How to begin green home design

1. Building your Sustainable Project
Precision Structural Engineering, Inc.
250 Main St., Ste. A
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
541.850.6300 | Fax: 541.850.6233
www.structure1.com | mt2@structure1.com
One or more of our staff and sub-consultants carry multi-state licenses.
We can serve you in 47 states!
Disclaimer: The statements/ information contain within are a general preliminary
opinion and may not be applicable to your or to any user’s particular project.
Users of the enclosed opinions/information assume all liability arising from such
use. You should retain the service of Precision Structural Engineering or a local
licensed Professional Engineer. I do not make any warranty, expressed or
implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for it’s use and/or
application.
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Precision Structural Engineering is a leader in green home
design, and provides the design services for any of your Earthen
buildings.

2. “We have the Leading Edge in Sustainable Design Experience!”
Precision
Structural
Engineering
How to Begin Green Home Designs
Green home designs are trending in the architecture
and design industries. Many of these companies and
firms find it difficult to keep up with the rising
demand of their customers to provide greener
solutions to home building and design. To offer
green home designs, it is important to locate a
company that has been offering this service to
architects, property developers and construction
teams and have the experience to provide structural
designs that contribute to greener homes.
Precision Structural Engineering has been providing
top quality, green structural design since 1995. On
average, PSE complete structural designs on over
500 projects a year in over 47 states. The firm has
excellent experience in new building construction, as
well as seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings.
How to Go Green with Precision Structural Engineering’s Sustainable
Home Designs
Many commercial and residential businesses are looking to build greener structures to adhere to the demands of the
consumer. Building green is construction without destruction and through the use of sustainable home designs any builder
can make their dream of a green future a reality. The concept of green comes from the idea of renewal, growth and life.
Estimates inform us that the buildings we live and work in consume 40% of resources and emit 50% of greenhouse gases.
These buildings use more energy than cars. Indoor air can be 2-5x more polluted than outside. The current green marketing
trends are happening because they connect to a need and due to this need, sustainable home designs are gaining
awareness. Builders are taking the action required to make these designs a reality, to protect the environment, and to
make green living a way of life for North Americans.
Green Home Designs are the Future
Green buildings make people feel good and it costs less to maintain than traditional structures. The term “sustainable
building” is another way of referring to green buildings, which are built to last, with quality design, durable materials and
conscientious construction.
Whether your planning the construction of a sustainable home or eco-friendly modifications to an existing structure, hiring
the services of a structural engineer with expertise in sustainable construction is the best path toward project success. The
engineers at Precision Structural Engineering can guide businesses in the selection of materials and green building
techniques, assist with accurately estimating building costs, as well as identify potential issues that could arise in the
construction process, through sustainable building services. The team can assist on any project, large or small.

3. How do I Get started?
“We have the Leading Edge in Sustainable Design Experience!”
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Do you have the site that you would like to build on?
Do you have any layout of the house or project you want to build?
1. You must have a site to build on
2. You must have a plan
a) Purchase stock plans AutoCad drawings available at
http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/plans/plans.htm
b) Design your own layout and have PSE create the
AutoCad drawings:
a) Hand drawn layout
b) Computer aided program such as Sketchup
http://www.sketchup.com/
3. After you have your plans. PSE can
a) Can give you an actual estimate
b) Modify the drawings per your desire If necessary. It is
usually on a per hour basis.
c) Then we will provide you with the structural engineering
4. Choose your building product
a) Earthbag
b) Rammed earth
c) Adobe
d) Earthen Blocks
5. Obtain your building permit
a) PSE mainly provide the Structural Engineering design
and drawings to help you get the building permit. Other
services will be provided by one of our sub-consultant.
b) Check with your local building department
6. Construct your project

4. When do you need a building permit?
“We Have the Leading
Edge in Sustainable
Design Experience!"
In order to build a new house, or make improvements to an existing household, homeowners are more than
likely required by the city or township to obtain a permit for the project. The regulations vary from city to
city, or rural area, so the bottom line is that people should call their local building official.
These are general examples of construction projects that may or may not need a building permit. Check with your local
building official to be sure before beginning any construction.
Permit is usually needed for . . .
· New home construction
· New garage construction
· New commercial or industrial construction
· Any addition onto an existing building or structure
· Sheds 120 square feet or larger (including overhang)
· Any fence higher than 6' tall
· Any retaining wall higher than 4 foot
· Swimming pools over 5,000 gallons
· Signs (commercial or industrial)
· Re-windowing (only if changing the size of the window frame)
· Fireplace installation
· Demolition of an existing structure
· Decks
· Finishing off a roughed-in bathroom
· Finishing off a basement, which involves constructing walls.
· Installation of a bedroom egress exit window.
· Some larger excavation projects
· Moving a building in or out
· Electrical work must have a permit from the State Board of Electricity
· Plumbing work also requires a separate permit

5. Building Code Requirements for Earthen Projects
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Recognized as one of the leader in green home design, PSE recognizes the need for incorporating more
environmentally sound building practices.
PSE is licensed in more than 47 states and remains dedicated to working with local agencies to merge code
enforcement with sustainable building practices. Building code requirements vary by the city or township, most
building departments don’t have an existing codes for sustainable building construction, making the permit and
building process more difficult. PSE does let that stop us, if it’s not in the book, we’ll work with it to meet all
standards needed. Our experienced engineers design your project, follow the International Residential Code
(IRC) & International Building Code (IBC),(Our American Codes). Their design is based on a thick wall made from
low strength (weak) reinforced masonry.
As one of the few US-based structural engineering firms focusing on green design, we represent
the pioneering spirit of trying something new.
Summary of the minimum reinforcement requirements for bearing walls according to the
international Residential Code, IRC, for running bond construction:
Seismic Design Category A, B , C, D0, D1 and D2
Location of bars
Vertical Bars #4 at 10 feet, a, d, f #4 at 4 feet a, e
Horizontal bars #4 at 10 feet, b, c, d, f #4 at 4 feet b, e

6. Typical Design Details for Earth bag Walls
“We Have the Leading
Edge in Sustainable
Design Experience!"

7. Typical Design Details for Dome Earth bag Walls
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Unstable Construction
Stable Construction

8. Typical Design Details for Dome Earth bag Walls
Precision
Structural
Engineering

9. Innovative Engineering for Structural Excellence
PSE is an innovative engineering firm that utilizes existing and emerging technologies to create solutions
for beautiful, sustainable and safe structures. Our focus has always been, and always will be, to aid in the
design and structural integrity of energy efficient buildings.
We are supporters of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED). PSE has
Worked with many famous and equally innovative architects, designers, and developers to produce some
ground-breaking structures. We provide detailed designs and drawings to facilitate the building process in
A timely and efficient manner. Our goal is to continue to grow and provide services for those trying to
Make their dream project a reality.
“We Have the Leading
Edge in Sustainable
Design Experience!"

10. The following is a short list of firm capabilities:
Engineering, Drafting & Design Services
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Precision Structural Engineering, Inc. is in the business of designing structures for the future, today. We
have a wide range of capabilities enabling us to perform engineering, drafting and design for anything the
imagination can conjure.
As one of the few US based structural engineering firms focusing on green design, we represent the
pioneering spirit of trying something new. If it's not in the books we'll work with it to meet all standards and
add it to the books. Grounded in tradition we meet the future through innovation. PSE provides engineering
for Commercial, Residential, and Industrial projects.
Traditional Structures
• Office Building
• Banks
• Shopping Centers
• Hospitals
• Educational Institutions
• Hotels
• Steel Construction
• Masonry Construction
• Timberwood Structures
• Log Structures
• Pole Buildings and Horse
Arenas
• Swimming Pools and Tanks
• Bridges
Green Structures
• Modular – (FBH)
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
• Panelized Wall Construction
• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
• Recycled Light Guage Steel
• Straw Bale Structures
• Bamboo Structures
• Rammed Earth Structures
• Adobe and Cob Structures
• Shipping Container Structures
• Any Combination of the above
and more….

11. “We Have the Leading
Edge in Sustainable
Design Experience!"
Unique Structures
• Domes
• Yurts
• Modular Coffee Shops
• Treehouse
• Tiny homes
• Waterslides
• Ziplines
Services
• Structural & Civil Engineering
• Seismic Upgrades and Retrofits
• Renovations and Additions
• Evaluation & Inspections
• Foundation Design
• Construction Inspection
• Peer Review & Quality Control
• Consulting Services
aluminum
• Store fronts
• Canopies & Awnings
• Pergolas
• Passenger Waiting
Structures
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Public Transport
• Rail Stations
• Fabric Covered Aluminum
• Aircraft Hangers
• Temp Event
Structures
• Aluminum Trusses

12. Why Choose Precision Structural Engineering, Inc.?
Here are seven extraordinary reasons to add PSE to your design team:
Precision
Structural
Engineering
1. Free initial consultation
2. Your Satisfaction is our top priority. If you are not satisfied, neither are we.
Here is how our clients rate us.
• 96% of our clients give us excellent or very good ratings on the services they have received from us.
• 93.3% of our clients say they would recommend our company to others
• 91.3% of our clients give us excellent or very good ratings on meeting their deadlines
For more testimonials, please click here
3. We Understand that where you work and live requires versatility and flexibility to accommodate personal
preferences. By listening to your needs and then using state-of-the-art software, experience and innovation we
create buildings that;
1. Afford you the most economical, effective and safe structural system currently available
2. Insure the timely and successful completion of your project
4. We Have Extensive Experience in engineering both traditional and environmentally sustainable buildings.
We engineer ALL types of green homes & buildings. Many engineers won’t touch something unless it’s already
in a book. We’re rewriting the book by building with vision and hands-on experience.
5. PSE offers a commitment to engineering excellence. Whether your project is a standard garage or unique
like a coffee shop, a structure built of shipping containers or a tree house for the family, we provide our clients
with a high caliber of efficiency, talent and expertise.
6. No Job is too Big or too Small for us. What you need is what we do.
7. Innovation is the root of PSE. We engineer what you want-just for you.

13. PSE's Quality Control for Design
Quality control starts with hiring the right staff with exceptional qualifications. Technical competency is the
base for engineering design. As part of our quality control on design, we conduct extensive interviews with
prospective Candidates who wish to join our company. In some cases for entry level engineers, additional
written tests are provided. Attitude is extremely important; our staff must have a positive attitude and a
dedication to customer service. Our company sets high standards for quality and design procedures, so each
and every engineer is trained thoroughly on our company's processes, while paired with senior team members
for mentoring.
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Quality control encompasses the
following steps:
1. Initial meeting with the client: First
and foremost, we meet with the client to listen to
his/her wants, needs and requirements.
2. Initial Staff Meeting: Second comes an
initial staff meeting between the Lead Engineer and
the Project Manager.
3. The Engineering Manager: lays out the
overall structural system and considers alternatives.
4. Engineering Manual: Our Engineering
Manual, which is written by a College professor and
practicing Engineer, consists of over forty chapters and
two binders, three inches thick. Each
chapter covers a type of construction method, materials
used, or both. The combined chapters
cover almost every thing the Engineers need to develop
high quality construction documents,
starting from where to get the loads, load pass, to
design. Our Engineering Manual acts as a
comprehensive resource to guide our Engineers
throughout the project development; with its
clear-cut standards of excellence and demonstrative
calculative examples and guidelines.

14. Precision
Structural
Engineering
5. Progress Meetings: The number of meetings varies based on the size of each project,
but meetings are conducted throughout the design process on a regular and as-needed basis. This
is where alternatives are presented, troubleshooting occurs (if any), and Value Engineering
takes precedence.
6. Checklists: Checklists are an extremely important part of design quality control, as this
prevents any steps from being missed, and ensures all aspects of the document creation are
covered and prevents loss of information and accuracy. Checklists encompass not only design
procedures and bullet points, but also encompass materials used and steps which need to be
taken to ensure complete integration of design concepts with practical construction
application.
7. Final Engineering Review by the Engineering Manager: This is the
meeting where we make a final check to make sure that we have satisfied all of our clients' and
building code requirements.
Our commitment to quality control during all phases of the design process is met through open communication
with all members of the Design Team, and a thorough understanding of the needs at hand and how we, as a
team, can meet those needs with concrete solutions that work. Each project not only requires the highest level of
professionalism and expertise, but must be designed with longevity in mind; a quality design will outlast and out-
perform inferior products or services, and will not only be a positive investment for the client, but an asset and
integral part of the structure over time.

15. Precision
Structural
Engineering
Client Testimonials
"Tell your team we are quite pleased with the work and look
forward to getting going on the engineering as soon as the planning
departments approves the plans." -Dr. Samuel Breidenbach "This
is excellent and the cleanest structural plans I've seen yet. The
simplicity and layout is fantastic. I really appreciate it. Thank you!" -
Dr. Kathleen Liston, AIA, Architect and CEO, ECOOFSITE "Perfect.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your creativity and flexibility.
This is precisely the kind of relationship with structural that a
designer/builder on the cutting edge needs to have. Thank you so
very much." -David Easton, Rammed Earth Works
"We here at Wardcraft Homes have completed several projects with
the help of P.S.E. Inc. Their review of these projects for both
structural and seismic loading was excellent. P.S.E. was willing to
review alternative construction details in order to make the In-plant
construction as easy as possible. P.S.E. turned our drawings
around in a very timely manner, worked with us and our third party
approval agency to facilitate prompt approval packages and meet
our production schedules. The staff at P.S.E. has been very
pleasant to work with and we will continue to do business with them
as our needs arise. I have no reservations in recommending them to
you for your engineering needs." -Chuck Krueger, Wardcraft
Homes, Fort Morgan, CO. Plant "We REALLY appreciate the good
work you did and the fact that you were so timely with getting it
done. I want to say what a pleasure it has been working with you
and your firm -- Excellent service, especially in communication and
timeliness." -Alex Heckathorn
"Thanks Nabil for being so pro-active about being a
critical part of our team! It’s been great working with your
company! It’s been very difficult to find a structural
engineer that can meet our tight deadlines and keep our
client happy! We are very proud to meet and exceed all of
our clients’ expectations. I appreciate your hard work!" -
Paulette T. Burns, Lami Grubb Management Services
Inc., Pittsburg, PA. "I would like to thank you for your
prompt assistance in the above matter. In the event I
should ever need your services in the future, you may be
sure I will contact you. I will also take the liberty of
recommending your services to my friends." -Louis
Tiraterra "Thank you so much for the speedy, professional
service" -Jeff Titus, Home owner

16. Precision
Structural
Engineering
"It has been a pleasure working with you. You are always
responsive, and your work is top-notch. You really make my
job a lot easier. Thanks!" -Bob Biederman, Xtremehomes
Director "Fast service" -Craig & Kathy Kuyper "Easy to
understand, readily available, very easy to work with." -D
Goodwin, Home owner "Quick and up-front to address the
issue" -John (Bud) Cook, C.E.
"Treated with respect - friendly staff" -Steve Bruner
"Professional, knowledgeable on straw bale construction,
good turnaround time" -Gerard "The immediate involvement
of Nabil in getting the project going." -Carson Kendall
"Everyone was very personable, easy going!" -Kirsta
Cassel
"Convenient location, hospitality atmosphere." -Grace
Johan "Personal service, and direct communication." -Mark
Green "You solved our structural problem." -David
Claussen "The ability to get the job done so quickly." -Earl
K
"The personal attention regardless of the project size." -
Steve Bruner construction, Owner "Availability,
accessibility, very good service!" -John Duffie, Architect
"Dependable and accurate design." -Todd Laitinen, Project
engineer, "Being able to work with the draftsman." -Ken
Clegg Construction, Owner

17. Open Ratings | D&B Past Performance Evaluation
Precision
Structural
Engineering

18. Open Ratings | D&B Past Performance Evaluation

19. The very best website that I am aware of on earthbag building
by Kelly Hart and Owen Geiger. earthbagbuilding.com
Recommend reading list:
Earthbag Buildings
by Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer.
The Rammed Earth House
by David Easton.
Building of Earth and Straw, Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Architecture,
by Bruce King, P.E.
Adobe and Framed Earth Buildings
by Paul Graham Mchenry, Jr.
Earth Construction, a Comprehensive Guide
by Hugo Houben and Hubert Guillaud.
Rammed Earth Structures, A Code of Practice
by Julian Keable.
Building with Earth, Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture
by Gernot Minke.
Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings, Design and Construction
by Paul Grahm Mchenry, Jr.
Precision
Structural
Engineering
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The statements/ information contain within
are a general preliminary opinion and may not be
applicable to your or to any user’s particular project.
Users of the enclosed opinions/information assume all
liability arising from such use. You should retain the
service of Precision Structural Engineering or a local
licensed Professional Engineer. I do not make any
warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal
liability or responsibility for it’s use and/or application.