Eco House: Practical Ideas for a Greener, Healthier Dwelling

Called the "new architecture for the new world," sustainable building is firmly established as an important influence on residential design. Eco House is a complete guide to the structural features and interior and exterior elements that make a house healthy for its residents and for Earth. From solar roofs to sinks that flush the toilet by recycling their gray water, there are any number of options, expensive and inexpensive, that can turn a home into an "eco-house." The book covers all of the essentials of sound bioclimatic design: Structures that works with sun and wind directions; Optimum ventilation and heat recovery; Green roof insulation and cooling; Solar heating; Geothermal heating and cooling; Radiant heating; Pellet-fuel heating and ventilation; Photoelectric power; Turbine wind power; Rainwater-cistern and gray-water plumbing. This practical reference also takes readers on a room-by-room tour of hundreds of eco-friendly lifestyle options, including how to clean with chemical-free products. Home owners can make one change or plan an entire refit to take their house off the grid -- nothing is too little. In addition to the well-known measures, such as straw bales and solar panels, Eco House describes the many newer options available, providing photographs and illustrations as well as a directory of manufacturers. These include thermal and acoustic bricks, living walls, vegetable-fiber insulation and solar-sourced indoor lighting. This is a fascinating volume packed with descriptive photographs and the most current expert information. Builders, contractors, designers and home owners will find it inspiring and practical.