Despite a prolonged slump in the housing market, the demand forresidential green building remains strong. More than ever,professionals need reliable information about how to construct orretrofit livable, sustainable, and economical homes. WithFundamentals of Sustainable Dwellings, Avi Friedman providesthat resource. While other books on residential green building areoften either superficial or overly technical, Friedman gets it justright, delivering an illustrated, accessible guide for architects,developers, home builders, codes officials, and students ofarchitecture and green design.
Friedman charts a new course for residential building—one inwhich social, cultural, economic, and environmental values are part ofevery design decision. The book begins with a concise overview of greenbuilding principles, covering topics such as sustainable resources andcommon certification methods. Each following chapter examines acritical aspect of green home construction, from siting to wastemanagement options. Friedman provides basics about energy-efficientwindows and heating and cooling systems. And he offers innovativesolutions like edible landscaping and green roofs.
Friedman knows that in green building, ideas are only as good astheir execution. So in each chapter valuable data is assembled and acontemporary project in which designers strove to achievesustainability while adhering to real-world constraints is featured.The result is a practical guide for every professional in theburgeoning field of residential green building.
