Short description
Provides design information about low-impact materials and technologies, showcasing green solutions with international case studies demonstrating sustainable design in action around the world. This book offers advice on powering Ecohouses using renewable energy - including wind, micro hydro and heat pumps.
Long description
Now in its 3rd edition, the bestselling Ecohouse continues to be both a technical guide and an inspiration for thousands of architects, designers and eco-builders all over the world. As the need to slow climate change becomes increasingly urgent, growing numbers of people are looking to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings by using more ecologically sound techniques. Ecohouse provides design information about the latest low-impact materials and technologies, showcasing the newest and best green solutions with international case studies demonstrating sustainable design in action around the world. This edition has been expanded to include advice on powering Ecohouses using renewable energy - including wind, micro hydro and heat pumps - and an introduction to low impact building materials such as lime, earth and hemp.New case studies from across the globe have been added to inspire readers with real life examples of how to make an Ecohouse work. Just reading this book won't save the world from the impact of climate change - but if everyone from governments down to householders followed its advice we might just begin to turn the tide. Eco-enthusiasts and green self-builders will appreciate the handy hints and references on refurbishment and advice on how to kit out their Ecohouse with the greenest appliances and fittings. Lecturers and students on sustainable design and construction courses will find the latest real-world case studies fascinating and a great source of inspiration for their studio project work. It is an indispensable reference not only for architects but self builders and eco enthusiasts too. It covers all the latest building materials and technology needed to make a house green. International case studies illustrate the best examples of inspirational eco design.
Review
'Ecohouses are not luxuries, but necessities, critical to the survival of the biosphere. This book will help you make the transition.' George Monbiot, author and columnist 'ecohouse is an invaluable and in depth resource for anybody wishing to get to grips with the issues of sustainability and domestic design. If you plan to build homes for the future, you really should be reading this book.' Oliver Heath, Blustin Heath Design About the previous editions: 'A must-read for architects, builders and eco-house enthusiasts!' Eco-Tech Magazine 'It's great to read a book with a no-nonsense message' The Architectural Review
Table of contents
- CONTENTS: The form of the house: the building as an analogy
- the environmental impact of building materials pushing the building envelope building-in soul ventilation health and happiness in the home passive solar design
- photovoltaics solar hot water systems using water wisely small-scale wind systems hydro power ground source heat pumps (GSHP) lime and low-energy masonry case study introduction: towards the new vernacular tools for understanding the case studies: the ecological footprint of households
- the Nicol graph Case studies.