Author:Grobbelaar, C.S; Billinggum, P.ADate:1975The most basic function of a building is to protect its occupants and their possessions from the weather. It is no wonder therefore that a leaking root, or finishes marred by dump, leave the owner feeling cheated- his building isn’t doing the ...Read more
Author:Billingham, PADate:1977When man first began to build shelters for himself about 800 years ago he concentrated on providing effective walls and roof. The floor go-t scant attention because it was already provided by the earth. The first soft floor coverings ware ...Read more
Author:Donaldson, GW; Billingham, PADate:1973The words ‘built on a firm foundation' have become part of the language and most people would unhesitatingly agree that a house has to have a foundation' without perhaps understanding exactly why. If one were to place an open wooden box upside ...Read more
Author:Addis, B.JDate:1980Paving is used to cover ground to eliminate dust, mud or erosion and to facilitate the movement of traffic. It can also be used to control the moisture content of the underlying soil around houses built on unsable soil such as heaving clay. ...Read more
Author:Ferreira, T.M; Billingham, P.ADate:1973The difference between sound and noise varies from one human being to another. Noise, then, is simply unwanted sound and to understand how it can be combatted we must know more about its nature. A guide of acceptable levels of noise are investigated.Read more
Author:Cromarty, R.E; Billingham, P.ADate:1985Thousands of years ago primitive man made use of some of the colourful materials that he found around him to stain his body and clothing. He also decorated the walls of his cave with pictures of hunters and wild animals drawn with these ...Read more
Author:Ferreira, TDate:1979Home owners often complain that traffic noise disturbs their indoor peace and quiet. It is difficult, expensive and probably unnecessary to make the whole house soundproof. To appreciate and apply the practical tips that follow later, it is ...Read more
Author:Billingham, P.ADate:1977It has become fashionable to talk of 'energy crisis' but in fact there is still no shortage of energy - if one is prepared to pay the price. This situation, however, cannot continue indefinitely because our limited supplies coal and oil are ...Read more
Author:Cawood, WNDate:1976Since primitive man first set fire to a heap of twigs to warm his cave, mankind has been making use of the earth's energy resources. Fortunately, we still have the sun, which offers us an inexhaustible source of non-polluting energy.Read more
Author:Lotz, F.J; Billingham, P.ADate:1974Too many people need to switch on the air-conditioning every time the sun comes up and light a fire as soon as it does down again. The sun is a wonderful source of energy that comes free of charge to all of us.Read more
Author:Long, KDate:1978Thatch has been used as a roofing material from the earliest times. The basic tools of the thatcher's craft have not changed over hundreds of years. Thatching is a craft that is traditionally handed down from father to son.Read more