Ecology of Building Materials

As both a practising architect and a researcher, Berge introduces us authoritatively to issues such as using raw materials from renewable sources, and the possibilities of designing and manufacturing reusable building materials. The alternatives to modern building materials are outlined and discussed from an ecological perspective.



In a time when environmental labelling is becoming increasingly popular and the producers of building materials are urged to be more environmentally aware, it is obviously important that we are acquainted with these alternatives.

Important issues discussed in this book include:

Can raw materials from non-renewable sources be replaced with raw materials from widely available or non-depletable sources?
Can environmentally friendly chemicals replace environmentally damaging ones?
Can the make-up of building materials be altered so that individual components can be re-used?

A clear interpretation of complicated Life Cycle Analysis issues and vital guidance are given to specifiers confronted with a plethora of manufacturers' environmental claims.

* Gain a comprehensive understanding of ecology in building
* Learn about alternative building materials and how to use them
* Vital technological information allows you to pu the ideas of sustainability into practice

Price: $75.95

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Newnes Construction Materials Pocket Book (Newnes Pocket Books)

Essential data on construction materials for practising builders, building service engineers, civil and structural engineers, surveyors and architects, in convenient pocket book format.


The number of materials and combinations of materials used in construction is not known but is considerable. This Pocket Book aims to provide readily accessible data for about 50 of the most widely used materials and gives guidance on how to access additional information. The type of data provided includes chemical, mechanical and physical properties together with appropriate guidance on dimensional stability and durability. Advice is given on the correct and safe use of materials and the pitfalls to avoid to achieve satisfactory results.

Price: $41.95

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Materials & Skills for Historic Building Conservation

Here within a single volume is provided the essential information on the properties of traditional building materials. Each material is considered in the constructional sequence: wall materials, roof coverings, wood and timber framing, metals and finishes.

Price: $99.99

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Hazardous Building Materials: A Guide to the Selection of Environmentally Responsible Alternatives

This new edition provides a detailed reference source of the use in residential buildings of materials known or suspected to harm health and the environment. Alternative materials are evaluated using unique data sheets which compare environmental impact, cost, health, safety and technical performance providing building and construction professionals and other practitioners with the facts they need to make the right selection.
Hazardous Building Materials considers the following building elements: structure, windows and doors, roofing, insulation, finishes and fittings, pipes, services and services equipment. Based on the highly successful format of the first edition this practical reference provides expert advice with the use of clear drawings, tables and data sheets to architects, surveyors, facilities managers, students on built environment courses, material suppliers, environmentalists and clients.

Price: $114.95

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