Ecohouse: A Design Guide

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.

Additional audience:
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.

Having been brought up in Malaysia and Australia, Sue studied at Manchester University, the Architectural Association, and Oxford Brookes University. She spent 10 years in Iraq and Iran, studying building technologies, practising as a landscape architect and teaching at Baghdad University. In 1990 she was appointed as the professional Training Adviser for the Oxford School of Architecture. In 1995 she designed and built her own Ecohouse in North Oxford with the first roof integrated PV roof in the UK and many other special features - the roof provides more electricity than the house uses, over an annual period. She is now an architectural consultant and Visiting Professor at Arizona State University in the US and the Open University in the UK.