^{From Emily Mottram and The Authors of Pretty Good House}

Course Overview

This intensive, interactive online series of courses is designed to rapidly advance your knowledge of sustainable home design and construction. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or a homeowner, we’ll give you the tools and confidence to design and build well-crafted, affordable homes that maximize performance and comfort.

Over 11 hours of video. AIA Approved 10 HSW/LU Credits. Resnet 10 PD Credits.

Design

COURSE INCLUDES: Over 3 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.

Take an in-depth look at Pretty Good House principles around site location and layout, and how to engineer an energy-efficient home while staying within a budget.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding your climate
• Regulatory and infrastructure constraints
• Building a design and construction team
• Location and site characteristics
• Establishing the optimum home size
• Designing for function, comfort, resilience, and security
• Calculating the economics of performance

Building Envelope

COURSE INCLUDES:  Over 4 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.

Study ways to build a resilient, comfortable home using cutting-edge foundation and framing options and modern products and materials that are durable and resource-efficient.

What You’ll Learn

• Foundation and framing options that maximize efficiency
• What goes in the walls: Insulation, electric, plumbing, HVAC ducting
• Air sealing and air barriers
• Water and vapor control above and below ground
• Window and door options and installation details

Mechanicals & Air Quality

COURSE INCLUDES: Nearly 3 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.

Learn to select the right-sized mechanical systems and how to incorporate renewable energy sources to achieve long term comfort and savings.

What You’ll Learn

• Heating and cooling: demands and options
• How to right-size equipment to maximize performance
• Ventilation choices and design
• Dehumidification systems
• Water heating and distribution
• Renewable energy sources
• Efficient lighting and electricity options

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction

Now in it’s 5th edition, Rob Thallon’s book for builders has been a go-to resource for decades. This book features clear graphics that will help you understand how nearly all American houses are — or should be — built.

Buy at Amazon

Musings of an Energy Nerd: Toward an Energy-Efficient Home

Fine Homebuilding readers know Martin Holladay well and love his practical, cost-effective approach to energy-efficiency and green building. In this book, he walks you through every step of planning an energy-smart home that is healthy, durable, and comfortable.

Buy at Amazon

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid

If you are designing or remodeling a traditional home and want to make sure that you get all the finish details right, this book is for you. Marianne’s drawings are illustrative, covering every aspect of interior and exterior finishes.

Buy at Amazon