Barefoot Architect

<p><b>Take a greener approach to building with this informative easy-to-follow handbook--more than 200000 copies sold internationally!</b></p><br><p>Whether you're a DIY builder or simply want to understand construction to better communicate with your contractor Johan van Lengen can help. As a former United Nations worker and prominent architect Johan has seen firsthand the need for a green approach to housing. This comprehensive book clearly explains every aspect of this endeavor including design materials and implementation.</p><br><p>Discover the many options and important decisions you can make--such as siting and climate considerations--that are inexpensive sustainable and could save you thousands of dollars while helping the environment. Included are sections about urban planning small-scale energy production cleaning and storing drinking water dealing with septic waste and more. Plus all the information is applied to three distinct regions: humid areas temperate areas and desert climates. Hundreds of instructional drawings allow even novice builders to get started with ease.</p><br><p>Inside you'll find: </p><br><p></p><ul><li>Bio-architecture basic design and site planning for humid and dry climates</li><br><li>Material tips about adobe rammed earth bamboo plaster wood concrete and ferro-cement</li><br><li>Information on foundations roofs floors walls doors windows and eco-techniques</li><br><li>Introductions to solar heating water-powered electricity water purification composting toilets and more</li></ul><p></p><br><p><i>The Barefoot Architect</i> is a perfect book for these times of increased worldwide concern for the environment and for those who desire to build eco-conscious dwellings by utilizing natural resources.</p>