Synopses & Reviews
Award-winning sustainable design and building consultant and teacher Kathleen O'Brien and architectural designer and sustainability consultant Kathleen smith offer advice that is both down-to-earth and cutting edge, with regional examples from new and renovated green homes.
Review
"Case studies give real-life views of how homeowners are working with architects, designers, and builders to apply the principles of green design to suit their needs. Highly recommended." Library Journal
Review
"The tone of the book is targeted for lay people, to show that anyone can make 'green home' decisions, even on a budget. The book provides guidance and resources for people buying, building, or remodeling a green home, providing a unique perspective that includes an in-depth description of the process of getting a green home." Northwest Examiner
Synopsis
The essential, real-world, green home manual
Everyone can make green home decisions on a budget with this inspiring, informationpacked guide. Whether you are building, remodeling, buying, or just curious, here are real-world strategies for getting the greenest results from your budget, with hundreds of ideas for a home that is built to last, comfortable and healthy, money- and time-saving in the long term, and kind to the planet. From your home's exterior to its operating systems within, from siting to interior design, this is the basic training that has given many the confidence to proceed. Award-winning sustainable design and building consultant and teacher Kathleen O'Brien and architectural designer and sustainability consultant Kathleen Smith offer their "top picks" for each phase. They've also each faced their own green home challenges in a single-family house and a duplex, and other case studies show affordable energy-efficient green homes both old and new. Brimming with ideas, clear and logical, with tips, checklists, and resources for green home planning, construction, remodeling, and maintenance, extensively illustrated with photos and diagrams, this is the essential green home manual for novice and professional alike.
About the Author
Kathleen Smith is an architectural designer who runs her own sustainable design and consulting firm.Kathleen O'Brien is founder and president of OBrien & Company, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable design-build consulting, education, and research.