From straw bale houses in Nebraska, to mud huts in the desert climes of Africa, natural building is happening all around us—and it’s not a new phenomena. In the throes of the Industrial Revolution, a change took place in industrialized countries. Age-old methods of building were tossed aside, and construction techniques were standardized as it became cheaper in the short run to mechanize the processing of building materials. The cost of modern construction techniques, however, is being felt in its impact on our environment, our health and our spiritual well-being. A change is taking place. For years now, people around the world have been rediscovering natural building.

In order to promote this movement, the editors of "The Art of Natural Building," have provided us with a collection of essays on the subject. As Michael G. Smith writes in the introduction, the book covers more than just building techniques, “it provides a philosophical framework for the entire natural building movement, as well as a set of design principles broadly applicable to ecological design projects everywhere.” In fact, so many facets of natural building are covered in this book, it would take a much longer review to catalog them.

More than just an aesthetic movement—a nostalgic nod to our history—natural building is at its root about social responsibility. The materials used in conventional building consume enormous amounts of energy in processing and distribution. Natural building, on the other hand, relies on local resources, and the energy expended in processing is typically measured in sweat. And in contrast to the health risks associated with the numerous chemicals that go into modern materials (think glues, fiberglass and paint), natural building provides a healthier indoor environment.

Natural building also calls for a more intimate relationship between builders, the land and their materials. Builders must learn local conditions (prevailing winds, terrain, orientation to the sun, etc.). And since many natural building techniques allow for flexibility of design, builders can create their homes organically—designing as they go.

Some of the best essays in this collection were saved for last. The book closes with case studies that describe natural building projects around the world: from Simone Swan’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border to reintroduce affordable adobe housing and Catherine Wanek’s essay on the tradition of natural building in Europe.

Numerous building materials and techniques are covered. The essays cover everything from cob and straw bale walls, to organic roofs, to natural paints and finishes. None of them, though, are discussed with enough detail for this book to be more than a starting point for your building project. That’s not a bad thing as this broad survey opens your eyes to numerous aspects of natural building. In addition, the editors have provided an extensive list of resources, and each essay includes its own list of resources on specific topics, making "The Art of Natural Building" the perfect introduction to the art of natural building.