The Good Building Book - by Jon Broome & Nick Grant (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The Good Building Book reimagines design and construction for optimal performance and value while minimising environmental impacts.

Accessible yet thorough, this book provides provocative and empowering insights and critical analysis for building users and clients, architects, engineers, builders, developers, homeowners, and students of the built environment. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering practical rules of thumb and design strategies for a changing climate.

From approaches to strategic design and principles of good details for building elements, The Good Building Book weaves together budget, quality and functionality. Drawing from extensive experience, award-winning architect Jon Broome and design engineer Nick Grant celebrate undervalued ideas that have stood the test of time.

Organised as thought-provoking essays and illustrated throughout with helpful diagrams and vivid photographs, this solution-focused book guides readers through project development for eco-friendly houses and commercial buildings. It examines performance standards and navigates commercial aspects like budgets, contracts, and consultants.

Whether you're a homeowner seeking to enhance your space or a student shaping the future, this book provides a way of thinking about how we shape the built environment for sustainable living.

Review Quotes

"An expansive and insightful read. Years of experience pulls together the interconnected threads of design and building with rare clarity. Mandatory reading for everyone in our design practice - building is too important to leave to the experts. This book gives insight to allow everyone to engage in changing what and how we build, for the better." --Charlie Luxton, architectural designer and television presenter

"Every now and then, a book comes along that makes you wish it had been on your reading list from day one. This is one of those books. Clear-eyed, practical, and deeply rooted in experience, it's an essential read for anyone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to the built environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reset your approach, this book will challenge and inspire you to do better, for people, for buildings, and for the planet." --Sarah Lewis, architect and research & policy director at the UK Passivhaus Trust

"A deeply fascinating book. The two authors have been grappling with the question of what makes a good building all their working lives. Here they make a deep dive into what they've learned along the way. Whether you are a self builder or a major developer, prepare to have your pre-conceptions turned upside down and to emerge a great deal wiser." --Mark Brinkley, author of The Housebuilder's Bible

"Lucid insights into making buildings (particularly dwellings) and places nicer, simpler, more sustainable, and more cost-effective to build and to run. Hard-earned wisdom and iconoclasm from the deep experience of the authors and their colleagues. A must-read for anyone wondering how to do better." --Bill Bordass, research and policy adviser at the Usable Buildings Trust UK

"Jon and Nick get to the essence of what makes buildings genuinely good. The findings may surprise you." --Juraj Mikurcik, architect and self-builder

"Finally, feels like a lifetime in the making which I guess in some ways it is. Written by people who truly understand how to deliver great buildings in theory and practice. Having worked with both Jon and Nick over decades now, I'm glad they were able to inform my journey from self-builder to commercial developer of passive house projects. I hope this is distributed widely amongst architects, builders and developers everywhere!" --Tahir Sharif, developer

About the Author

Jon Broome trained as an architect but is now a designer, enabler and self-builder. Previously Director of Architype, he now lives in London, where he runs his own consultancy specialising in sustainable construction.

Nick Grant is a freelance energy consultant and principal of Elemental Solutions. One of the UK pioneers of Passivhaus Standard, he is an active contributor to discussions on sustainable design as well as a practical engineer and self builder.