Book Review: Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House

BOOK REVIEW: 
Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House 

by Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner
280 pages 

Green remodeling is a hot topic nowadays, but too often the focus is primarily on substituting new green products for conventional ones. But being green is much more than that! 

To truly reduce our shared impact on the earth (and be smart about costs), we need to step back and explore how we can green the project not just the products.

That's why I was so delighted to find Natural Remodeling, which lays out a step-by-step process for "bringing your home into harmony with nature." The benefits of this approach, the authors say, include increased satisfaction, more opportunities to green economically, and a restored connection to the living world.

From the outset, it's clear something different is going on here. An early page describes why, contrary to common thinking, renovating a current home is usually more green than building a new green one, because it leverages the natural resources already used, existing community connections, and more.

The authors (two award-winning eco-architects) then lead you through a design journey that starts with your land. What are its natural rhythms, and how can you align with them to meet your specific needs? For instance, how can you work with the sun's patterns to get warmth, beauty, and illumination? Ditto with air and water flows.

What a lovely way to see your home and what it can be.

And so your earth-centered plan begins to emerge, as you discover a sweet little spot to place a bench, and explore green ways to manage moisture and energy, use space efficiently, expand wisely, integrate your landscaping, and much more.

Now, with your plan sketched out, you can start considering building materials. Here, the authors offer an intelligent discussion of how to balance green criteria (such as toxicity, performance, durability, embodied energy, and more) for your specific situation. There's even a reference table showing how common materials meet these criteria! (After all, green is a relative term; no material has zero impacts.)

Then they help you fulfill your vision by planning the construction and managing the job site (including recycling your waste).

Throughout this full-color book you'll find beautifully-lush pictures, original and engaging text, useful information boxes, extensive case studies, personal stories, and unexpected perspectives such as "How Does Nature Create a Home?"

These rich details provide tangible support for aligning your home (and yourself) thoughtfully and joyfully with the earth. You'll surely find yourself inspired by the possibilities.

Learn more about the book at www.naturalremodeling.com. Also see Carol's related Come Home to Nature website and Come Home to Nature Facebook page.

You can also see more of my favorite books on my Favorite Books page.

Blog content (c) Copyright Patricia Dines, 2012. All rights reserved. Links are encouraged! My content is also available for reprint, but please contact me for permission first. Thanks!

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PURCHASING NOTE: I choose all the books that I review here purely because I value them personally. And I encourage you to buy books from your local independent bookseller, your local used bookstore, or the author directly. 

However, if you're going to buy from Amazon anyway, you can support my work by clicking on the Amazon link here to see the book, then either (1) buying it during that session, or (2) adding it (and any other items) to your cart and buying it (them) within three months. This provides me with a small advertising commission from Amazon.com.

AMAZON LINK: Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House 

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