The Green Self Build Book

[Nick Grant]

Just got a copy of Jon Broome's Green Self Build book and it's great.

Jon's a friend and our home is in it so I'm biased but I would recommend it strongly for anyone interested in building and it's a must have if you are going to do self build.

There are still a few excellent remnants retained from the last edition which was the book that inspired Sheila and I to build our own home so I got a bit choked looking at some of the early pictures.

A lovely mix of technical, visual and human interest, it could change your life. . .  if you can find a plot!

Only £16.50 on Amazon or £25 with Diary of a self builder, bargain.

[Mark Siddall]

I'd been weighing that one up. Heard about it just before Christmas. Any chance whether you could confirm just how "advanced" it is. For the genuine rooky or would more concerted interest benefit from it?

Cheers,
Mark

[Nick Grant]

Easy answer is at £16 from Amazon you can't go wrong. There is stuff in it that most architects wont know but it's not about Passivhaus window details or hardcore technical stuff. However it's not the usual coffee table Grand Designs type book that leaves you hungry (but there are great pics). I'm sure us techies will find stuff we disagree with but Jon has built his own house(s) and has several(!) years experience with self builders and big architecture alike, he's at the coal face.

I'm enjoying it on many levels including as a record of UK eco-self build history. Interesting to see the evolution and common threads.

I'm trying hard to be dispassionate about it, but for me, and I'm sure for others who have been in this field a while, its a very evocative book. If you don't like it I'll send you your money back (that's just Mark not the entire internet).

nick

[Mark Siddall]

Sold. I've been tracking Jon Broomes work for some years via the journals (all the way back to the Architype days). I'll will be good to see and hear from the proverbial horses mouth.

Mark

P.S. Don't worry your money will be safe. (Being the research nerd that I am if there's even one useful comment then I'd never part with it. From what you suggest there should be many....besides I'll get a cheeky peak at the see the Grant residence.)

[Nick Grant]

You will be disappointed on one front, Sheila didn't want any pics although there are a couple of details that Jon has slipped in. Guess you spotted the interior in the back of Sewage Solutions? i got into trouble for that.

Jon usually makes the conference but not this year.

[Tahir]

How come I haven't got a copy? Must speak to JB, he never even told me about it.

[Tahir]

My copy turned up yesterday, excellent book, really well laid out and accessible without being shallow. Particularly liked the B&W photo of the couple with their "workmate"