The first practical guidebook to the fundamental principles of simple and robust construction.

The term "low-tech" describes a design that is user-friendly, low-maintenance, and resource- and energy-efficient. It aims for sustainability, simplicity, and the least impact on the natural environment; low-tech architecture reduces the ecological footprint of buildings. The Handbook LowTech puts these concepts in context, illustrates how to apply them, and quantifies their effectiveness.

Building on American architect Christopher Alexander’s (1936–2022) concept of a “pattern language,” The Handbook LowTech is organized into the three fields of Space, Use, and Materials and enables intuitive navigation. This uniquely comprehensive survey on low-tech approaches in architecture and construction compiles and systematizes information and advice that previously was difficult to find in one place. It brings together research findings from leading schools of architecture and technology as well as from specialist practitioners, making available their proven know-how as an evidence-based and realistic foundation for design and construction.