Students undertaking all first level undergraduate programmes in construction need to develop an understanding of basic building technology. A good way to achieve this is by studying simple house construction. Once the fundamental concepts of building technology have been understood at this level, students can comfortably progress to more advanced building technology, related to larger and more complex structures. This up-to-date and dependable textbook takes a conceptual approach, focussing on the functional requirements of each element in the building. Andrew Charlett explains how each of these elements can best be satisfied in the design, through the selection of materials and the technology of their incorporation into the structure. This demonstrates why a particular detail works best in the situation for which it has been designed. Readers are given self assessment questions or exercises to undertake at key points in the text which help ensure that they can grasp the essential concept being considered. This is especially valuable where students are studying outside the conventional learning environment of the classroom.