No comments about Chinoiseries.

5 comments about Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises.

1. We purchased this book for our son. He is deeply committed to 'green' projects. This will give him testimonials of others in his field to aid him in his own work for clients who have the desire to lessen their carbon footprint.
   
   Sincerely,
   F. Albuquerque



2. Great book. Very cool practical applications to problems using environmentally sound solutions. Beautiful pictures and I especially liked the $8 tent clip. Brilliant.



3. I'm not an architect, but I enjoy the craft as a whole. I saw this book on a PBS science show and had to check it out. Once I finish reading it, I'm passing it on to my architect friends to inspire them to think of the more basic level of need for their talents. Living in the US, I have always taken for granted having a place to live, but seeing how many people around the world need homes is staggering. Kudos to those architects that face the problems of these people. They should be recognized for their innovative uses of stuff as simple as PVC pipe and tarp.



4. This book is an important counterbalance to the plethora of glossy coffee table books about architecture that glorify starchitects and their creations, which usually only benefit their wealthy clients. If only the architectural journals would plaster these projects on their front pages instead of oh-so-chic homes and corporate headquarters. The world is facing a housing crisis, but most architects are not trained to respond to this crisis in massive, innovative ways that go beyond the feel-good student trips to build a couple of houses for people in need. This book should be required reading in all architecture schools, architecture practices, and architectural publishing offices. The profession - as with so many other professions - has lost its way. This book can be one small step toward recovering the reality that architecture is a collaborative endeavor that entails public responsibilities.



5. This is truly an inspiring book! I originally bought this for architect friends whose humanitarian vision parallels many of those in this book. Even they were thrilled and inspired. I plan to give it to others for Christmas this year..Lets hope soon everyone will have a place to live that will be their own.

5 comments about Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro).

1. Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro)
   
   My construction experience includes home additions, house remodeling/renovation, and many indoor upgrades, but only one deck. So, when we decided to replace our own old deck with one using the latest materials, a how-to book was in order. After reviewing deck books at local stores, this one stood out as the most useful.
   
   Cons:
   
   - This book was written in 2002 and needs revision to incorporate current building materials. For example, the deck railing chapter talks mostly about building railings out of wood. The same is true for decking, where almost the entire focus is on wood. The author devotes a page or so to Trex and a few other materials available in 2002, but a host of newer products, such as reinforced vinyl or PVC, perma-cast balusters, AZEK trim, etc., are now widely available.
   
   - The book explains attaching the top of a staircase to the deck and methods for anchoring the stairs bottom to a concrete pad; without addressing the frost heave issue. In my area, outside concrete pads frequently frost-heave upwards about an inch by mid-January. If the author's approach was used here, heaving would jack up the stair bottom, weakening or destroying stairs-to-deck connections. This was inexplicable since the author addresses the frost issue in other places.
   
   - There were a few techniques described that, lacking a diagram or photograph, were too ambiguous to be useful.
   
   - One book can't cover every construction scenario, but it was frustrating that it didn't cover some of the things I needed. E.g., in the section on how to flash the ledger board, the examples show houses with siding above and below the ledger. There were no examples of having siding above the ledger and a masonry wall below.
   
   - If a ledger is bolted against the house sheathing (through to a rim joist), our county building code requires flashing (metal, butyl rubber, etc.) between that sheathing and the ledger. Following the book's approach of having nothing at all there wouldn't pass inspection.
   
   Pros:
   
   - The main focus is teaching the reader how to build a deck, rather than how to deal with a contractor that will build your deck.
   
   - Intelligently organized, with excellent "pro-tips", details, safety tips, building codes, diagrams, and photographs throughout.
   
   - I didn't want a deck book for the novice. Not to worry; the author uses a writing style that worked for me, and should also work for a novice. The book may be too basic for a decking contractor, but it should work for anyone else.
   
   - Multiple approaches are described for most aspects of a deck project, versus having one this-is-the-way-to-do-it, approach.
   
   - Occasional mention of the applicable building code (e.g., balusters can be spaced no farther than 4" apart), with advice of how to exceed standards, when the code is too lax.
   
   - Every aspect of a deck project is well discussed, except for financing. It starts with deck planning, and things you should consider, and progresses logically through foundations, ledgers, posts, and beams, joists, decking, railings, stairs, and custom details.
   
   Summary:
   
   This book was clearly worth its small cost, even though it didn't [adequately] cover newer materials or all construction issues. I improved several aspects of our planned deck, based on ideas in this book, and, found out most of what I needed to know to do the detail plans required by our county building inspections department.



2. This is a good book for beginners. Wish there was a little more variety of design style. Haven't built my deck yet, but either way if you follow this books suggestions I imagine it will be a very good deck.



3. My wife and I successfully built a deck using this book 2 years ago. Planned, submitted plans to village got building permit and final inspection. It felt good to accomplish such a large task with only 2 people who are not carpenters and haven't built a deck before. The deck is around 300 sq. ft. so it is not small. The book has all the information you need to build a solid deck. It also includes information on problems you could run into and ideas for customizing the deck. We are now building a smaller 100 sq. ft. deck for the front of our house. Believe me, we could not have done this without this great book.



4. I am a firm believer in the KISS method of doing things. (Keep It Simple Stupid") Every step is covered in this book so that anyone can learn from it. The "Build Like A Pro" series of books are all laid out like this one. The "Expert Tips" are great. They show you short cuts to help you do the jobs right, but in less time. This is stuff you only learn by doing the job everyday. They are trade secrets.



5. This book has great details and illustrations. The book flows from beginning to end and is written so that even the novice (me!) can clearly understand and comprehend. I read it cover to cover and can' wait to use it as a reference again and again.

5 comments about The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling.

1. I've read many other green building books. What I liked about this one was that it really goes into the nuts and bolts more - it give more detail than other books including some of Dan Chiras's other books - which I guess makes sense since it is about a limited area/topic.



2. This book covers much more than Solar Energy by including many energy saving features to build into a house. I bought a copy for both my Architech and General Contractor.



3. Everyone I talked to stated this as the first book someone should read to come up to speed on passive solar designs. And it is a good overview. But only an overview, providing lots of concept and a few "rules of thumb" only. Taken for what it is, this is a very good introduction to passive solar concepts. You'll have to look elsewhere for more detailed information if you plan to participate in the design phase of a passive solar building, or to learn enough to evaluate another's design. There are a few good references in the book to other materials as well.



4. My copy of this book is a mess. It has highlighting and notes all throughout the pages and looks well worn even though I've only had the book for a year.
   
   When the time came to do some studying on solar design, this was the book that was recommended to me. And for good reason - it packs a wallop and provides SO MUCH great information in its pages. At the time I got the book I was somewhat of a novice to solar building and was concerned that the book would have too much jargon or concepts that I didn't understand, but Chiras does such a great job explaining everything in layman's terms that by the time I finished the book I felt like an expert myself.
   
   I HIGHLY recommend this to ANYone looking to building solar/green. I consider it the best of the bunch.



5. This book is excellent and received in great condition. Thank you. - jac

5 comments about Creating a New Old House: Yesterday's Character for Today's Home (American Institute Architects).

1. Great book on how to update older or run down homes. The pictures are beautiful. It is a book on fine taste in home building.



2. When building our new house; we turned to this book for inspiration.
   The brand new homes in this book feel rooted to the ground. They have quirks and nooks like an old house full of character would have.
   There are rooms with a brick wall, hinting at an addition built on over time, although it's a new house.
   The subtle character that gives an old house its charm, is on full display with this beautiful book.
   I couldn't recommend this book more!



3. This book was very interesting to look at. The pictures were great if you like old style homes. The title is deceiving. I was looking for a more modern looking style but this book is still a looker but if you're looking to modernize an old home, I would recommend Colonials: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling, and Building New (Updating Classic America) by Matthew Schoenherr.



4. When you open this book expect not only to view, but become alive in the pages! This book is so full of true "old" techniques, patterns, shapes, forms, and use of the home.
   Beautiful, quality pictures to make you feel as if you are right there in each room. Much to gather visually and use for your own home.



5. It's a nice book if you are expecting a general overview of renovated houses,
   one in each of several architectural types. I had expected more detail about renovating any style of old house.

5 comments about Wind Power, Revised Edition: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business.

1. Are you starting from zero knowledge regarding wind energy? Do you want to get up to full speed in a reasonable amount of time? If yes, then this is definitely the book for you. Paul Gipe has captured the essence of not only the fundamental technology but also the industry in general. Once done with this book, you will have the cranial capital to dig deeper into the engineering, the municipal or national scene, or the fundamentals of financing including energy-cash flow analysis. There is plenty of nitty-gritty for whatever side of the technology you prefer to understand, including building your own system. And there are many specific and anecdotal examples to support the many scenarios described. Yours is sure to be one of them. To paraphrase the late Abby Hoffman - *Buy This Book* You'll be up to 60 mph (26.8 meters/second) in no time.



2. Wind Power, Revised Edition: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business
   
   This book is the bible for learning the history and current configurations of wind power and a welth of information as to how to set up your windmill and problems you may run into with your utility company. It is required reading for anyone thinking about setting up a wind generator.



3. Paul Gipe truly knows his industry. Whether you're thinking about installing a small wind turbine or want to invest in a megawatt model, you should make this your first purchase. You'll feel like you've completed a college course on wind power after reading this book.



4. Unless you already work in the wind industry (and even if you do) this book is invaluable. It contains very detailed information of nearly all aspects of wind power. I've only had this book several weeks and have not yet purchased a wind mill. I especially like the sections on towers, safety and the comparison charts for many models of turbines.



5. Its bulk information & know-how represented in the most fluent manner possible. Its like getting a course of wind energy.
   Fully recommend for wind passionates.

5 comments about Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes.

1. God Bless the folks at Atomic Ranch! I have been a subscriber to the Magazine for over 2 years now and have been dying to get the book. Finally, after a couple of strong hints, my wife got it for me for my birthday.
   This book is chock full of beautiful photographs of incredible mid-century masterpieces. Some are preserved, some restored, and some modernized.
   If this is your thing, (and I doubt you'd be reading these reviews if it wasn't)then this is the book you want. I've gambled on a few other books covering ranch homes, and none of them come close to this book. BUY IT!



2. Very nice book with lots of great photos they are mostly a collection from the magazine but worth having if you are into MCM.



3. I love this book! The author's magazine (of the same name) is awesome and this book covers homes from the early issues which are no longer available (issues, not homes). I love seeing the beautiful interiors and exteriors of modest size homes which most people consider beneath their notice because they aren't historically "old enough" or architecturally significant.
   
   I have learned a lot about mid-century modern homes from reading this book. The photos are great and the book is very informative.
   
   If you live in a plain ranch home, and enjoy a streamlined style of living, then I highly suggest you get this book. It is full of practical tips and resources.



4. I love this book!! I live in an "Atomic Ranch" and this book covers the subject very well. Not only are the pictures great, the text is informative. I also subscribe to Atomic Ranch Magazine published by the same authors. If you are a fan of this genre, both are highly recommended!



5. This book is a must have for anybody decorating or wanting to purchase a Mid Century Modern home. Pages and pages of inspiring ideas, plus an insight as to what would be correct for the proper "look".

No comments about The Houses of Greenwich Village.

5 comments about Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages: At Home by the Sea.

1. I have been waiting for this book as I am one of Mary's devoted fans. After reading the reviews from other customers, I was feeling let down before I even saw the book. I have to say that I was happily surprised and thought it was BETTER than her previous books. I love the size of the book - it has a cozy feeling - and the photographs are perfect. I, for one, enjoy seeing pictures of people's swimming pools (even if they are part of a beach house). I loved her choice of homes and don't really care if some are redundant (Rachel Ashwell) because a lot of these designers/homeowners move all the time and there is always something fresh to see. Count me in as a continuing huge fan of her taste and joie de vivre. So many books today (in the dying era of coffee-table tomes) are sterile and boring. You can tell she cares about her subjects - both the homes and the people who inhabit them. Go Mary!



2. as the previous reviews. I found the book to be full of wonderful pictures and very evocative of a wonderful stay by the seashore. The houses were not the usual beach cliches.... they were very elegant and had a lot of personality and individuality. I would recommend. A concise, nice little volume.



3. As much as I love Mary and her work, the title 'beach cottages' is misleading. The pictures of the homes did not lead me to believe there was a beach nearby and most I would not consider cottages at all. My favorite was of a shingled shack with no heat and laid back beach charm. This one falls short and is disappointing. Please don't show me pictures of pools in a beach book! Mary's charm is missing from this one.



4. I was so excited to get this book, I pre-ordered it 6 weeks ago. I have always loved Mary Emmerling and a cottage by the sea is my dream. So, I figured this was a no-brainer. I honestly don't know what happened here but this book is not at all what I expected, wanted or even like. I did enjoy the lists, i.e. beach music, movies etc. However, there are better decorating ideas in magazines and more inspiration found in "themed" rooms of landlocked homes. Not only were some of these homes unattractive and unappealing, the book lacked heart and warmth. Mary's all about that, so it makes me wonder if she had anything more to do with this publication than lending her name to it.



5. If you loved Mary Emmerlings first cottage book you will probably be disappointed with this new book. It lacks the charming, evolved over time look that the homes in her previous books have had. There are a few that have that comfy beach cottage put up your feet on the coffee table feel to them but most are cold ,austere and seem to have been plopped down yesterday. This may be in part to some of the huge dollar locations that these houses reside in, the owners just called someone and said put what is currently popular in my home. One house has every single pillow in the place with that annoying yet seemingly popular "knife chop" down the center which just screams" DON'T SIT ON ME" you'll mess me up and the same photos of Rachel Ashwell's house have been in print many, many times before. I will keep this book because I love Mary's previous books and I too live in a house a short walk from the Atlantic ocean but sadly it wasn't what I was hoping for. I did give it three stars because I enjoyed reading the text.

5 comments about California Romantica: Spanish Colonial and Mission-Style Houses.

1. I love looking at Spanish colonial architecture. I have a viceral reaction to it, as does/did Diane Keaton, who is also a Californian. I would love to look at each and every photo in this book but it's very very difficult because it is so huge and heavy. You can't hold it in your lap to enjoy the pictures, so you must lay it on a table and look at each page using both hands. The black and white photos show details in the various grand houses mentioned but I was able to look them up online so I could see each house featured in the book inside and out, and in color, e.g. Leo Carillo's house, Los Quiotes. All in all, very very beautiful photography rather than inspirational. What I thought I was getting was something like a wonderful book called Red Tile Style. I can look at and read that book for hours and get the intense feeling that is somewhere in my early psyche and is brought out by seeing the Spanish Colonial and Mission Style houses, some gone, some that still exit, like those in Long Beach and Ventura, CA. I did not get that feeling from this book, but I liked what little writing there was. How I would have liked more to read. But for me, this book is not a keeper. Too much of a physical commitment to pull out and enjoy. I wonder if this book would have been published if the photos were taken by a non-celebrity. Oh well. I have always loved California architecture and Diane Keaton can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. I hope she can get into Falcon's Lair, the last home that Rudolph Valentino owned. It still exists and I'd love to see photos of the inside of the house he loved so much at the time of his death at age 31.



2. I was disappointed with California Romantica. The use of a black seems to dominate. The photos are framed with a black border and pages with text are black with white lettering. For me,some photos were difficult to appreciate due to the darkness. One,in particular, the photo of huge old tree, using two pages,the foreground on the right side was black with just an outline of what one knew was a cactus. The left page had a dirt road lite by the sun giving a cooperish glow. The tree is underexposed making it very dark, therefore the focus is the cooperish dirt road. I love trees and I wish this one did not look dead since it seems to be a
   beautiful place to sit and stay awhile, to read a book or meditate. The architectural features of the villas,the walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, balconies, tile work, doorways,wooden doors, pools, windows, wrought iron work, the furnishings, were creatively portrayed. I did enjoy photos showing what one would see out of specific windows, such as the window on the all black page with just a patch of blue which we know is the ocean!
   
   I will keep the book since I love old houses and I have a great respect for Diane Keaton's efforts to renovate and restore these wonderful homes preserving California's past. Thank you Miss Keaton. Keep up the good work.



3. Just a bunch of art photos. Sure, some of them are beautiful. But this book is classified in the home section. If you are looking for ideas or inspiration for your house, this is definitely not the book. Casa California is far better for that purpose. Many of the photos in this book are of a tiny tiny detail. The book itself is gigantic and very heavy. It's a very self-indulgent work by the author and publishing house.



4. The photography in the book is "Breathtaking" ! Learned so much about my new home , California , early architecture ! A great help for restoring homes here in Southern California !



5. This is an excellent ART book. The photos are exquisite but the whole of the book leaves a little too much left unsaid. The beauty of these period houses are the huge quantity of fine detail and how those details interact. To really get a feel for this type of style it's important to see those details in total and not just specific details in a vacuum. While the shots were all beautiful it would have been much better if the overall feel of the book was more encompassing instead of a macro view with the focus on fine art photography. I absolutely loved the photography, I just was left wanting a little more.