hmm, sorry i can't think of any books, but google 'Autonomous Geographies' - they're a trio of anarchish geographers who are doing a big research project on autonomy. one of their case studies is a low-impact settlement somewhere in wales. they might have some good resources that you could use. they're dead friendly too. 
eco book recommendations?
some oldies:
Housing -
John F.C. Turner "Housing by People" Marion Boyars 1976
Colin Ward "Housing an anarchist approach" Freedom Press 1976
Colin Ward "Talking Houses" Freedom Press 1990
Colin Ward "When we build again" Pluto Press 1985
Robin Clarke "Technological self-sufficiency" Faber 1976
David Pearson " The Natural House Book" Conran Octopus 1989
Robert and Brenda Vale "The Autonomous House" Thames and Hudson 1975
(a newer edition of this has been issued:
check under "brenda vale" on amazon for that and other titles)
for up-to-date materials check out the centre for alternative technology website:
http://www.cat.org.uk/catpubs/pubs_content.tmpl?subdir=catpubs&sku=PUBS_10/05&key=[key]
also green building website:
http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/books/index.asp
useful list of contacts and books here as well:
http://www.theyellowhouse.org.uk/themes/address.html
----------------
should get you started
Not books as such, but try this: http://www.solarcentury.co.uk/knowledge_base/
Short Circuit by Richard Douthwaite is worth a look, IMO.
i want to find books i can use in my natural resources modules to put forward alternative technologies and housing solutions - does anyone know of decent work with a good technological background to it? ideally i'd like something that talks about both ecological technology AND different social housing/consumption, but one or the other woudl be great too.....
cheers!