Book Review by Annemarie and Digby Scorgie

Published: 18-Oct-2021

Book Review by Annemarie and Digby Scorgie:  Small ECO Houses: Living Green in Style

Small Eco Houses Living Green in Style

“Small ECO Houses : Living Green in Style”

By Cristina Paredes Benitez & Alex Sanchez Vidiella

There are three aspects to building a house: (1) design, (2) specification, and (3) construction.  The design, principally of the floor plan, and the specification of the fittings and other items are the aspects that spring readily to mind.  But this book focuses on construction aspects that result in a house with minimal impact on the planet.  The wide range of techniques highlighted in the book are well worth considering for incorporation in any new building.

There are, however, several drawbacks to the design of the book.  Firstly, the book does not have an open-flat binding.  Secondly, while there are many inspiriting photos, those that are spread over two pages are completely spoiled by the join between the pages.  Thirdly, the text associated with the drawings is far too small.  Fourthly, the drawings are also too small and not often properly annotated, if at all.  And lastly, if one ignores the first offering, which is too small for even a sleep-out, then the houses range in size from 30 to almost 300 square metres; half the houses hardly qualify as small.