1 comments about Building with Straw: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture.

1. There are many books now available on straw bale construction, but this is the best I've seen so far, as it shows how well straw bales can be adapted to modern designs and be used in virtually any setting. Like all Birkhauser books, Building with Straw is impeccably detailed and rich in illustrations, so you will get a very good idea how this form of construction works. Examples range from the Real Goods Solar Living Center in Hopland, California, to a farm and residential building in Franconia, Germany. So, you see that this type of construction can be adapted to almost any climactic condition, even in rainy Lithuania where small straw bale projects have been undertaken.

3 comments about Bungalow Plans.

1. Enjoyed this book very much. There were plans of the houses with pictures and explanation of features. There were pictures also of the interiors which were lovely. I loved this book. Excellent!



2. I am studying plans for a new craftsman neighborhood that I am building in. This book is not very helpful. It has a few pictures that may help with some exterior design choices but that is all. There are only about 20 plans in this book and none are very good. The plans have no dimensions on them. There is no way to tell what the width or depth is. We have some tight lots so all the houses have to be less than 40' wide. Save your money and buy Craftsman Style.



3. Profusely illustrated with simple yet methodical diagrams and gorgeous color photography, Bungalow Plans by bungalow development experts Christian and Christen Gladu (owners of the Bungalow Company, Bend, Oregon) is an impressive collection of twenty-five bungalow plans from top-class designers. Bungalow Plans is an enthusiastically recommended, beautifully presented showcase of practical, efficient, and "people friendly" homes in this distinctive architectural style.

1 comments about Lofts 2: Good Ideas.

1. A good book on interior loft design/layout. Many of the designs show a nice modern aesthetic using materials like: woods, frosted glass, brushed aluminum, inviting colors, etc.
   
   The book is also broken down to different chapters like "details, distribution and color, and panels & partitions.
   
   A book you can actually get ideas from (unlike lofts that don't feel they're for living).

No comments about London's Contemporary Architecture, Fourth Edition: An Explorer's Guide.

No comments about Asmara: The Frozen City.

No comments about Dream Homes of South Florida (Dream Homes).

1 comments about Scandimodern.

1. I love this book. It doesn't show period mid-century homes, or homes decorated to achieve the period look, but concentrates on clean, contemporary Scandinavian-sympathetic architecture that emphasizes the beauty of natural materials and bringing the outside in, and how modern and period pieces can look in such a setting. In particular, the emphasis on architecture will inspire the reader.

3 comments about Festa Veneziana a Ca'Toga: The Imaginative World of a Venetian Artist in Napa Valley.

1. The House That Faux Built As the author of The House that FAux Built-Transform Your Home with Paint Plaster and Creativity, I shared the faux-cademy stage with the the author of this book and we traded books at the end. I was thrilled and amazed at his creativity. It is an exceptional book full of great ideas. Even better, I was able to visit the house this summer on a tour. If you ever get the chance do it! In the meantime defn. buy the book, Adrienne van Dooren



2. carlo lives the artist's life surrounded by a world of his own creation, and shows us that it is our mission to create and spread beauty in this world, with our skill, and our hopes and dreams. plus, it looks like he knows how to throw a good party. bravo maestro!



3. What a joyous occasion it becomes to whirl through the new book on Venetian-born Carlo Marchiori, a master of many arts, who now lives and works in Calistoga, Ca., the northern-most town in Napa Valley. The book not only presents his life and work in a colorful, well-photographed journal, but it has the magical touch of Carlo's own imagination for the styling of the photographs, layout, and storyline. Now his mastery of arts includes book design as well as painting, drawing, sculpture, construction, architecture, and costume design!

   A self-proclaimed great illusionist, he nontheless informs us of the historical references in his art while capturing our imaginations on an illustrated magical journey back through time. The book is storybook, history, and journal, all rolled into one, and written with Carlo's great sense of humor and gusto for life. From the moment you turn the first page, you are captured by Renaissance man Marchiori's presentation, all colorful, fun, and fantastic. It is a delightful glimpse into his most beautiful imaginings, and they are bountiful. You laugh, smile, ooooo, and ahhhhh, and see life above the mundane, as does Carlo!

   It is interesting to note that he allows tours of his home, and has a shop and artist studio in Calistoga, where various pieces of his art are sold. These are extraordinary experiences not to be missed while in Napa Valley.

No comments about Changes in Scenery: Contemporary Landscape Architecture in Europe.

No comments about Managing Project Risk: Best Practices for Architects and Related Professionals.