Product Description

Will Anderson's monthly features in "The Independent" have an enthusiastic following; readers are following his progress from finding a plot, getting planning permission and building himself a stunning contemporary eco home, which mirrors the fine-tuned ecology of a tree. Drawing on his columns in "The Independent", Will has created a diary that will be invaluable to anyone contemplating building their own eco house. "The Diary of an Eco Builder" focuses specifically on environmental issues through the story of his attempt to realise an inspiring and challenging vision. Honest, amusing and unexpected, it highlights all the key issues which arise when you build an eco house, records the process of the nitty gritty of self build, and provides contacts and references for more information. The Energy Saving Trust is using Will's house as a case study and will monitor and evaluate the house to learn from the way it performs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #142584 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
"In a corner of Clapham that is now forever green, [Will Anderson] has designed and built a ""symbol of the power of ecological design"".

From the Publisher
The following is a review from The Guardian

In a corner of Clapham that is now forever green, [Will Anderson] has
designed and built a "symbol of the power of ecological design".
. . . It was a labour of love. The 6m-wide plot was not ideal. As the agent
said, with unusual candour, it was "a bit tricky . . . there's a bloody
great tree in the way." But as Anderson's richly illustrated book shows,
the mature sycamore became his inspiration: as well as being made largely
of wood, Tree House (as he named it) "harvests all its energy from the sun
and provides a secure and valued habitat".
Water usage has been halved, waste eliminated, and it is self-sufficient in
power and heat through an innovative combination of solar panels,
photovoltaic modules and a heat pump that draws warmth from the ground.
Anderson's diary of the building process is both an inspiring eco-read and
an invaluable resource for anyone following in his footsteps.

About the Author
Will Anderson is a freelance researcher, writer and journalist. He has a published academic background in health and social research but now writes with a focus on ecological design: he is a regular contributor to Timber Building. His several degress include one in sustainable development. He hopes to continue this deliberately lateral career path in the future. His tree house in Clapham, London, will be completed in 2006.

Customer Reviews

Don't be put off by the title
This is a really lovely book that can be read cover to cover or dipped into when the mood takes you. I'm a self builder, eco-building anorak and know-all, but still found loads of inspiration in these sumptuous pages. The author has a refreshingly rigorous approach to sustainable design combined with, IMHO, a great visual design sense that made me re-think a number of my assumptions.

Issues are explored and uncertainties are aired and I hope there is a follow up that builds on the lessons learned.

Whether you are a weekend DIY dabbler, serious self builder or 'Grand Designs' dreamer, buy this book, it's a bargain and also makes a great present.