Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible. A Pretty Good House is: * A house that's as small as possible * Simple and durable, but also well designed * Insulated and air-sealed * Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.
"Green construction is the building trend of the decade. In direct response to the growing demand for sustainable, healthy, and energy-efficient homes, David Johnston and Scott Gibson present the most forward-thinking theories and the best proven methods of new and remodeled green construction. They begin with down-to-earth explanations of green building basics and move on to site planning, materials selection, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality -- detailing along the way every step in design and construction, from framing to finishes" -- back cover.
A #1 best seller for years, Bill Hirsch's Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect has been called an essential read for Homeowners as well as Professionals. Bill's flowing style of writing makes you feel like you are sitting with him having a chat about your project. The philosophy behind design decisions is explained with stories, photos, sketches, and checklists. The book is divided into Twelve Lessons, with an additional Bonus Lesson ," Building Green, Naturally". You will learn how to evaluate your needs and work towards creating a suitable design, perfect for you and your family. The experience of home design and construction should be controllable, gratifying and enjoyable. With the valuable advice that Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect provides, it can be.
Green building is a sustainable construction method that has a low impact on the environment. Green buildings usually incorporate LEED standard construction requirements in order to become certified; however, a homeowner can be an "owner builder" and construct their own home without the need of hiring a General Contractor in many cases, plus they usually do not need certification even if they build to LEED standards. Although standard construction methods and materials are often used, such as 2x4 or 2x6 framing with fiberglass insulation, or SIP panels, alternative construction materials like straw bales, adobe, earthbags, rock, or other new, used or salvaged materials can be combined in a way that both eco-friendly and non-toxic, plus it can save money. The energy efficiency of a home, when designed well, can be as much as 90% efficient, cutting utility bills to an extreme. A tiny house or small "core house" (with all the living essentials--kitchen, bath, living/sleeping area) can be designed into the floorplan wall system so the owner-builder can add on extra bedrooms later on. This helps them construct a house in a shorter time so they can move in sooner, saving money and even being mortgage-free, if chosen. Energy efficient homes that are truly sustainable incorporate superinsulation and thermal mass along with passive solar home design, and this book explains how to do that. This book offers a passive solar home companion e-book (v1) that can be downloaded free from the author's website.
Book features Forward, Contents, Builder's Matrix. The information in this book was developed primarily for home builders, but others will find it useful. The book is intended to be national in scope, so all of the construction information and examples are not relevant for all climates. At the end of each section, readers will find "Interactions," references to other sections of the book that describe design strategies, systems, components, or materials that interact in important ways with the topic of the chapter.
GREEN BUILDING: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION, International Edition provides a current, comprehensive guide to this exciting, emerging field. From core concepts to innovative applications of cutting-edge technology and the latest industry trends, this text offers an in-depth introduction to the construction of "green" homes. Unlike many texts that adopt a product-oriented approach, this book emphasizes the crucial planning, processes, and execution methods necessary for effective, environmentally sound construction. This text demonstrates that Earth-friendly products and energy-efficient materials take planning in order to make a building truly green. This visionary text helps students and professionals develop the knowledge and skills to "think green" from start to finish, empowering and inspiring them to build truly sustainable homes.
For beginners and owner-builders, green building is a sustainable construction method that has a low impact on the environment. Green buildings usually incorporate LEED standard construction requirements in order to become certified; however, a homeowner can be an "owner builder" and construct their own home without the need of hiring a General Contractor in many cases, plus they usually do not need certification even if they build to LEED standards. Although standard construction methods and materials are often used, such as 2x4 or 2x6 framing with fiberglass insulation, or SIP panels, alternative construction materials like straw bales, adobe, earthbags, rock, or other new, used or salvaged materials can be combined in a way that both eco-friendly and non-toxic, plus it can save money. The energy efficiency of a home, when designed well, can be as much as 90% efficient, cutting utility bills to an extreme. A tiny house or small "core house" (with all the living essentials--kitchen, bath, living/sleeping area) can be designed into the floorplan wall system so the owner-builder can add on extra bedrooms later on. This helps them construct a house in a shorter time so they can move in sooner, saving money and even being mortgage-free, if chosen. Energy efficient homes that are truly sustainable incorporate superinsulation and thermal mass along with passive solar home design, and this book explains how to do that. This book offers a passive solar home companion e-book (v1) that can be downloaded free from the author's website.
Transform your living spaces into eco-friendly havens with Eco-Friendly DIY: Creative Projects for a Greener Home. This guide is your companion on a journey of creativity and sustainability. Dive into a collection of hands-on projects that reimagine everyday items, turning them into environmentally conscious treasures. From upcycled decor to energy-efficient solutions, discover how your crafting can contribute to a greener planet. Craft a home that reflects your style and values, one project at a time. Join the movement of conscious creators shaping a more vibrant and eco-friendlier world
The authors of "Green from the Ground Up" explore the design and construction of self-sufficient houses. With unequaled knowledge and a passion for the subject, the authors walk readers through the process of building and living in a truly green home.
