I'm researching the construction of my house, framing to finishing, and the handbook made me think of the higher level side affects of material choice, shape, I had not fully considered before.

I also strongly recommend "Home Comforts" by Cheryl Mendelson. It is about the home as a series of systems, I thought there was a lot of value in it, there were a lot of subtle ideas you wouldn't normally think about but which ultimately make your life easier. It is nice seeing all the little pieces fit together. I know Sam Altman/sama recommends Stewart Brand's book on changing architecture as a general pattern for systems but I think the Home Comforts book curiously beats the pants off it.