You don't have to build from scratch to live in a house that's good for you and the earth. This unique guide teaches the basics of ecological renovation, planning your project, choosing materials, and making your home more energy efficient. It presents simple ideas you can do right away to more advanced moves you can make after careful planning. You'll have the tools you need to create a beautiful green haven that's uniquely your own.

Carol Venolia specializes in the field of eco-healthy building. Her first book, Healing Environments, has enjoyed international success, and her home designs have been featured in The Natural House Catalog, Earth to Spirit, The Healthy House and Environ magazine. Carol currently writes the "Design for Life" column for Natural Home & Garden magazine.

Kelly Lerner is an award-winning architect and innovator in the fields of sustainable development, straw-bale construction, and earthen plasters. She spearheaded an internationally recognized project responsible for building more than 600 passive-solar-heated straw-bale houses in China. Her designs have been featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine, Metropolis Magazine, The Straw Bale House, Serious Straw Bale, The New Straw Bale House, and Green by Design

280 pages, 2006

Part I: Start Where You Are

Chapter 1: At Home with Nature, Yourself, and Your Climate

Case Study: Myhrman/Knox Family Compound

Chapter 2: You, Your House, and Your Site<

Part II: Living with the Natural Elements

Chapter 3: The Sun: Light for Life
Chapter 4: Air: The Breath of Vitality
Chapter 5: Water: Your Place in the Flow

Case Study: Lerner Residence

Chapter 6: The Garden: Growing Green

Part III: The Whole House

Chapter 7: Natural Forces within your Home: Managing Moisture, Air, and Heat
Chapter 8: Energy: Use It Well

Case Study: Cenac Residence

Chapter 9: Devise a Strategy

Part IV: Design and Materials

Chapter 10: Making Space for Your Life

Case Study: Katzmann Residence

Chapter 11: Integrated Design of Special Rooms
Chapter 12: Choosing Materials Wisely

Case Study: Sanders Residence

Part V: Construction

Chapter 13: Construction Planning for Natural Remodeling
Chaper 14: The Job Site

Case Study: Debenham-Kinsley Residence

Conclusion: Living There
Appendices:
Pre-Design Questionnaire
Checking for Household Hazards
Resources
Eco-Remodeling a Mobile Home