Alanna Stang and Christopher Hawthorne have traveled to the farthest reaches of the globe to find all that is new in the design of sustainable, or "green," homes. The result: more than thirty-five residences in fifteen countries -- and nearly every conceivable natural environment -- designed by a combination of star architects and heretofore unknown practitioners.

Text and illustrations take you through the construction of a small building that incorporates a wide spectrum of alternative techniques and materials.

An overview of green home-building techniques, materials, products, and technologies, written for home buyers, builders, architects, and contractors and intended to help avoid common problems when building green. It discusses the principles of green building and why they are desirable; covers logistical aspects of building such as site selection, indoor air quality, green building materials, and ergonomic design; and covers renewable and environmentally...

"Prefabulous + almost off the grid explores the many ways of using prefabrication to build beautiful homes that are not only environmentally friendly, but also incredibly energy efficient. Profiling more than thirty of the most energy-efficient homes in the United States, this user-friendly guide reveals how homebuilders can achieve similar results"--P. [4] of cover.

Explains what it means to be green, discusses how energy is used in homes, and looks at some of the ways in which people can save energy at home and help the Earth.

Showcasing one hundred years of innovation and environmental sensitivity, Handmade Houses celebrates some of the world's most idiosyncratic homes from Big Sur to Sardinia. Author Richard Olsen unveils the components used for their construction, including driftwood, boulders, and even old wine vats. The first study of the handmade-homes phenomenon since its inception in the late 1960s, Handmade Houses revisits the subject's roots and history, exploring...

"I began building tiny houses back in 2009 when I built one for my mom. The house she was living in was starting to fall apart and become unlivable, so I knew I had to find her alternative housing. After researching various options I discovered the tiny house movement and realized that it was the perfect solution for her. A tiny house could be constructed to very high standards and still be affordable, plus it can be easily moved"--Author

In an ever-changing economy, cutting costs and making the best use of available resources is essential. From embracing solar energy and wind power to using fluorescent bulbs and growing backyard vegetable gardens, there are endless ways to live more ecological and economical lifestyles.

A guide to building an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable house that is in harmony with the local climate and site.