A slightly strange book...perhaps because it's a little dated but also because whilst, on the one hand drawing attention to real dangers in the environment (like Radon gas) it also promulgates ideas about getting better sleep with crystals. (Which I find hard to accept). As the title says it's about a more natural way of living. And by "natural" they really mean more primitive ...or going back to the old ways of doing things. So they are against composite board (because it's usually glued together with formaldehyde glues) and they are against plastics in the home due of the volatile organic gases that they can give off. Well there is some truth in all of this though in reading the book and reading about all the cancer causing compounds we surround ourselves with ....I find it remarkable that life expectancy has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 50 years in the developed world .....especially in my own country, Australia. If we are poisoning ourselves by living in dangerous houses...then it's not yet showing up in the death statistics.
There is a lot in here that is really good but just the smattering of "new-age" ideas (like aromatherapy .....with its emphasis on essential oils ....which can trigger off significant allergies in some people) to make me a little cautious in recommending it. Also it suffered from now being a bit dated. Solar energy and wind energy have advanced in a major way since this book was written 1n 1989...and this shows. Though I've since noted that there are newer editions out. Another thing that rather struck me was the cold climate bias throughout the book, despite having an Australian consultant involved. Yes there is a bit there on outdoor rooms and outdoor bathing etc., but I was struck by a heavy emphasis on heating and the hearth....which I guess, reflects the background of the author (and probably his main audience). But a lot of sound and timeless architectural advice throughout. I rather liked the book overall. So three stars from me. ( )

Less is more, or so this book suggests. This book provides insight for designing spaces that utilize natural elements, leave a smaller footprint on the environment, and creating more functional designs in smaller spaces. Many people believe that a larger square footage will provide the best opportunity for design but this book argues that a smaller space is just as effective and can even be a better space for design. It is a great book for designers and design enthusiates that would like to see alternatives to manufactured designing. ( )