Description
This second edition of the Ecohouse design guide outlines the key issues, strategies and design solutions for designers and self-builders who want to build low energy, low impact homes.
At a time when fossil fuel energy prices are soaring and the impacts of climate change are beginning to bite, no one should begin to design a 21st century house without understanding the lessons of this timely and exciting book.
Hot topics covered include materials, insulation, thermal mass, natural ventilation, infiltration, solar design systems and water conservation.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction to Ecohouse 1: a design guide (First Edition)
Introduction to Ecohouse 2: a design guide (Second Edition)
1. The form of the house: the building as an analogy
2. The environmental impact of building materials
3. Pushing the building envelope
4. Building-in soul
5. Ventilation
6. Health and happiness in the home
7. Passive solar design
8. Photovoltaics
9. Solar hot water systems
10. Using water wisely
11. Small-scale wind system
12. Hydro power
13. Ground source heat pumps (GSHP)
14. Lime and low-energy masonry
Case study introduction: towards the new vernacular
Tools for understanding the case studies
Glossary
References
Conversion Factors
Index