Roberts, J. (2003). Good Green Homes. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith, Publisher.
Good Green Homes, by Jennifer Roberts addresses the aspect of sustainability to be incorporated in healthy, comfortable homes. It points out that establishing a green home does not necessarily mean it has to be just environmentally friendly, but also has to ensure it is economical, comfortable and long lasting. This means using energy efficient means, conserving water as well as being economical on the type of building materials that are used. This helps in safeguarding the environment while ensuring that the expenses are reduced greatly and more savings are made, for long-term delightful purposes. The simple steps to be followed to attain this include having energy efficient lighting system, which is economical since there is less use of electricity. Moreover, the author points that skylight is a less pollutant and is not implicated with respiratory problems e.g. Asthma. Homes could incorporate natural cooling, heating and lighting systems through the use of solar energy. Wood could be utilized efficiently by having recycled materials, engineered lumber or certified wood (Roberts, 2003).
The books helps to answer questions on how a green home is economically attained, the changes that tenants could make, enhancing the polluted air quality at homes and implications of rapidly renewable resources. Besides, smaller houses are more environmentally and individually friendlier as compared to huge mansions, since they need less building materials, have minimal wastes while constructing and most importantly use minimal land. In addition, these houses are economical and easier to heat, cool, sustain, furnish and maintain hygienic conditions. It is therefore crucial to consider the space that is enough for the family while constructing, renting or buying a home since important things should be prioritized such as a home which reflects positive values (Roberts, 2003).
According to the author, it is necessary to assess personal needs to perfectly fit in and acquire more satisfaction. Quality should be overemphasized ahead of quantity, thus there is no need for unnecessary space since it is neither economical nor environmentally friendly. Rather, distinct permanent quality building materials are better used than convectional low quality and temporary ones. Elegant, timeless simplicity is essential and requires attentive design by having a room serve more that one role e.g. a guest room for a study. Flexibility is however essential for future expansions if need be. A home should be properly laid out to be inviting by reducing hallways, high ceilings, inbuilt storages, seats and outdoor spaces. Compact build-up houses are better that sprawling built-out houses (Roberts, 2003).
Green housing does not necessarily have to be convectional but it is comfortable and modern yet able to facilitate change towards environmental sustainability. Through various illustrations of photographs of green homes, the author is able to deliver her message home especially to architects, interior designers and constructors. The book is incredibly insightful since it is timely on the global issues of safeguarding the environment through trendy green construction industry. Moreover, the book is useful in helping to remodel homes by encouraging positive lifestyle changes.
Reference
Roberts, J. (2003). Good Green Homes. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith, Publisher.
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