The Barefoot Architect : A Handbook for Green Building

A former UN worker and prominent architect, Johan van Lengen has seen firsthand the desperate need for a greener approach to housing in impoverished tropical climates. This comprehensive book clearly explains every aspect of this endeavor, including design (siting, orientation, climate consideration), materials (sisal, cactus, bamboo, earth), and implementation. The author emphasizes throughout the book what is inexpensive and sustainable. Included are sections discussing urban planning, small-scale energy production, cleaning and storing drinking water, and dealing with septic waste, and all information is applied to three distinct tropical regions: humid areas, temporate areas, and desert climates. Hundreds of explanatory drawings by van Lengen allow even novice builders to get started.

Product details

• Format Paperback | 704 pages
• Dimensions 139 x 215 x 47.24mm | 907g
• Publication date 28 Oct 2007
• Publisher Shelter Publications Inc.,U.S.
• Publication City/Country Bolinas, United States
• Language English
• Illustrations note B&W illustrations throughout
• ISBN10 0936070420
• ISBN13 9780936070421