The EcoNest Home: Designing and Building a Light Straw Clay House

An EcoNest is not just a home—it is a breathtakingly beautiful structure that nurtures health and embraces ecology. This unique approach to construction combines light clay straw, timber framing, earthen floors, natural plasters, and other natural techniques with the principles of Building Biology to create a handcrafted living sanctuary. By bringing together time-honored traditions and modern innovations, owners of EcoNests enjoy living spaces that reflect the best of both worlds.

The EcoNest Home is an in-depth exploration of the benefits of choosing this technique over conventional alternatives, combined with a complete practical guide for prospective designers and builders. Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte draw on their own extensive experience to provide:

• A detailed explanation of the nature-based science behind EcoNests
• Fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions to guide you through construction
• Dozens of inspiring photos of completed projects

The most comprehensive North American resource on light clay straw construction, written by its leading proponents, The EcoNest Home is a must-read for anyone considering building their own healthy, affordable, environmentally friendly natural home.

Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte are the creators of the EcoNest concept and the authors of Econest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw and Timber. Robert has built over fifty houses using the EcoNest system and has trained hundreds of professional builders and aspiring owner-builders in using the techniques. Paula has worked as the architect for the EcoNest Company for nearly two decades and is the author of Prescriptions for a Healthy House.