The Barefoot Architect

Take a greener approach to building with this informative, easy-to-follow handbook--more than 200,000 copies sold internationally!

Whether you're a DIY builder or simply want to understand construction to better communicate with your contractor, Johan van Lengen can help. As a former United Nations worker and prominent architect, Johan has seen, firsthand, the need for a green approach to housing. This comprehensive book clearly explains every aspect of this endeavor, including design, materials, and implementation.

Discover the many options and important decisions you can make--such as siting and climate considerations--that are inexpensive, sustainable, and could save you thousands of dollars while helping the environment. Included are sections about urban planning, small-scale energy production, cleaning and storing drinking water, dealing with septic waste, and more. Plus, all the information is applied to three distinct regions: humid areas, temperate areas, and desert climates. Hundreds of instructional drawings allow even novice builders to get started with ease.

Inside you'll find:

• Bio-architecture, basic design, and site planning for humid and dry climates


• Material tips about adobe, rammed earth, bamboo, plaster, wood, concrete, and ferro-cement


• Information on foundations, roofs, floors, walls, doors, windows, and eco-techniques


• Introductions to solar heating, water-powered electricity, water purification, composting toilets, and more

The Barefoot Architect is a perfect book for these times of increased worldwide concern for the environment and for those who desire to build eco-conscious dwellings by utilizing natural resources.