The New Autonomous House: Design and Planning for Sustainability

By Robert Vale and Brenda Vale

Book Overview

The New Autonomous House records their building of a house on the principles of sustainable resources in the small town of Southwell in the British Midlands. As specialists in green architecture, the Vales sought to create an environmentally friendly four-bedroom house that was neither exotic in appearance nor difficult to maintain. They document the philosophy, design, and construction of a building that can produce power from the sun and obtain drinking water from the rain.

The New Autonomous House has a simple but revolutionary message: It is possible to live in an inexpensive house that is kind to the planet and liberates its owner from utility bills. The Vales provide a thought-provoking, practical solution to the environmental problems caused by the houses in which we live, a blueprint of green architecture for future generations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500341761
• ISBN13: 9780500341766
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.9" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Pleasant Surprise

As a designer, I am always a little skeptical of books like this,but this one is great. It is not so "pie in the sky" that you couldn't afford to build the way they recommend. It is very practical for a homeowner and designer alike. I found the diagramming to be great and the basic ideas easy to conform to any project you might have. If you want off the grid without building an "Earth ship", this is a great idea grabber for you to start.