COMMUNITY MEDITATION CENTREA dreamed-of meditation centre incorporating timber, glass and mud brick.

40 RECYCLED BUILDING PRODUCTSWhy you should consider using recycled material and products.

48 THE STRAW THAT MADE THE CAMEL FATCompeting with the resident pets to complete a straw bale home.

59 TWO HOOTS – THE INSIDE STORYPeter and Coral have moved into their Timbercrete home and bid us farewell.

65 OWNER BUILDER REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – Victoria.

67 BUILDING THE DREAM!Building the garage as a practice run before the house, using Formblock.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . . 21Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Reader feedback . . . . . . . 43Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 53

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHLocally sourced materials have been used to build this sustainable, energy efficient home.Story starts p.6. Photo: Sue Mitchell.

Inside...

Telephone/Fax:(9am–1pm, most week days) 02 4995 6228


Web: www.theownerbuilder.com.au

Postal address:PO Box 9000 Paterson NSW 2421 Australia

Editor: Lynda Wilson

Publishers: AfriCat Pty. Limited (A.B.N. 24 106 576 881)

Art Director: Toni Lumsden

Printer: Graphic Impressions

Distributed to newsagents by:Gordon & Gotch Ltd

DEADLINES:Nº 133 Feb/Mar 2006Editorial – 1 December Advertising – 6 December


6

16

26

34

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The Owner Builder © Copyright 2005 • ISSN 0728-7275

TheOwnerBuilder

THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

MAGAZINE


$6.45 (NZ $7.75 incl. GST)

A handcrafted, eco-friendly straw bale home

The

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NOW WITH 12 EXTRA PAGES OF COLOUR!!

Sheet plastering a ceiling Poured earth & timber studio

Building an outdoor oven

Clever use of creek rock Building windows into stone wallsFrame and truss raising techniques

‘Your Home’DVD & Technical

ManualSee page 6 for details

WIN!

TOB 133 • February/March 2006 • 3

ISSUE Nº 133 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2006

8 HANDCRAFTED AND ECO-FRIENDLYRon & Lee’s post and beam, loft design, straw bale home.

14 FRAME AND TRUSS RAISING TECHNIQUESTechniques for lifting heavy objects, that are ‘suitable for the owner builder.’

22 INSTALLING SHEET PLASTER CEILINGSPlanning, preparation and good tools are the key elements to success.

26 POURED EARTH AND TIMBER STUDIOStage one has resulted in a spacious pottery studio and gallery.

34 CLEVER CREEK ROCK HOMESolid timbers top rock-faced concrete blocks.

40 BUILDING AN OUTDOOR OVENTwo readers share their experiences with us.

45 IS THERE A RATIONALE BEHIND THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM?Have you ever considered a loft design?

49 ROWANMOONInstalling windows into the stone walls was only one of many challenges faced.

60 THE CURVES SAY IT ALLAn elevated neo-Nissan hut provides curves, clean lines and uncluttered space.

66 POATINA MONUMENTCelebrating the people of the unique village of Poatina in Tasmania.

70 OWNER BUILDING REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – Queensland.

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Reader feedback . . . . . . . . .7Coming events . . . . . . . . . 19Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 21Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHRon and Lee invested some solid building hours in their energy efficient, comfortable and unique house. Story starts p.8. Photo: Brian Lomas.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 134 Apr/May 2006Editorial – 8 February Advertising – 14 February

Nº 135 Apr/May 2006Editorial – 7 April Advertising – 11 April

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TOB 134 • April/May 2006 • 1

TheOwnerBuilder

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The amazing rotating

farmhouse

The

N

º 13

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PRIL

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6NOW WITH 12 EXTRA PAGES OF COLOUR!!

Design your own solar verandahKeep it simple with timber framingModern Colorbond and timber octagonCombining rammed earth with timber

Tilt-up straw bale panels Curvaceous organic stoneBe prepared for bushfire

TOB 134 • April/May 2006 • 3


6 MUDDENWOODA timber barn awaits its mud brick extension.

13 KEEP IT SIMPLEConsider using the simplest form of wall construction, timber framing.

16 THE ULTIMATE CONTEMPORARY FARMHOUSEFunctional, modern, stylish – and that is just for starters.

22 RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TOOLSWhy are they penalising heavyweight construction buildings?

26 STARTING AGAINRammed earth and timber combine to create a unique home.

34 CURVACEOUS ORGANIC STONEA bushfire resistant home for a bush gully in Tasmania.

40 GRANITE BELT COB DEMONSTRATION DAYA demonstration in building with cob, the Oregon way.

47 A COMMUNAL PLACEGetting together to build for get-togethers.

52 OWNER BUILDING REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – Western Australia.

54 DESIGN YOUR OWN: SOLAR VERANDAHA simple and inexpensive way to improve the performance of your home.

57 BUSHFIRE WISENo matter where you live, it is wise to be prepared for fire on your property.

60 TILT UP PANELS MEET STRAW BALEAn alternative method of building straw bale walls.

67 A HOUSE WARMINGA passion for timber is evident in this modern octagon.

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Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 31Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHThe ultimate in passive solar design,this home rotates to follow the path of the sun through the seasons. Story starts p.16. Photo: Lynda Wilson.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 135 June/July 2006Editorial – 7 April Advertising – 11 April

Nº 136 Aug/Sep 2006Editorial – 6 June Advertising – 13 June

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TheOwnerBuilder

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Sandstone and recycled timber masterpiece

The

N

º 13

5 J

UN

E/JU

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6NOW WITH 12 EXTRA PAGES OF COLOUR!!

Brick church restorationSustainable living in QueenslandRammed earth combines with heavy timbersCoping with contractorsUsing shade overhangs efficiently

Weatherboard renovation Caged rock, steel and

timber beauty

TOB 135 • June/July 2006 • 3


6 BIMBADEEN MOUNTAIN RETREATA triumph of man and stone over terrain.

14 COPING WITH CONTRACTORSTips to ensure your experience with contractors is a good one.

18 BATHROOM RENOVATIONReplacing a bath with a shower cubicle needn’t be a nightmare.

26 THE ‘BIG ROOF’ UPDATECob walls and a mud brick fit out for the ‘Big Roof’.

34 A RAW STRUCTURAL BEAUTYA mostly prefabricated passive solar, sustainable, energy efficient home.

40 RESTORATION OF A CATHOLIC CHURCHBuildings of heritage significance require a different approach.

44 OPTIMUM SHADING OVERHANGSMinimise summer heat gain while maximising winter heat gain.

48 THOUGHTFUL RAMMED EARTHHistory regenerated – old site, old timbers, ancient earth.

57 SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN QUEENSLANDA range of simple sustainability measures the owner builder must be aware of.

60 USING UP THE LEFTOVERSBuilding a self sufficient mud brick house on a small budget is possible.

67 WEATHERBOARD RENOVATIONA few simple tips will help with making the fitting of weatherboards easier.

71 OWNER BUILDING REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – South Australia.

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In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Reader feedback . . . . . . . 13Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Coming events . . . . . . . . . 23

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 24Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 55

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSolid stone, recycled timber, windows and doors – the perfect mountain retreat. Story starts p.6. Photo: Lynda Wilson.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 136 Aug/Sep 2006Editorial – 6 June Advertising – 13 June

Nº 137 Oct/Nov 2006Editorial – 8 August Advertising – 8 August

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TheOwnerBuilder

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Straw bale, stone and corrugated iron retreat

The

N

º 13

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Federation style brick veneerMud brick and timber oasisPlan your recycling effort

Utilising field stone and local timberDemystifying building jargonCutting glass successfully



6 PEPPERMINT RIDGE RETREATA straw bale, stone and corrugated iron retreat in Tasmania.

10 CRADLE SNATCHER OR GRAVE ROBBERWhen it comes to embodied energy, which are you?

16 WHEN ARTISTS BUILDBoard and batten, mud and rock fuse together to create a home that is ‘art’.

22 EXPOSED AGGREGATE OR POLISHED FINISH FLOORSIt is possible for the owner builder to achieve a professional finish

26 CREATING A SANCTUARY FOR THE SOULA Federation style brick veneer home, suited to the owners ‘time of life’.

32 CUTTING GLASSEncouraging the glass to crystallise is the key to a clean cut.

35 PLAN YOUR RECYCLING EFFORTWhat is the ultimate cost of recycled items obtained for ‘free’?

38 THE GRAPHITI CAFÉFascinating design utilising field stone and local timber.

47 WHERE TO BEGIN?The typical, not so easy, steps to creating a home.

50 DEMYSTIFYING BUILDING JARGONA few common traps, myths and jargon translations.

54 OWNER BUILDING REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – Tasmania.

58 HANDMADE HAVENLocal talent helped to build a mud brick and timber oasis for these booklovers.

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In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Coming events . . . . . . . . . 14Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 57

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHPerched high on the side of a southern Tasmanian hillside, the view is magnificent. Story starts p. 6. Photo: Melissa Hooper.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 137 Oct/Nov 2006Editorial – 8 August Advertising – 8 August

Nº 138 Dec 06/Jan 07Editorial – 10 October Advertising – 3 October

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TheOwnerBuilder

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Mud brick &steel in harmony

The

N

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A guide to the building processSuburban Insulbrick homeBuilding with cob basicsEnergy rating of earth buildings

Who owns your house plan?Feng shui bathroom renovationTraditional Fijian building


ISSUE Nº 137 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2006

6 STEEL YOURSELF FOR THIS HOUSE...Mud brick, heavy timber posts and beams combine with steel.

12 WHO OWNS YOUR HOUSE PLAN?Intellectual property as regards your house plan, explained in a clear way.

16 KEEPING OUR PROMISE… TO MOVE IN BEFORE CHRISTMASOne family’s efforts to complete their suburban home built of Insulbrick.

24 GOING APEConverting a ‘shack’ into an environmentally friendly backpackers helps to protect native species in New Zealand.

28 IS YOUR MONEY FLOWING DOWN THE DRAIN?Renovate your bathroom applying easy feng shui principles.

31 NEXT GENERATION ENERGY RATINGSThe new breed of energy rating programs for houses are a vast improvement over the previous programs, but will ratings for earth walls be any different?

36 FIJI FANTASYAustralian owner builders can learn a great deal from traditional building in Fiji.

39 KEEPING IT SIMPLEHard work results in a stylish home of concrete block and corrugated iron.

48 BUILDING WITH COBSome of the basics on cob building, including the cob mix and tools.

56 CLEAN SITEBuilding a better environment

58 TREVOR’S TOWNHOUSE A useful guide to the building process for owner builders.

68 OWNER BUILDING REGULATIONSState by state guide to the current regulations – Northern Territory.

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In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Coming events . . . . . . . . . 22Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 23Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Reader feedback . . . . . . . 57Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Tips of the trade . . . . . . .66

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHAn unusual use of black steel plating as cladding gives this muddie a solid, contemporary look. Story starts p.6. Photo: Rob Hadden

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 138 Dec 06/Jan 07Editorial – 10 October Advertising – 10 October

Nº 139 Feb/Mar 2007Editorial – 5 December Advertising – 5 December

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OwnerBuilder

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Sumatran-inspired sub-tropic garden house

The

Nº

138

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Basic kitchen designsColourful mud brick additionFinance for the owner builder

Quaker barn style homeBiophilia – a love of natureLight Straw Clay dunny

WIN!$800 worth

of retractable fly screens

see p.32

TOB 138 • December 2006 / January 2007 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Reader feedback . . . . . . . 13Coming events . . . . . . . . . 24Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Tips of the trade . . . . . . .44

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHThe Sumatran ‘batak’ roof hints as to the many unusual features to be found within. Story starts p.6.Photo: Sharyn Munro

Inside...

Telephone/Fax: (9am–1pm, most week days) 02 4982 8820









DEADLINES:Nº 139 Feb/Mar 2007Editorial – 5 December Advertising – 5 December


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6 BUNNY’S GARDEN HOUSEAn organic, individual sub-tropic charmer – round poles, mud brick, river stone.

14 EVERYTHING… INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINKAs you spend so much time in the kitchen, you must get the design right.

18 MINIMISING CRACKED CONCRETEUse the ancient technique of dowsing in a practical way.

20 ENERGY RATING YOUR HOMEHow does clear polycarbonate sheeting affect an energy rating?

26 GABBINBAR – BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL VIEWMany new skills had to be learned for this Federation style beauty.

34 QUAKER BARN STYLE HOMEEngineered timber portal frames, insulated cladding and straw panels.

38 LIGHT STRAW CLAYIncorporating the insulation properties of straw with the thermal mass of earth.

40 BIOPHILIA IN PRACTICEBuildings that connect people with nature may resolve many health issues.

50 STRAW BALE IN SUNNY QUEENSLANDThe dream turns sour, as land is resumed for a new dam.

56 SEYMOUR ALTERNATIVE FARMING EXPOTOB once again hosts the Building Seminar Programme at the 2007 SAFE.

58 MAKING MORE HOUSECreative continuity has resulted in a seamless extension to a mud brick cottage.

68 FINANCING THE OWNER BUILDERJust what do lenders want from you?

69 CREATIVE RECYCLINGIt is amazing what can be done with recycled materials.

Owner Builder

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Beachside straw bale

The

Nº

139

FEB

RUA

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007

Colours in the kitchen

Making the right choices

Riverside retreat

Steel and glass beauty

Water saving tips

Building a sustainable home

A simple steel shed home

Small gabled timber loft house

TOB 139 • February / March 2007 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . . 20

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Reader feedback . . . . . . . 22

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Tips of the trade . . . . . . .46

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHThis two storey straw bale home also enjoys uninterrupted views of Sellicks Beach. Story starts p6.Photo: Tina Bolto

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 140 Apr/May 2007 Editorial – 6 February Advertising – 6 February

Nº 141 June/July 2007 Editorial – 3 April Advertising – 3 April

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6 SELLICKS BEACH STRAW BALE A ‘trial’ family straw bale home in the suburbs has led to bigger plans.

12 BUILDING OUR FUTURE A more sustainable home can be achieved without having to give up on ‘luxuries.’

16 THE FOLKS WHO WILL LIVE ON THE HILL An update on the progress of a timber-framed, Zincalume clad owner built home.

26 IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL A small weatherboard loft house abounds with rich detail.

32 SAVING WATER Every one of us can contribute to the process of saving water, even in small ways.

34 OWNER BUILDER REGULATIONS State by state guide to the current regulations – Australian Capital Territory.

35 EVERYTHING… INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK Part 2 examines the work triangle, colour and lighting in the kitchen.

38 IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT… A steel and glass ‘wheelhouse’ overlooks stunning Macquarie Harbour.

44 CREATE A WELL-BALANCED ENVIRONMENT Colours play an important role in feng shui.

48 TREETOP HOME IN TASMANIA A ‘retirement’ project has resulted in a comfortable riverside home.

58 PUTTING THE OUTDOORS FIRST A simple steel shed home surrounded by grand gardens.

67 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES Understanding the building choices others have made may help you.

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A suburban showcase of owner builder tenacity

The

Nº

140

APR

IL /

MA

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007

Straw bale tips Recycled timber staircaseTimber forest chaletsGreywater recycling

Mud walled, mud fl oored cottageAdaptable yurt home

TOB 140 • April / May 2007 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .44

Expo update . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Order form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 67

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70

DVD extract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70


COVER PHOTOGRAPHStraw bale in the suburbs – lots of hard work, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! Story starts p6.Photo: Daryl Munton.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 141 June/July 2007 Editorial – 3 April Advertising – 3 April

Nº 142 Aug/Sept 2007 Editorial – 5 June Advertising – 5 June

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ISSUE Nº 140 APRIL / MAY 2007

6 STRAW BALE FAMILY HOMEThis home is a suburban showcase of owner builder tenacity.

14 WONDERFUL WORKSHOPSWorkshops are one way of getting experience before building your own home.

16 FOR THE LOVE OF MUDA mud walled and mud floored cottage, with timber highlights.

25 EVERYTHING… INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINKIn Part 3, Edith discusses materials choices and the importance of ergonomics.

28 THE FRAME GROWETH...Rob Hadden is at it again, pushing himself to the limit with his latest frame.

30 GREYWATER – LIQUID GOLDWhether going DIY or high-tech, you must seriously consider reuse of your greywater.

33 LIVING OUTSIDE THE SQUAREYurts and yoilets and WWOOFers combine in an ongoing project.

39 THE WALL IN THE WILDERNESSAn owner built gallery houses a timber relief carving of epic proportions.

46 THE MAKING OF THE BRICKSThe trials and tribulations of one couples efforts at making mud bricks.

50 BUILDING A STAIRCASE FROM RECYCLED TIMBERLift your level of craftsmanship while creating a showpiece for your home.

58 CHALETS IN THE FORESTA private lodge with beautiful accommodation awaits the traveller to Tasmania.

68 OWNER BUILDER REGULATIONSNew Zealand owner builders face major changes in legislation.

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Cob and poured earth combine alongside a peaceful lake

The

Nº

141

JU

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Low maintenance and modern

Living on site while you build

A seaside idyll on the Queensland coast

Single female owner builder

Limestone and brick

Earthen plastering

Straw bale home and café

TOB 141 • June/July 2007 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES


Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Reader feedback . . . . . . . 54

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 65

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70


COVER PHOTOGRAPHOne man’s vision of peace and tranquillity is taking shape alongside a lake. Story starts page 39. Photo: Steve Howard.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 142 Aug/Sept 2007 Editorial – 5 June Advertising – 5 June

Nº 143 Oct/Nov 2007 Editorial – 7 August Advertising – 7 August

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ISSUE Nº 141 JUNE / JULY 2007

6 A ROMANTIC VISION UNFOLDS AT MURRUMBONGTwo families are creating a limestone and brick home like no other, on a farm in Western Australia.

14 A HELPING HANDA push stick should be one of the standard safety items used when working close to cutting edges.

16 BUILT FOR LIVINGTimber poles and brick provide a rustic-feel family home.

26 SUFFICIENT FOR MY NEEDSBeing a single female close to retirement need not be a barrier to owner building.

30 LIVING ON SITEIt is possible to live comfortably – and legally – on site while you build.

34 SEASIDE IDYLLViews and cross ventilation were paramount for this Queensland coastal home.

39 EARTHEN COMPOUNDA cob workshop and poured earth cottage form the basis of a compound design dwelling, being built in stages.

50 BUTTERS OF BUXTONA small but functional straw bale home incorporates a comfortable café.

58 HOUSING ESTATE TRAFFIC-STOPPERNatural colours and low maintenance materials make this modern home a winner.

66 EARTHEN PLASTERINGA three-coat system of earthen plasters for earth and straw walls.


Nº

142

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BuilderTHE AUSTRAL ASIAN

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Straw bale ~ taking the wine world by storm

Open-plan brick home

The

• Build your own composting toilet • Re-rendering mud brick walls • Alternative power options • Polished concrete benchtops


REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Coming events . . . . . . . . . 23

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Reader feedback . . . . . . . 56

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Tips of the trade . . . . . . . 63

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHThe superb insulating properties of straw bale are being utilised by wineries. Story starts pg 58. Photo: Lynda Wilson.

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 143 Oct/Nov 2007 Editorial – 7 August Advertising – 7 August

Nº 144 Dec 07/Jan 08 Editorial – 2 October Advertising – 2 October

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ISSUE Nº 142 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

6 OPEN HOUSE: SOLAR HOME WHERE WALLS DISAPPEARAn open-plan brick home, with screened verandahs accessed via bi-fold door ‘walls.’

13 STEP-BY-STEP OWNER BUILDING – PART 1: GROUNDWORKSJust getting your home on the drawing board is a hard enough task.

18 BUILDING A COMPOSTING TOILETThis pit-style dry composting toilet was constructed legally.

25 A BIG JOBIf left too long, small jobs, like repairing earth walls, can become monumental tasks.

28 IRISH GARDEN SHEDDaunted by the prospect of building your own home – why not start with a shed?

33 ROSNAY ORGANIC FARM AND VINEYARD‘Good for the environment, good for your health, and good anyway!’

42 SUSTAINABLE ENERGYWhat exactly are the options available for power provision?

46 SEA CHANGEEnjoying the challenges of renovating a small fibro home after many years sailing.

50 THERMAL PERFORMANCE Good thermal performance of a home requires good design, and the correct choice of construction materials.

58 STRAW BALE – TAKING THE WINE WORLD BY STORMThe insulation properties of straw bale are proving irresistible to a new generation of wine producers.

67 POLISHED CONCRETE BENCHTOPSBuilding your own polished concrete benchtops can provide a unique showpiece.


Nº

143

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HOME BUILDERS

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Restored stone Italian rustica

The

Hebel home in the Hunter Valley

Wood heater boosting of solar hot water

Fixing a verandah to a straw bale house

Simple pressedearth brick home

WIN!$1250 worth of retractable

fl y screens See p. 14


REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Reader feedback . . . . . . . 12Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Coming events . . . . . . . . . 55Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHThe stone and timber ‘grotto’ creates the perfect atmosphere for a meal at ‘La Trattoria.’ Story starts pg 6.Photo: Carol White.

Inside...




Postal address:PO Box 9000 Paterson NSW 2421 AUSTRALIA






DEADLINES:Nº 144 Dec 07/Jan 08 Editorial – 2 October Advertising – 2 October

Nº 145 Feb/Mar 2008Editorial – 4 December Advertising – 4 December

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ISSUE Nº 143 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007

6 BUILT FROM THE SITE – LAVANDULA’S STONE FARMHOUSERegional Italian architecture of the 1860s has been lovingly restored.

16 IT ONLY TAKES ONE – MAN OR WOMANA simple, affordable and manageable pressed earth brick home.

23 DEFENDING YOUR HOME AGAINST BUSHFIREIt is once again the time of the year to start thinking about bushfire preparation.

28 RAMMED EARTH HISTORYThe restoration of the rammed earth ‘Farrer Barn’ in Cowra.

31 SOLAR HOT WATER WITH WOOD HEATER BOOSTING Just what are the options available for boosting your hot water system from a wood heater?

34 CASTLE VIEWThese owner builders consider Hebel to be close to the ideal OB medium.

39 OPEN ALL HOURS...An owner built renovation to commercial premises, using recycled materials.

53 ATTACHING A VERANDAH TO A STRAW BALE HOUSEFixing to straw bale walls can pose some challenges; this is one possible solution.

58 FINE FRUGALIST COTTAGEThis well-planned home makes use of recycled iron and pine lining boards.

68 A TRIP INTO FANTASY LANDOrganic architecture is evident everywhere when visiting SunRay Kelley’s property.

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

Building a muddie in stagesEarth friendly straw bale home

Stone, mud and timber icon Sustainable home design

The

Arches look good!

Treating timber fl oors

Considering age and disability in design

Mud brick monastery in India

TOB 1 to 25 now available

on CD!See page 56

Issues 1 – 25Builder

1982 –1987

Issues 1 – 251982 –1987

© 2007 The Owner Builder www.theownerbuilder.com.au

Explore all the the articles contained in the first 25 issues of this unique magazine – all of which are now out of print. The topics still have as much relevance today as when they were first printed.

TOB 144 • December 2007 / January 2008 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Coming events . . . . . . . . . 13

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 70


COVER PHOTOGRAPHStaged construction made good sense to Robyn and Chris Howard when building their western NSW muddie. Story starts pg 6. Photo: Sharyn Munro

Inside...










DEADLINES:Nº 145 Feb/Mar 2008 Editorial – 4 December Advertising – 4 December

Nº 146 Apr/May 08 Editorial – 5 February Advertising – 5 February

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6 STAGED WESTERN MUDDIEReading, ringing and talking convinced the Howards that mud brick was the way to go.

14 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!A simple solution to a frustrating kitchen arrangement.

16 SPITI VALLEY’S GREAT MUDDIETabo Gompa is a wonderful Tibetan contribution to earth building.

18 HOUSING DESIGN FOR DISABILITY AND AGEINGHave you seriously considered whether your design could cope with these demands?

22 SEYMOUR ALTERNATIVE FARMING EXPO 2008 The Owner Builder will once again host the popular Building Seminar programme.

26 THE CASTLE ON THE HILLStone, mud brick and reclaimed timber have been used to create a unique local icon.

32 SUN SENSE FOR SUMMERDon’t let the pleasure of building blind you to the need for adequate sun protection.

35 TIMBER FLOORING TREATMENT OPTIONSEnvironmentally preferable timber is enhanced by earth friendly coating products.

38 EARTH FRIENDLY STRAW BALE HOMELesley and Tony Trott are proud to be able to claim that they are in carbon credit.

46 EXPO UPDATEThe Owner Builder has supported a number of expos over the past few months.

47 DESIGNING YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE HOMEInvestigate every aspect of the design individually before creating the final plan.

52 DREAM HOMEThis extract from the very first issue of The Owner Builder launches our back issue CD.

65 COMPRESSIVE BRICK ARCHESIn the first of a two-part series, the theory of building arches is covered.


Nº

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

Retrofitting makes good senseBuilding an earthbag dome

Laying a brick floor

The

Ethical bush retreatNatural building materials

Environmentally-friendly self-sufficiencyLight earth using lantana fibre

WIN!Straw bale

correspondence course on DVD

worth $620See page 68


REGULAR FEATURES


Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reader feedback . . . . . . . 58Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 69


COVER PHOTOGRAPHRetrofitting an existing building is the ultimate recycling solution – and can include plenty of creativity.Story starts pg 59. Photo: Lynda Wilson.










DEADLINES:Nº 146 Apr/May 2008 Editorial – 5 February Advertising – 5 February

Nº 147 Jun/Jul 2008 Editorial – 8 April Advertising – 8 April

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ISSUE Nº 145 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2008

6 BUILDING AN EARTHBAG DOMEA small storage shed has provided some much-needed practice with this technique.

14 ABOUT BRICK FLOORSBrick floors are an economical and attractive alternative to concrete.

18 CALLICOMA HILLA restored timber eco-cabin demonstrates environmentally-friendly self-sufficiency.

22 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!Experimenting with the use of lantana as the fibre in a light earth mix.

27 FANTASY ATTICStunning features and clever touches are all part of this roof space conversion.

31 THE AUSTRALIAN SOLAR RADIATION DATA HANDBOOKAn essential tool when considering any designs related to solar energy.

34 CYPRESS FORTRESS Battling termites and coalmines are just some of the hurdles being faced.

39 THE CANELO PROJECTThe Steens – connecting people and culture with natural building materials.

45 COMPRESSIVE BRICK ARCHES In the second part of the series, we learn how to build a segmental arch.

50 HUON BUSH RETREATSEthical investment has allowed for the creation of a private conservation project.

56 TOPPING-OUT CEREMONIESNeed a reason to party? This is a ceremony every owner builder should know about!

59 BOOLAMBAYTE POST OFFICE RETROFITA piece of history gets a new lease on life, with the ultimate recycling solution.

TOB 146 • April / May 2008 • 1

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THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

MAGAZINE


$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

In awe of straw – handcrafted straw bale home in WA

The

Green roofsSolar Hebel home

Stone veneer renovationJapanese inspired bush retreat

Solar hot water retrofitSimplicity with Formblock

TOB 146 • April / May 2008 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES


Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHOutstanding craftsmanship and unusual finishing details put this straw bale home in WA in a class of its own. Story starts pg 6. Photo: Brian Lomas.










DEADLINES:Nº 147 Jun/Jul 2008 Editorial – 8 April Advertising – 8 April

Nº 148 Aug/Sep 2008 Editorial – 3 June Advertising – 3 June

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ISSUE Nº 146 APRIL / MAY 2008

6 IN AWE OF STRAWThe symmetry of this impressive home is complemented by superb craftsmanship.

15 EXPO UPDATEThe Owner Builder once again hosted the Building Seminar Programme at Seymour.

16 EARTH PLASTERSEarth plaster has many uses – to make a surface serviceable, to prevent dusting, to encapsulate straw, to help with waterproofing, or for decoration.

23 SPACE SAVER STRAW WALLSThese ‘skinny’ straw-filled stud framed walls help create internal continuity of surface finish, while taking up less space than full bales.

26 MANAGED SOLAR HEBEL HOMEThe ease of use of Hebel convinced these owner builders of its suitability.

34 JAPANESE SPIRIT IN THE AUSSIE BUSHA stopover in Japan had a profound impact on Alex – he had to build Japanese.

39 MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE A REALITY Resurrecting a forlorn fibro shack into a stone dream home.

45 NEXT TIME THE WATER HEATER NEEDS REPLACING...Make sure it is a solar hot water system and SAVE $1000’s.

46 REACHING ENERGY NEUTRAL STATUSA solar hot water retrofit was a major contributor to this family’s quest.

50 MORTGAGE-FREE HOMECan a piece of land, no capital and no mortgage add up to a house of your own?

55 GREENING THE FORGOTTEN FAÇADERooftop vegetation is nothing new; how about considering a green roof for your home?

58 A VISION FORMEDFormblock provided the simplicity, in situ building technique, and loadbearing ability required by this enthusiastic, novice owner builder.

TOB 147 • June/July 2008 • 1

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THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

A spacious tropical homeHow to install a bladder tankNatural finishes for an earthbag domeDesign your own staircase

The

Creative concrete columnsOwner builder insurance details

Steel framed Hardiplank country homePosts for an octagonal building

How owner builders can save money

TOB 147 • June/July 2008 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES


Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPHA compact and user friendly building footprint makes this tropical home a pleasure to live in. Story starts p.6. Photo: Meggie Voogt.

Telephone/Fax: Tel: 02 4982 8820 (10am-2pm most weekdays, Monday & Thursday best)Fax: 02 4982 8820 (anytime)









DEADLINES:Nº 148 Aug/Sep 2008 Editorial – 3 June Advertising – 3 June

Nº 149 Oct/Nov 2008 Editorial – 5 August Advertising – 5 August

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6 A SPACIOUS TROPICAL HOMEA low maintenance, comfortable tropical brick home with lots of space and privacy.

12 WHY DO I NEED OWNER BUILDER INSURANCE?Owner builders face a unique set of risks and responsibilities.

16 WATERWISE COUNTRY CHARMEROwner building has no age limits, as demonstrated by this steel framed and Hardiplank clad home.

23 STAIRWELL SET OUT AND PREPARATIONAvoid costly mistakes by taking time to get the design of your staircase right the first time.

28 HARNESSING THE ENERGY FROM NATUREUnfolding the mysteries of electricity.

33 OWNER BUILDER CAN AND CAN’T DOSExactly what are you allowed to do as an owner builder?

38 FINISHING OFF AN EARTHBAG DOMEVarious natural finishing options were used to complete the dome featured in TOB 145.

49 STONEVIEW: HOW TO BUILD AN ECO-FRIENDLY LITTLE GUEST HOUSEThe Octagon Posts – an extract from the latest book released by Rob Roy.

54 KEEP THAT GARDEN ALIVE!!A DIY guide to installing a bladder tank under your house or deck.

60 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!Another creative way of using commonly discarded treasures.

66 WE SAVED $80,000 BY OWNER BUILDINGAll you need is common sense and a bit of patience.


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Living lightly on Kangaroo IslandAbove ground owner built poolTake control of your energy usageCommon insurance problemsEarthen cabinets

Rammed earth winery Mud brick loft house


REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . . 12

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Expo update . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Reader feedback . . . . . . . 61Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPH

Rammed earth – lovingly built by a couple committed to living lightly on the earth. Story starts p.38. Photo: Lynda Wilson.

Telephone/Fax: Tel: 02 4982 8820 (10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Fax: 02 4982 8820 (anytime)









DEADLINES:Nº 149 Oct/Nov 2008 Editorial – 5 August Advertising – 12 August


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6 RAMMED EARTH WINERYWines of individual character and finesse need a building of matching elegance.

14 TIMBER FRAMERS GET TOGETHER IN IDAHORob Hadden reports on the Timber Framers Guild Western Conference in the USA.

16 OWNER BUILT POOLAn above ground concrete sprayed pool, with waterfall and spa.

22 OWNER BUILDER INSURANCECommon problems facing owner builders when they try and obtain insurance.

26 MUD FOR ALL AGESA finely finished family-built mud brick loft house.

34 EARTHEN CABINETSA well-built earthen cabinet is a sturdy, cheap and durable storage solution.

38 NATURALLY KI – LAVIVThis rammed earth house on Kangaroo Island is a striking example of ingenuity.

45 OWNER BUILDER WARRANTY INSPECTIONA requirement when selling a home on which owner builder work has been done.

48 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ’08 CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE15 houses – 3 days – South Australians build community, build (cubby) houses.

52 POWER FOR THE PEOPLE!How to take control of your energy usage, expenditure and eco-responsibility.

58 A STONE’S THROWA small selection of owner built properties on Kangaroo Island.

66 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!Filling the gap created when installing kitchen benchtops against mud brick walls.

68 LITTLE HOUSE ON A SMALL PLANETBuild a Glove, Not a Warehouse. Just how much space does it take to be happy?


Nº

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THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

Storybook stone cottageElegant sandstone brick home

Owner builder insurance

Natural paints

The

Building with steel

Insulating wattle and daub

Low cost timber based mortgage-free home


REGULAR FEATURESIn house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . . 22

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71From the back porch . 74

COVER PHOTOGRAPH

This storybook stone cottage nestles amongst the trees alongside a rushing river. Story starts p.6. Photo: Sharyn Munro.

Telephone/Fax: 02 4982 8820 (10am–2pm Monday & Thursday)Fax: 02 4982 8820 (anytime)










Nº 151 Feb/Mar 2009 Editorial – 2 December Advertising – 9 December

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6 STORYBOOK STONE COTTAGEMaking a dream come true on a grassy flat surrounded by tall trees.

13 WATTLE AND DAUB IN THE NEW AGE How does it stand up to the energy ratings and efficiency standards?

18 NATURAL PAINTSCan the paint you use really make a difference to your health and the environment?

24 OWNER BUILDER INSURANCEUnder-insurance can be major obstacle should a claim arise during your build.

26 SCHOOL HOUSE ELEGANCEOld-fashioned sandstone bricks create a home reminiscent of early school buildings.

33 THE ECONOSPACE PROJECTA low cost, mortgage-free, timber based, living unit that can be easily constructed.

39 CHILL HILLAn existing pad and small studio steadily grew into a large open plan steel home.

48 WELCOMING OCTAGONThis lovingly created home on Kangaroo Island utilises recycled materials throughout.

53 OWNER BUILDER REGULATIONS Proposed exemption for owner builders in the New Zealand regulations.

55 STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PAINTING YOUR ROOMGood preparation and attention to detail will result in professional finish.

57 BUILDING WITH STEELPart 1: Why choose steel for your building project?

60 CORNISH SLATE AND STONE BARNSRestoration of barns is making a revival in Cornwall in the UK.

THE OWNER BUILDER • 151 February/March 2009 • 1

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

Straw bale dreams

The

Natural swimming pools

Modular tin and timber

Stone and heavy timber frame

Steel frame finishing

Green renovation

Installing doors

Chainsaw carpentry

Poly tunnel bathroom

THE OWNER BUILDER • 151 February/March 2009 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . .12

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .56

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .70

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

From the back porch .74

COVER PHOTOGRAPH

Sharing the load with another family made this straw bale home much easier to build. Story starts p.6. Photo: Lynda Wilson










DEADLINES:Nº 152 April/May 2009 Editorial – 3 February Advertising – 10 February

Nº 153 June/July 2009 Editorial – 7 April Advertising –14 April

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6 SKYVIEW: SHARED STRAW BALE DREAMS A simple drawing of a ‘dream house’ slowly became a reality.

15 BIG BEAM DREAMINGA quick guide to chainsaw carpentry.

18 DOORS – A PRACTICAL INSTALLATION GUIDEPart 1: Preparation for the successful hanging of doors.

24 HOME WARRANTY INSURANCEAvoid confusing home warranty insurance with construction insurance.

26 SYMPATHETIC STONE BARN ADDITIONThe derelict remains of a 100-year old solid stone barn provided inspiration.

33 EARTH BUILDING UPDATEThe Earth Building Association of Australia keeps us updated on current happenings.

36 NATURAL SWIMMING POOLSNothing beats the joy of swimming in a natural pool, untainted by chemicals.

42 EXPOS AND EVENTS We enjoy the chance to meet readers face to face – pop along and say hello.

44 GREEN RENOVATIONPart 1: Why a Green Renovation?

48 AS SIMPLE AS YOU MAKE ITA modular solar tin and timber home, sympathetic with the old farm buildings.

57 DEMOUNTABLE GUTTER ASSEMBLYIn a bushfire-prone area, eliminating leaf litter in the roof gutters is vital.

60 BUILDING WITH STEELPart 3: The final straight – finishing your steel framed home.

68 A TEMPORARY BATHROOMAfter a hard day’s owner building, a ‘proper’ bathroom is a must.

ISSUE Nº 151 February / March 2009

© www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 02 4982 8820

THE OWNER BUILDER • 152 April/May 2009 • 1 © www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 02 4982 8820

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THE AUSTRALASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

MAGAZINE


$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

The

Modern bush home base

Cob built cottage

Hebel & radially sawn timber

Kit home with curves

Open plan timber cottage

Basalt rock in the round

Owner builder injury claims

Rubble sandstone beauty

Green renovationHanging doors

THE OWNER BUILDER • 152 April/May 2009 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coming events . . . . . . . . .13

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

OB profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .46

EBAA update . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Expos & events . . . . . . . . .56

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

AUSBALE update . . . . . .70

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .73


COVER PHOTOGRAPH

The unusual shape is underpinned by a simple structure that was easy to build. Story starts p.33. Photo: Lynda Wilson










DEADLINES:Nº 153 June/July 2009 Editorial – 7 April Advertising –14 April

Nº 154 Aug/Sept 2009 Editorial – 9 June Advertising – 16 June

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6 BALLINTAGGARTLocal timber and basalt rock complement the beautiful tropical location.

11 INJURY CLAIMSWhy owner builders need more than just ‘workers compensation’ insurance.

15 HOME IS NOT A CONSUMER ITEMReflections from an ’80s owner built timber cottage.

21 GREEN RENOVATIONPart 2: Let the games begin.

25 TRANSITION SPACESCreating microclimates for comfortable outdoor living.

28 COBBING IN THE USABuilding with cob is slow, but it is all worth it.

33 MODERN BUSH HOME BASE There is nothing ordinary about this Zincalume and timber home in Tasmania.

50 DOORS – A PRACTICAL INSTALLATION GUIDEPart 2: Hanging a straight door.

58 KIT HOME WITH CURVESA RAL Homes house that is ready for extremes of temperature.

64 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!A smart way to move large quantities of building materials on a very steep block.

67 THE OWNER-BUILT LOG HOUSEB. Allan Mackie believes the average person is capable of building a log home.

75 RUBBLE SANDSTONE BEAUTYTradie’s handiwork creates an impressive Daylesford home.

78 HEBEL AND RADIALLY SAWN TIMBERMaximising passive solar aspects while providing protection from prevailing winds.

ISSUE Nº 152 April / May 2009

THE OWNER BUILDER • 153 June/July 2009 • 1

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A healthy home in the

suburbsOctagonal

muddie

BUSHFIRE SPECIAL FEATURE • Steel products

• Earth and straw bale

• Windows and doors

Straw bale shed

Creating with ‘junk’

Open plan pole home

THE OWNER BUILDER • 153 June/July 2009 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Coming events . . . . . . . . .32

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

TOB merchandise . . . . . .53

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .53

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .54

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71From the back porch .74

COVER PHOTOGRAPH

Building a healthy house in the suburbs is both possible and practical. Story starts p.57. Photo: Lynda Wilson










DEADLINES:Nº 154 Aug/Sept 2009 Editorial – 9 June Advertising – 16 June

Nº 155 Oct/Nov 2009 Editorial – 11 August Advertising –18 August

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6 EARTH HOME, EARTH CAREA 1970’s mud brick octagon surrounded by a healthy earth garden.

12 VALE RUSSELL ANDREWSA tribute to the former publisher and editor of The Owner Builder.

16 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!This is one owner builder who never passes up an offer of ‘junk’.

18 BUSHFIRE SPECIAL FEATURE19 Introduction

20 Steel products

22 Earth integration

23 Straw bale

24 Bushfire effects

28 Windows and doors

34 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEBuilding a straw bale shed gives a good overview of the whole process.

38 WAREHOUSE WONDERThe principles of building a hot rod have been applied to this warehouse conversion.

45 HEALTHIER HOMESA few points to help you determine how sick your home is.

47 ‘LA DOLCE VITA’ A half-finished project is turned into an architectural masterpiece.

50 DESIGN AND BUILD AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSEA simple open plan pole home with skillion roof provides a comfortable family home.

57 CREATING A HEALTHY HOMEA suburban home based on building biology principles and using off-the-shelf products.

ISSUE Nº 153 June /July 2009

THE OWNER BUILDER • 154 August / September 2009 • 1

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$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

FUNKY FUNCTIONAL STEEL Stone meditation retreat

Straw bale and rammed earth hospital

Basic bamboo – subtropic comfort

Insurance – getting it right • Dry stone walling

Straw bale atrium • Help with retrofitting

THE OWNER BUILDER • 154 August / September 2009 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Coming events . . . . . . . . .14

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .22


Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .54

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71From the back porch .74

COVER PHOTOGRAPH‘A few sheds in a paddock.’ This is how Russell Andrews described the home he designed for his and Valerie’s retirement. Story starts p.16. Photo: Philip Ashton.





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6 BLISSFUL BAMBOOAllowing a family to live their dream, even on a shoestring budget.

12 GETTING INSURED… and getting it right, that is the trick to a hassle-free build.

16 A FEW SHEDS IN A PADDOCKEasily sourced, low maintenance materials were chosen for this home.

20 GREEN LOANS PROGRAMGovernment assistance with retrofitting your home to be more environmentally friendly.

22 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!There are ways to recycle just about anything, including pet carriers.

23 EARTH BUILDING UPDATEBuilding with rammed earth in Western Australia and beyond.

26 WILDLIFE WARRIOR’S DREAM BECOMES REALITYThe Australian Wildlife Hospital has been built using straw bale and rammed earth.

31 THE STRENGTH OF STRAWThis straw bale extension onto a mud brick home features a unique atrium.

35 SOUL SPACE‘Ahimsa’ – a river rock meditation retreat for one.

39 FUNKY AND FUNCTIONALThis low-cost steel home is a far cry from the ‘ordinary’!

44 FIRE BUNKERSIt is really important that you get it right, should you decide to build a fire bunker.

46 DRY STONE WALLINGInterest grows in an ancient skill.

48 MINI ‘SHEARING SHED’Simple but stylish steel frame accommodation for around $35,000.

58 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDSA tight budget, ingenuity and an army of helpful friends all featured in this project.

ISSUE Nº 154 August/September 2009




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DEADLINES:Nº 155 Oct/Nov 2009 Editorial – 11 August Advertising –18 August


www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 02 4982 8820

THE OWNER BUILDER • 155 October / November 2009 • 1

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HOME BUILDERS

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CONTEMPORARY STRAW BALE Building in an ecovillage

Cordwood masonry and living roofs

Shipping container housing

WIN!a great TOB

Xmas prize packSee p.73 for details

a gr

Portable recirculating shower Green renovation update from TasmaniaWindow flashing for straw bale building Painting and decorating tips

THE OWNER BUILDER • 155 October / November 2009 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Coming events . . . . . . . . .13

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .51

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52


Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .59

Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68


COVER PHOTOGRAPHMaximising efficiency and minimising outgoings means this impressive contemporary straw bale house has it all. Story starts p.6. Photo: Sharyn Munro.





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6 CONTEMPORARY STRAW BALEWell-researched, passive solar stylish home.

16 PORTABLE RECIRCULATING SHOWERSuitable for temporary ablutions on building or camping sites.

18 LIFE IN A BOX Could shipping containers be a long term liveable solution?

18 Container City in London

20 Are containers sub standard accommodation?

22 PAINTING AND DECORATING TIPSThis is one area where the owner builder could save a lot of money.

29 WINDOW FLASHING FOR STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTIONIt is important to get it right in this vulnerable area.

35 CORDWOOD MASONRY AND LIVING ROOFSThese two green building techniques complement one another perfectly.

39 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IN AN ECOVILLAGEOrientation, low embodied energy, size and low toxicity materials combined well.

45 INSURE ME IF YOU CAN!Getting covered when it seems impossible.

48 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEPresentations at field days help to demonstrate the benefits of straw bale.

50 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!Left over materials can often provide solutions elsewhere.

60 GREEN RENOVATIONPart 3: Snug as bugs.

ISSUE Nº 155 October/November 2009






Nº 157 Feb/Mar 2010 Editorial – 1 December Advertising – 8 December

www.theownerbuilder.com.au • 02 4982 8820

THE OWNER BUILDER • 156 December 2009 / January 2010 • 1

THE AUSTRAL ASIAN

HOME BUILDERS

MAGAZINE


$6.95 (NZ $9.90 incl. GST)

RAMMED EARTH EXTENSION

DIY triple glazingStone ‘castle’

Straw bale and ember attackInstalling internal lining boards

WIN! a great TOB Xmas prize pack! D

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THE OWNER BUILDER • 156 December 2009 / January 2010 • 3

REGULAR FEATURES

In house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Coming events . . . . . . . . .14

Line ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Reader feedback . . . . . . .20

Coming soon . . . . . . . . . . .50

Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . .55

Back issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56


Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Bookshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

COVER PHOTOGRAPHSFront: An 1890s timber cottage renovated and extended with rammed earth is now a light and spacious family home. Story starts p.6. Photo: Sharyn Munro.





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6 WHERE CENTURIES MEETRammed earth used to extend a traditional timber cottage.

13 EXPO UPDATEIt is once again time for the annual Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

16 CORDWOOD MASONRY METHODSThe methods and design aspects of this unique building method.

22 INTERNAL LINING BOARDSTimber boards provide a more durable surface and require less skill to install.

28 BUILDING IN A BUSHFIRE ZONESome tips for reducing the effects of ember attack.

32 TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW UPDATELearn about upgrading your windows from this DIY experiment.

35 A JUG OF WINE, A LOAF OF BREAD AND THOU…A mud brick home with an unusual roof, and two home based businesses.

39 SOLID AS A ROCKThis stone house and surrounds has been built single-handedly.

43 THE FLYWIRE HOUSEA study in design against bushfire.

47 STRAW BALE BUILDING UPDATEWorkshops are a great way to learn about alternative building methods.

50 FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOMEIn Australia each year, around 70 people die as a result of house fires.

72 BUILDING DIARYFollowing the progress of owner builder projects: selecting materials and suppliers.

ISSUE Nº 156 Dec 2009 / Jan 2010





DEADLINES:Nº 157 Feb/Mar 2010 Editorial – 1 December Advertising – 8 December

Nº 158 Apr/May 2010 Editorial – 2 February Advertising – 9 February

the owner builder 2000-2009 97-156

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