In Off the Grid Homes, architect Lori Ryker addresses ways architecture can help us break our overdependence on fossil fuels in a straightforward and understandable way.

Global warming, ozone depletion and acid rain are distressing buzzwords of our day. Our energy needs and overuse of resources have come with serious side effects.

We are pouring thousand of dollars into running our homes each year, which in addition to depleting our pocket books is wreaking havoc on the environment. Ryker, however describes a win-win solution. It is possible to harness the power of the environment by utilizing clean-energy generators, such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, solar water heaters and geothermal systems to conserve precious resources and save money.

Ryker explores case studies illustrating how homeowners have employed new, alternative-energy technologies. She presents six contemporary architectural projects that integrate alternative technologies for generating and conserving energy.

Lori Ryker is the executive director of the Artemis Institute, teaches at Montana State University's School of Architecture and is a partner of Ryker/Nave Design. Ryker holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a PhD from Texas A&M University.