Published: October 2010
If you are serious about building or renovating in a way that is sympathetic to the environment Sustainable House is a must-have.
First published in 1998, this second edition updates the reader on the latest methods and technologies that are available
Author Michael Mobbs is well-informed, having developed and won prizes for Sydney’s first self-sufficient house in the early 1990s. He critically appraises his house, discusses what worked and what didn’t and suggests improvements to the way he went about the original project.
The book is user-friendly. Dip into the topics you want to know more about. How do I choose a water tank? Is rainwater safe for drinking? How can I design an eco-friendly bathroom and kitchen?
The practical aspects of building are covered in chapters such as “working with architects, builders, plumbers and engineers”.
Photographs of this attractive and sustainable house, useful diagrams and text boxes are effectively used to break up the information-rich text. The author’s story about the evolution of this Sydney home is inspiring.
Reviewed by Clare Kennedy, an Australian based reviewer who writes for a range of magazines, newspapers and websites.
GIVEAWAY: We have one copy of Sustainable House to giveaway to one LUCKY READER! Please
leave a comment in the “Leave a Reply” field below (keep scrolling down!), and we will draw the winner at random on Thursday 20 Jan 2011 after 7pm! Good Luck!
What a great sounding book. We could have done with it about 12 months ago; however, the renovation path is never ending and I am sure there is much more we have to learn (like about water tanks!).
This would be a great book to add to the book collection! It’s a dream of mine to one day build a sustainable house!
Michael is such an inspiration. I am always amazed at his hard work, enthusiasm and ideas. This book should be in every home owners library.
Thanks for the reminder and for the giveaway
This book sounds like a geat resource for anyone thinking of building or renovating. I especailly like that he critiques his own sustainable design so that the reader can learn about what to consider when building. It will be definitely be in my bookcase when the time comes!
I read the old edition and would love to read the updates.
You’ve sold me on this book already! If I don’t win it I’ll buy it anyway! In the middle of renovating an old cottage and I’m sure this book would provide an insight into how to renovate with sustainability in mind. Fingers crossed!
Sounds great, can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Building a sustainable house would be a dream come true! Would love to read this book!
It must be a very interesting book…
Sounds like required reading!
Would love to get a water tank in the backyard and would be interested in the book’s ideas for everything else around the house!
My Mom and step-Dad have been talking about building a sustainable house for a while. This book would be a great gift for them.