Real LI

"Alternative Construction: Contemporary Natural Building Methods" by Lynne Elizabeth and Cassandra Adams (Wiley, $45): Combining contemporary building approaches and more traditional methods based on natural materials, this overview assesses the value of each style of construction. It examines the use of clay, straw, rammed earth style, adobe, bamboo and other materials that will work with modern processes to create buildings that have less negative impact on their surroundings while providing comfort and safety to its inhabits. Experts, more than 30 in all in various types of construction, contribute a chapter or more while overall the book makes a strong argument for smarter, less wasteful approach.

-PAM ROBINSON