Look inside (opens in new tab)

A completely new textbook from the market-leading author of Construction Studies Today that comprehensively covers the design and construction of sustainable homes to meet both the Building Regulations and the Passive House Standard.

• Provides complete design drawings for three types of new houses (single storey, two storey and three storey) demonstrating six structural systems in both timber frame and masonry construction
  
  
• Two themes run through the text:
• Design — the idea that homes must be consciously designed to ensure they perform as required
• Sustainability — the idea that the long term impact of every aspect of home design must be considered
  
  
• The content is divided into three distinct areas with a strong emphasis on design throughout:
• Context — looks at the bigger picture issues that influence the design of homes including: global and national issues, urban design, rural design and accessibility
• Structure — looks at how a home is built with a particular emphasis on the external envelope
• Comfort and low energy — looks at how a comfortable indoor environment is created without the need to consume surplus energy
  
  
• Learning activities get students thinking about and workingon relevant concepts
  
  
• Key principles and concepts are highlighted in student friendly bullet point lists in every chapter
  
  
• Each topic reflects the latest knowledge and best practice design and construction methods being used in Ireland and abroad
  
  
• Revision exercises at the end of each chapter can be used in class or assigned as homework
  
  
• A detailed index and glossary of key terms included for easy reference