Author(s): CHRISTOPHER BRILEY

Architecture

Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible.

A Pretty Good House is:

* A house that's as small as possible

* Simple and durable, but also well designed

* Insulated and air-sealed

* Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.