Why another book on green design? asks the author in the preface to this simple and gently inspiring book. This book she says ‘intends to move you to action by giving you an understanding of the design process and decision making process’. 

The book is divided into 4 chapters dealing with design intent, design process, design strategy & design specifics. She does not go into any real detail in any of the chapters. It is more of a case of informing the reader of the various principles and procedures involved in ‘green design’. This is done well and in a very readable and simple manner.

Each section finishes with 3 or 4 case studies. The 14 case studies are of completed houses around the United States ranging, in location, from California to Massachusetts and Seattle to New Mexico, and in size from 1200 sqft to 4100sqft. Five of these are under 1500sqft, reflecting an important point the author deals with in the first page.  She says that the design should not come from the assumption ‘I can spend $200,000, so at about $100 per square foot, that should get me 2000 square feet’. Planning should come from thoughts about how you will live in the space etc. This she deals with briefly, but well. 

In fact, simplicity in design and fabrication come across as fundamental. This has the major benefit of de-mystifying ‘green design’ which is not some new, complicated fashion but rather an awakening of our common sense to the space we live in and in the materials we use in creating that space.

Each house has a list of the sustainable features of that house which you are able to see at a glance. A few pages are given over to good pictures and text dealing with site, construction, materials, space, water and indoor air quality of each particular house. She highlights the importance of indoor air quality, which can be overlooked and is of increasing importance to our well-being and health.

Of the 14 houses, 6 are of timber, 3 of straw-bale & 3 of earth. It is nice to see houses of both standard and natural materials together in the one book. The homes of natural materials look very stylish, dispelling the notion that to build out of straw or earth means your home will look rough or bohemian.

This is a simple and direct book, packed with interesting pictures of houses that will definitely inspire. Ideal for those thinking of building for themselves and for students in the building trade.  

And why another book on green design? 

She adds nothing new to what is already out there but this book is nicely put together and will help inspire and educate. And personally speaking, it is always good to see houses built from straw/earth, especially looking so chic and modern, which might inspire the more conservative of us.