Building & Energy

How to gain energy independence and reduce your environmental impact through passive solar heating, sloar electricity, wind power and micro hydro power, also how to build in an energy efficient and non toxic way that is good for the soul and pleasing to the eye. 

Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA, 2000. Softback. 468 pages. NEW

A wealth of up to date, practical information on green building techniques, materials, products and technologies, including, energy efficiency, pasive solar heating and non toxic materials.

Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA, 2004. Softback. 325 pages. SECONDHAND

An overview of the different methods of sustainable and eco-friendly construction presented in a way that is useful for all self-builders, whatever their level of expertise.

Green Books Ltd., Totnes, UK, 2008. Softback. 288 pages. NEW

Brings together key lessons from successful green roof projects from around the world and especially in North America, a handbook for all those interested in this green architecture method.

Timber Press, London, 2010. Hardback with dust jacket. 291 pages. NEW

Step by step instructions for creating cob structures, with detailed instructions and photos. Information on natural finnishes, including lime plasters, renders and washes, home made clay and casein paints, and earthen plasters. Guidance on restoring and repairing old cob structures.

Green Books, Totnes, UK, 2007. Softback. 252 pages. NEW. 

David Easton's book is a definitive account of the art and technology of rammed earth construction. These thick-walled homes seem an ideal response to climate and location. They rise seamlessly from the building site since they are largely made from its soil. Rammed earth structures combine hansome aesthetics with energy efficient performance. 

Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA, 2007. Softback. 264 pages. NEW

A visual celebration of earth building in New Zealand and an account of the benefits and technical requirements of using this material to build houses of distinction and charm. Includes technical notes and refrences for futher information.

David Ling Publishing Ltd., Auckland, 2000. Softback. 110 pages. SECONDHAND

This is a complete account of straw bale house construction, one of the most enviromentally attractive building systems available.

Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA, 1994. Softback. 298 pages. NEW. 

As a building material, straw excels in the areas of cost effectiveness and energy efficiency, and because the building method is so straightforward, people without previous building experience can participate in the design and construction, making significant savings on labour costs.

Green Books, Totnes, UK, 2008. Softback. 126 pages. NEW.

This book is the first comprehensive guide to heating your home with renewable energy. Included is everything you need to know about the fuels, systems, technologies, costs, and advantages and disadvantages of each option. 

Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont, USA, 2003. Softback. 282 pages. NEW.

Contains step by step instructions for applying lime and clay based plasters, renders and paints to create healthy and eco friendly homes and buildings. "This highly informative and sumptious book shows how the threat of climate change is also an opportunity to make buildings more beautiful." 

Green Books, Totnes, UK, 2008. Softback. 260 pages. NEW.

An introductory guide to wind energy systems and this book gives an overview of the burgeoning use of wind energy around the globe, describing and analysing the most affordable small wind generators, including the new generation of highly practical micro turbines.

Chelseas Green Publishing Company, Vermont, USA, 1999. Softback. 122 pages. NEW 

This wide-ranging, practical and well illustrated book is brimming with advice and information for those interested in making use of solar energy in the home.

The Crowood Press Ltd., Marlborough, UK. 2009. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 144 pages. NEW.

Instructions for using stone for gardens, paths, pools and waterways, building walls, making gateways, pillars and doorways, stone steps and retaining walls. Hoe to handle cut and shape stone, fully illustrated.

Storey Books, Vermont, USA. Softback. 183 pages. SECONDHAND

The facinating history of this infintely versatile material and the cultural, scientific, geopolitical and engineering accomplishments it has enabled.

The Quantuck Lane Press, New York, USA, 2010. Hardback with dust jacket. 232 pages. NEW