Sustainably built single-family homes don't have to be ugly. In this book, architects and homeowners share their perspectives on the interplay between ecology and contemporary architecture. For anyone who is in the process of building or renovating a home, sustainability is a critical issue --especially since energy is likely to remain costly for the foreseeable future. Choosing to use resources responsibly makes as much of a statement about a home as the selection of floor plans, building materials, or furniture Ideally, our homes should be sustainable and look good at the same time. Building Better showcases single-family homes from around the world whose architecture proves that sustainable and attractive are not contradictions. The book's selection of outstanding, top-quality work provides feasible examples for a new generation of homeowners with a discerning sense of style and environmental responsibility. The spectrum of featured projects ranges from energy efficient restoration and the construction of intelligent extensions to the planning and building of new low-energy or passive homes. The book introduces the latest building forms and materials as well as case studies examining the best division of space, architectural planning, and the use of innovative technologies to control and improve heating and air conditioning. Consequently, Building Better not only provides a striking overview of the topic of sustainable building, but also insightful information on details from technical data to blueprints In the book, both architects and homeowners have their say Families talk about their ideas, desires, motivations, and real experiences. Against this background, Building Better is both a practical and inspirational guide for anyone who sees sustainability not as limiting, but rather as a creative opportunity. As such, it is an essential reference for everyone who wants to build a better home.

A new generation of homeowners and architects is finding original solutions and unusual locations for contemporary single-family homes in urban areas. Cities are bustling metropolises, melting pots, where the action is, and where history is written. Many

Bili Shelton Ehmann, a southern piedmont Virginian, recalls growing up in the 1920s and 1930s. Although those times were often difficult in rural Virginia, she recalls her life and experiences with happiness and a childlike wonder.

Ecology is not a trend. It is one of the most relevant issues for designers and those who hire them. Companies, institutions, NGOs, and politicians increasingly need to position themselves as innovative and environmentally friendly. Whether or not brands or products can be considered green is decisive for their success on the market. A wide range of target audiences need to be sensitized to and convinced of the value of a more conscious lifestyle. Because the traditional look of environmentalism is out of date and no longer so effective, a new visual language must be found for this topic. Cause and Effect is a collection of work from around the world that reveals a credible and understandable contemporary visual language for communicating ecology. Its spectrum ranges from campaigns, posters, brochures, and digital media to interventions and guerilla marketing. It utilizes graphic design, information graphics, and illustrations as well as photography to get its message across. The examples in Cause and Effect inspire us and challenge us. They clearly describe far-reaching correlations and complex technical processes. They explain and motivate. Together they serve as an unparalleled presentation of
the most significant, intelligent, and entertaining communication measures and proposed solutions for sustainability today. Co-editor Stephan Bohle is founder and director of futurestrategy, a think tank focusing on sustainability strategies and green marketing. In addition, Bohle is a member of the advisory board of Germany's national environmental foundation, the Deutsche Umweltstiftung, as well as a consultant and lecturer on the topics of sustainability management, design, and marketing.