A practical guide to incorporating both new and old ideas into 21st century buildings, with the aim of creating beautiful yet thermo-efficient and sustainable new buildings. "Building On Our Past" examines best practices from our rich architectural heritage along with modern innovations. It shows how centuries of technological developments can often be improved with the latest materials, inventions and construction techniques, to be used in modern, sustainable and ecologically sensitive structures. Designed for a non-specialist audience, this book aims to provide an overview of what can be, and has been achieved, so that home-builders and developers may formulate ideas and plans before consulting professional designers and architects. The choice of materials and construction methods continues to open up fresh and exciting possibilities. There has never been a greater awareness of our environmental responsibilities, or a better time to act.