On the shelf

Published : 14/02/2010 | Author: HOMEKAKERS | Annelie Nolte

Be your own architect

South African House Plans 2

By: Inhouseplans (Pty) Ltd

Published by RANDOM HOUSE STRUIK

Building and designing your own home can be a very exciting, but also a very challenging project to take on. There is nothing better than to move into a home you know is built according to your unique specifications. South African House Plans 2 is the second book in its range for people who plan to build their own homes and need some inspiration or ideas. The book contains 121 interesting house plans, ranging from 45m2 to 566m2 in different architectural styles.

The inclusion of 3D renderings makes this book different to the first one and helps future builders to envision the home they are planning to build.

Each plan in the book complies with South African building regulations and conditions and has been designed by qualified, award-winning architects. The plans in the book can be obtained and purchased on the website http://www.inhouseplans.com.

Inhouseplans (Pty) Ltd launched its first (and also a first in South Africa) website to sell house plans in 2002. The architects involved noticed that there are a large number of people who want to build a house, but do not have the resources to employ a proper architect. The website and book allows these people to build their own architect designed homes, at an affordable price. Make an investment in your future home with this unique publication.

NB: One lucky reader can win one copy of this useful book, click here to enter!

Maverick Science: 50 incredible experiments to try at home

Authors: Chris Smith and Dave Ansell

Published by RANDOM HOUSE STRUIK

Are you one of those grownups who will always be a kid at heart? Are you looking for some adventure that won’t cost you a fortune? Then this book will definitely be an investment for you and your children. Maverick Science will most definitely ensure an irrelevant, educational and fun-filled adventure for the entire family. It contains experiments that will prickle the fancy of anyone with a sense of curiosity. Everyday props can be used for these experiments that can be conducted in and around the home and no professional equipment is required. Everything is explained in a light hearted tone and after each experiment an explanation is given as to why the result reached is what it is. You can now discover why salt and slugs don’t mix. You can measure the speed of light with margarine and learn why the sky is blue by conducting a few fun experiments.

Chris Smith and Dave Ansell are scientists and researchers at Cambridge University and are devoted to promote the understanding and enjoyment of science.

Make your own Toaster-powered hot-air balloon

You will need a kitchen toaster, a thin polythene bin bag of the sort that is used to line a pedal bin, some sticky tape and a length of cardboard similar in height to the bin bag and large enough to encircle the toaster.
Roll the cardboard into a rough tube large enough to fit over the toaster, but small enough to fit inside the bag.
Fix the edges of the cardboard together with sticky tape, so that it looks like a chef’s hat. (Ensure that you apply the tape to the outside of the cardboard rather than the inside where it could touch the toaster).
Switch on the toaster and place the cardboard tube over the top as to resemble a chimney.
Now, open the bin bag and place it over the cardboard tube and then wait.
After 15 to 20 seconds the bag will take off. Once the bag has cleared the launch pad, switch off the toaster. With a clear flight path, it should easily reach a height of 2 to 3 meters before it begins to drift down again.”

If you want to know why this experiment works and how it works, get yourself a copy of this fun-filled book of science tricks!

NB: Two readers can each win a copy of this interesting book, click here to enter!

For more information about these books and others, visit http://www.randomstruik.co.za

When nature calls

More Bird Calls for Beginners

Author: Doug Newman

Published by RANDOM HOUSE STRUIK

Have you ever sat in the garden, listened to the birds chirping away in the trees around your home and wondered which type of bird makes which sound? Apparently you are not the only one, because this curious question has come up so often that it inspired Doug Newman to bring out his second book and CD-combination about this fascinating subject. The book features 99 birds and their calls, which is also featured on the enclosed CD. The birds range from common and widely distributed, to a few species that are rare or sought after.

The book is illustrated with full colour photographs, along with maps and interesting information about the specific specie’s habitat, feeding, nesting and a description of the its unique call. The book is extremely interesting and a must-have for bird- and nature lovers.

The author, Doug Newman, is an electrical engineer with a keen interest in birds. He is also the co-founder of the website http://www.simplybirding.com.