That list could be applied to conventional buildings as well.
A well build timber building has a proven track record of 100's of years. A stick building could possibly reach those numbers if time allowed. Which is going to possibly be the issue. The modern house built today has a life of 50 years.(I read that somewhere) It will be demolished or come to some demise. Where the timbered building will have a sought after appeal, or at least that is my hope.
The first chapter of Sobon's book, the first section he touches on vernacular traditions and "The process of building became as important as the end product". This, for me, brings up the point that a true vernacular building will have an added cost. I spend much more time gaining the local resources needed than the conventional builder who can go the the building supply store and pick up ready to use product and simply apply it. What is the true cost of building? And what is it's worth either way?
Tim
