The Good Building Book: Principles of Efficient, Functional and Sustainable Design - Softcover

Broome, Jon; Grant, Nick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1399417134 ISBN 13: 9781399417136

Publisher: Green Books, 2026

Synopsis

'Mandatory reading for everyone in our design practice.' CHARLIE LUXTON
'A deeply fascinating book.' MARK BRINKLEY

Drawing from extensive experience, award-winning architect Jon Broome and design engineer Nick Grant celebrate undervalued ideas that have stood the test of time.

The Good Building Book provides provocative and empowering insights, along with critical analysis, to help rethink design and construction.

- Guides readers through project development, from single home to larger projects.
- Examines performance standards and navigates commercial aspects such as budgets, contracts, and consultants.
- Explores strategic design and principles of good details for building elements, weaving together aesthetics, performance, and value in context.
- Offers practical principles and design strategies relevant for a rapidly changing world.
- Features more than 150 photos and a further 90 diagrams.

Whether you're a designer or contractor, building user or client, student or teacher, this solution-focused book provides a new way of thinking about how we shape the built environment for a sustainable future.

About this title

About the Authors

Jon Broome trained as an architect now designer, enabler and self-builder of two houses. He was a Director of Architype, an architectural practice working on housing, education, health and community buildings with specialist expertise in low energy design, timber-frame construction, community engagement and sustainable building. He is author of The Green Self-Build Book and contributor to Housing & the Environment and Architecture and Participation. He lives in London, where he runs his own consultancy.

Nick Grant is a freelance energy consultant and principal of Elemental Solutions. His interest in closing the performance gap between design and reality led him to the Passivhaus Standard of which he is one of the UK pioneers. He is an active contributor to discussions on sustainable design but is also a practical engineer and self builder. Nick was a long time Trustee of the AECB and is Technical Director of the Passivhaus Trust.

Edition details

• Publisher: Green Books
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1399417134
• ISBN 13: 9781399417136
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288