Oram Miller, BBEI has co-written a new building manual, entitled "Breathing Walls," in conjunction with and based upon the work of George Swanson, BBEI, builder and Building Biologist^TM of Austin, Texas. George and Oram have been joined by Wayne Federer of Wisconsin as editor and contributor. Wayne is a chemist who has taken traning in Building Biology and brings a research orientation to the manual.

The book covers nontoxic envelope materials and includes protocols for the design and construction of healthy walls, foundations, slabs and roofs in new and remodeled homes. These protocols are used by George and other builders around the country. Their work, in turn, is based upon principles taught by the International Institute for Bau-biologie^TM and Ecology, in Clearwater, Florida.

We present natural, nontoxic, breathable (hygroscopic) alternatives to the approaches currently used by builders. We show you the problems with water intrusion and mold caused by today's building practices. We then present time-honored procotols promoted by our profession for building cost-effective, sustainable and healthy new and remodeled homes.

These alternative approaches avoid mold and provide mass in the walls with good thermal performance. They augment and enhance sustainable, green approaches promoted by the US Green Building Council's LEED for Homes program and such regional green building programs as Minnesota GreenStar.

Architects, designers, builders and homeowners will learn how to blend the best of ancient building practices with nontoxic modern techniques to provide high performance homes and offices using best practices, while enhancing human health.

As of April 2008 we have released a pre-publication version of the manual in spiral-bound format. We also plan to release an electronic version at some point in the distant future, either as a pdf download or as a CD-ROM, although the date of release of the ebook is uncertain at this time. Updates will be available through the ebook when it is released.

You can order the spiral-bound version now through our newly designed website, www.breathingwalls.com.

To preview the manual, you can view the Table of Contents by clicking here.

Some comments from readers include:
"A thorough look at building envelope construction. Clearly sets out the weaknesses of the current 'tight building' approach, and makes some thoughtful recommendations for change."
"After reading parts of your book, it was clear that George has some unique insights and experiences...This breathing system for walls, floors, and ceiling that you so clearly outlined in your book is affordable and doable now!"

To see more comments from readers of our new manual, released in April 2008, as well as comments from readers of our first edition, released in 2004, click here.

This page last updated March 12, 2009.