Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Facades    4. General    5. Methods & Materials    6. Architecture / General    7. Building Skins    8. Construction industry    9. Façade    10. Non-Classifiable    11. Photovoltaics   

Editorial Review

While Newport, Rhode Island, may not have been the birthplace of shingle style, it certainly became--somewhere around the 1860s--a stronghold for an approach that would become popular in American architecture. Established as a major shipping port in the mid-18th century, Newport went on to become a fashionable destination for the wealthy and the ambitious who took a liking to enormous houses (which they referred to as "cottages") which were built along the eastern shore of Aquidneck Island. Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Book - Well worth the read
The book "SHINGLE STYLES Innovation and Tradition in American Architecture 1874 to 1982" is a truely exquisite book. The shingle style architecture is one of the last american architectural styles, and should be deeply cherished. The book has beautiful photographs by Bret Morgan and flowing text by Leland M. Roth. The book brings you through time, starting in the gilded age with lavish country homes, and ending in recent 1982, again displaying a lavish country home, stating the continuation of the shingle style. While reading the book you tend to have vicarious dreams of living in the later 1800s, going to the country home with the faimly and walking along the beach or senic country path, with your shingle villa in the background. The book makes a fine contribution to any library, and in my library it is prominately positioned in reach of all that wish to indulge in the enjoyment of the shingle style of architecture. I strongly recomend this book, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Delectable
A truly delectable book! After chewing it over thoroughly from cover to cover, I've been dreaming of shady porches, snug fireplaces, the smell of old houses in the rain. Bret Morgan is a wonderful photographer; his pictures evoke all of this -- I ate them up!

"...a treasure trove..."
"Shingle Styles" is a treasure trove of architectural images and ideas. We are planning a new house inspired by the Shingle Style and this book has been most helpful in talking to our architect and contractor. Themore recent houses are particularly helpful in thinking about adapting ahistoric style to our contemporary needs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. 20th century    3. Architectural Detail    4. Architecture    5. Architecture, Domestic    6. Decoration & Ornament    7. Domestic    8. Residential Buildings Architecture    9. Shingle style    10. U.S. Architecture - General    11. United States    12. Architecture / Decoration & Ornament    13. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    14. USA    15. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (2)

A fantastic book for Concrete repair
This is the best book out there on this subject. The author has done an excellent job explaining and illustrating the proper process of repairing concrete: Diagnose, repair and protect. I have made this a must read for all of my sales reps. Good bookfor civil engineering students
This book is very useful for every students who take civil engineering as their major. It give you all the explanation about concrete destruction because of nature and human error. And tells you how to repair it and tomaintain it so it won't damaged more that it used to be. I find this bookvery helpful for my thesis.Every civil engineering students and othermajor that related to it has to own this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Concrete Structures    2. Concrete construction    3. Construction - General    4. General    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Building construction & materials    10. Structural engineering   

Reviews (3)

Idea Finder
Great find.This is the perfect book when plannning a remodel.It's refreshing to find such a variety of interiors under one cover.The garden shots are equally inspiring and wildly different from one home to the next.The book is beautifully shot and the narative is well thought out.Well worth buying.

One Word: Fabulous, Fabulous ,Fabulous
I know you say to yourselves. Not another narsicistic book on celebrity domiciles.. But this book stands out. It is smartly written by Sue Hostetler. An element of honesty comes out in her subjects that one is not usually privy to in a celebrity "fluff piece". The humanity of those who dwell within the walls portrayed in this book really shines through. Also the photographs are "Superb". I have owned many beautiful photo books and this one really stands out. The depth of the images and the natural balance of light is stunning. Peter seems to know just what the spaces want to share with the viewer. All the homes shine under Peters visionary imagemaking. I would say if you are interested in what really drives the styles of today, "Hip Hollywood Homes" is a MUST HAVE. The style , design , and tastemakers who opened their lives and homes to Peter and Sue really are the creme' de la creme' of what is happening now.

Vanity Fair meets Architectural Digest for those with real style!,
Much, much more than other coffee table books!
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. California    3. Celebrities    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Domestic    7. Homes and haunts    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Los Angeles    11. Residential Interior Design    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Construction - General    3. Entrepreneurship    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Superintendence    7. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    8. Technology    9. Building skills    10. Business & Management    11. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (7)

an excellent source for hard to find information
this book provides a thorough and well detailed look at SIP anatomy and construction techniques.information on this construction type is extremely difficult to find from sources other than (possibly biased or glossed-over) information from SIP manufacturers.the content covers so many details of its construction that it could concievably be used as a primer/manual/textbook for contractors or others interested in using this construction type.any information needed to supplement the information found here will most likely be so specific that it will be material related to a particular manufacturer's product or information gleaned directly from materials testing reports.i have looked extensively, and not been able to find, any materials on SIPs that could compare to the value of this source.

Excellent Starting Point for Learning about SIPS
Just a quick note on this book.My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home.We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people.As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area).As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel.However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product.The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS.The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed.In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product.Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building.We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.

Answered my questions
I have been considering building a home on a piece of property I own for the better part of a year now.I'm a fan of SIPs due to energy efficiency and the perception I have of their ability to withstand the harsh climate of south Texas.It helps that the best home I've ever owned (and I've owned more than ten) was a panelized home but on a wood foundation that I purchased in Minnesota 15 years ago.The house was solid, energy efficient and better built than anything any of the many site built stick homes I owned before and since. Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Dwellings    5. Exterior walls    6. House & Home    7. House Plans    8. Modular construction    9. Prefabricated houses    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Wall panels    12. Building construction & materials    13. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (4)

Agreed
After doing my own research, I ended up purchasing this book. I agree completely with the other reviews - its the best book, its the only book you need, and I congratulate the author on making this a flexible yet thorough resource that guides you pictorally through every step of the process. Just plain awesome, and I just finished my deck and I love it - it exceeds my expectations and its due to the advice in these pages.

best deck building book I found
I am planning to design and build a large (40x15) deck, and I bought several books to learn about the process.This is far and away the best of the lot.Plenty of detail for each part of the deck.Great diagrams and pictures.Lots of great "tricks of the trade."Very readable.Highly recommended.
The Best Book on Design and Construction of Decks
I've been researching decks and screen porches for the last few months, with the intention of building a 16'X 34' elevated deck and screen porch on my home in Southern CT. I've done many home construction project big and small; however, I'm not in the construction business. Scott Schuttner's Build Like a Pro book on decks, is by far the best book on decks, period. It is clearly superior to the other books I've read on the subject (and I've purchase over four of them and flipped through a lot more). This one was really the only one I need to buy; unfortunately, I came across it after studying the other books and still not feeling that I had a full understanding on deck construction and design options. Schuttner's book lives up to its opening dedication: "...to all those who desire to do the best they can."Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decks (Architecture, Domestic)    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Patios & Decks    10. Outdoor Structure Construction    11. DIY    12. Greenhouses, conservatories, patios    13. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (28)

Better Construction Drawings
Very good book. It has helped me to make better construction drawings.

Cha-Ching!
After years of architecture school and years in practice, Building Construction Illustrated remains for me one of the best resources for construction detailing and general architectural design available.This is the first copy I've purchased since the 1st Edition and although I haven't had time to identify everything that's been updated, this volume is very thorough, simply and clearly noted, and, of course, well drawn.A MUST HAVE in any architect's library at any phase of their career.

Well illustrated, well thought out.
This book offers a good introduction to construction, with illustrations that will make you, if not dangerous, at least on the road to competence. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building    3. Building Construction    4. Construction - General    5. Domestic    6. House construction    7. Methods & Materials    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Architecture / Methods & Materials    11. Building construction & materials   

Reviews (3)

BERKSHIRES
Acanthus is the gold standard publisher of books of this kind and their latest book does not disappoint.Mr. White does a supurb job of selecting wonderful images of these amazing estates and his research is scholarly and highly informative.If you appreciate beautifully crafted books on Gilded Age residential architecture, then I can't imagine you not loving this book.I have never had the pleasure of visiting the Bershires, so I guess this will have to be the next best thing to experiencing in person.

Rebuttal to Mr. Millen
Mr. Millen brings up some criticisms that are valid but are misplaced. This is not an ENTIRELY fresh view of the Berkshires but local authors Gilder and Jackson bring to light much fresh architectural and social history. Also, they have found a number of previously unpublished photographs that delight, such as the early view of Naumkeag that appears inside and on the back cover. Ms. Owen's work was groundbreaking, but this work supercedes it, particularly in the great production values for which this publisher is famous.
Well done but not an entirely fresh view of the Berkshires
I found this to be a well researched and mostly through book covering a wide selection of architectural examples from the Berkshires. It has a good mix of numerous previously published historical photos (the Lenox Library put out a photography book of note, too) but also many photos I have not seen before. While many of the properties are still standing today few of the photographs used are current, which is a shame, and fewer still are from the middle of the last century.
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Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. 20th century    3. Architecture    4. Berkshire Hills    5. Country homes    6. Design & Construction    7. Domestic    8. Historic Preservation    9. History    10. History - General    11. Home Improvement / Construction    12. Massachusetts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Construction - Plumbing    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Building construction & materials    7. Mathematics and Science    8. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (13)

Building Your Own Home For Dummies
I have 3 degrees, but I did not know the 1st step about buying raw land, building a home, and getting a construction loan. I read this book from start to finish and could not imagine going through the process without using the guidelines in this book. I learned what questions to ask the broker about the loan and what questions to ask my contractor about the construction. It is so important to go into this kind of huge project knowing what check lists to take care of and have some kind of timeline. Nice to know what is around each new corner! I think this is a must have book if you're planning on building a home!

Should be titled"Financing" your own home for Dummies.
If you intend to be an Owner-Builder don't waste your time here.This is mainly about financing a project with the rest about using a General Contractor. You'd be better off saving your money to buy coffee for one of your crews than buying this book.

Good information source for the beginner
This book covered lots of detail and is bound to get the fire started in most. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Home & House Maintenance    8. House & Home / General   

Editorial Review

The common and sensible dictum among carpenters--"Measure twice, cut once"--is only the beginning for Carroll, who manages to take some very complex information and distill it into readable and understandable form. There are chapters devoted to laying out foundations, frames, roofs, stairs, masonry units, and finishing materials, and many little-known tricks of the trade and shortcuts. Carroll covers all the basics of tools and techniques, shows how to measure larger dimensions on projects while working alone, and shows that one needn't be a master mathematician to assure accuracy in projects, nor use space-age, high-tech equipment to achieve near-perfect results in a building project. From the simplest how-to project for a home handyperson to constructing an entire house, proper, accurate measurements are the very foundation of a successful result. Using common sense and care in measuring can save time, materials, and money on any home repair or construction plan. This is the book to tell you everything you need to know before you get started. Read more

Reviews (8)

good reference book
author goes into a lot of detail...i learned a lot from this book

Over 20 Years In The Trade, I Still Learned A Thing Or Two.
I read this book thinking I might find something interesting. I was not disappointed. The book has historical commentary and personal experiences that are interesting. Old timer's secrets of layout, very cool. Geometrical calculations are easier to understand when you can see how they are to be applied. The formulas used in the book are reasonably simple. Most importantly, when there is a shortcut, it's shown in this book. From the ground to the roof, and all in between, there's detailed(but basic, no really fancy decorative work) explanation and excellent illustration. Handrails, masonry units, roofing, the book shows where to start and what to do next. He shows how to build many of the jigs and measuring/marking secrets that I use regularly. I don't do everything exactly as he does, but everybody has their own way of doing things. If this guy writes any more books, I and many of my competitors may not be needed any more. MANYsecrets of the trade.
Must Have
If you're planning on building any of the hard parts of a house like footings, foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, stairs, masonry or shingles, you will want this book so you can figure out how to make them plumb, square, level, and evenly distributed.(I think that covers most of the carpentry sections)Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. House & Home    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Home & House Maintenance    8. House & Home / Design & Construction    9. HOUSE & HOME / Reference   

Reviews (8)

too rustic for my taste
This book has pretty pictures, but focuses on a more rustic colonial home.Think charming, yet squeeky, New England Inn.I was hoping for some pictures and ideas for a more "updated" Colonial with larger rooms.A little less "shabby chic" and more "classic decorating".
Great ideas and inspiration
As proud new owners of an antique home in Marblehead, MA -- built circa 1720 -- we were thrilled to find Treena Crochet's "Colonial Style." It helped greatly in getting our creative juices in motion.And the author even took time to respond to my e-mail inquiry about a ceiling issue which had us stumped.The book is a real pleasure to own -- just like our antique home! Ann and Mike

Good for some ideas.
I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I want to preserve the integrity of my old house 1765, and I'm looking at options with regards to bringing some of the old feel within a newer addition.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Colonial    2. Decoration and ornament, Early    3. Decoration and ornament, Early American    4. Design & Construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Dwellings    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Home Maintenance And Repair    9. House & Home    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior decoration    12. Remodeling & Renovation - General    13. Residential Interior Design    14. United States    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. House & Home / Design & Construction    17. House & Home / General   

Reviews (12)

Really Good, But.....
This is a book with a good deal of information on solar homes. But the author repeats himself over and over. The book could have been writen in about 70 pages instead of 270 pages. Also the author does not give you all the necessary information that he could. Instead he refers you to different websites throughout the book. Before I read this book I had already done a lot of research on solar houses on the internet, though this does take more time the information was free and covered at least 80% of what is in this book. With a little more research I probably could have found the rest. The book is still a good read though.

Excellent passive solar book
An excellent passive solar publication that is very complementary to my own book: The Sun-Inspired House: house designs warmed and brightened by the sun.I knew that Dan Chiras had already published an excellent book with passive solar details so one of the goals of The Sun-Inspired House was to show numerous examples of passive solar homes while adding another way to look at passive solar.

good, sound ideas, but repetitive and tedious
The ideas seem sound and helpful; however, the book would be better written more to the point and include more pictures.It reads like a high school essay that has to be 10 pages long but you only have 5 pages of material for -- so you pad. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Domestic    6. Dwellings    7. Energy conservation    8. House & Home    9. Passive systems    10. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    11. Solar energy    12. Solar houses    13. Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology    14. Heating, lighting, ventilation   

Reviews (5)

Belongs in every household
"Green Clean" is a treasure for every household. Even if you do not care about the environment or about your health, this book is definitely worth its money. It contains not only the expected environmentally sound advice but also strategies for keeping your home clean and orderly. There are also great do-it-yourself recipies for cleaning products (my favourite: DIY air freshener, it smells exactly the way I want it), and countless invaluable little tips on how to make life easier, e.g. how to load your dishwasher most efficiently, how to organize your kitchen appliances.
Great book - quick & easy use
You don't have to read this cover to cover (although that's nice too) to begin benefiting from its content. It's great for quick reference. I've used several of the "recipes" for cleaning products and have been pleased with the results. The format of the book is user friendly and I love its stain-resistant, washable pages. Lots of good info. about having a green household! I highly recommend it if you're thinking about making some positive changes for your home and the planet!

Everyone should read this book
This book tells you how to clean just about anything without harsh toxic chemicals so common today.Your body and environment will thank you for all the fresh air and your house will be green clean. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Environmental aspects    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. House cleaning    9. Natural products    10. Cooking / Cakes    11. Home & House Maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Domestic    6. Architecture / General   

Reviews (6)

A contractors point of view.
This is a very complete compilation of cost data for commercial construction. The systems portion is very helpful for a quick estimation but the real value is in the wide variety of componets listed. This book will take awhile to learn to use for the new contractor but the investment in time is worth while.

A Good Starting Point
For anyone in the construction management field, this text is a well-known reference.Nothing can replace your own firm's historical productivity data and quotes from subcontractors and suppliers, but RS Means can give you a good idea of where an estimate begins.It is a great tool for architects and owners to calculate preliminary cost estimates for a wide range of products.

The most famous book in construction field.
This book is famous enough not to mention...
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Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Construction - General    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (4)

Tour de Force: Earth Moving at its Finest
Ranks right up there with Handling the Big Jets, get behind the wheel of an earth grader or dumptruck. Moving great masses of the earth is a singularly human occupation. This book will put you there.

Excellent basic refernce
I ordered the latest edition of this book for my husband, who had spent hours studying the previous one. Whether you're operating a dozer or an excavator, or even a Bobcat; transplanting trees, landscaping, making stock ponds or building roads... this is a valuable reference.

Moving the Earth
Just a word to Amazon....[com] as an entity, thanks guys/gals, very much! To the rest of you...I ordered this book on a holiday, to be delivered the cheapest method possible (I was in no rush, I had a copy available at work but wanted one for myself). It was sent that day and I received it 8 days later! I certainally do not expect that to be the case with every order, nevertheless, I will be looking to order any future items thru Amazon.[com] As to the book...if you work in the dirt, around, on, or in Machinery and want one book that tells you how it really is (speakin' in :) down to earth talk) and covers it all...you're lookin' at it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Earthmoving machinery    3. Earthwork    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Excavation    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Civil Engineering, Surveying & Building    10. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades   

Reviews (6)

Environmental Psychology
Fascinating look at how architecture and interior design influence our mood and behavior. You gain general priciples and insights into what makes an space inviting or unappealing.This is a great book for an architect or interior designer with an interest in environmental psychology.This is NOT a "how to" book for consumers who want remodeling ideas.

Notecard Nonfiction
I bought House Thinking several months ago when we were getting ready to do some serious remodeling, not as a how-to guide, but for some philosophical perspective. I found it unreadable. It is an example of the genre of Notecard Nonfiction. The way this works is that the wrier has an Idea & then begins Researching, making notes. Composition consists of stitching the notecards together into a sort of endless papyrus of bland observations, mostly from sociologists. Notecard Nonfiction, whatever the subject, relies heavily on sociological observation. It is like David Brooks without the right-wing point of view. Without any point of view. The book as pure consumer object, motivated by nothing deeper than market reserach.

The psychology of a living room
Plenty of books focus on interior decorating or rooms which look good: HOUSE THINKING: A ROOM BY ROOM LOOK AT HOW WE LIVE focuses on the feel of living spaces, providing a psychological house tour which pairs renovation and design concerns with psychological and the social impact of a home's arrangements. Her behavior-oriented approach to rooms borders on feng shui but goes further in drawing important connections between design and human health and purpose.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design & Drafting    5. Domestic    6. General    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Housing    9. Housing (Sociological Aspects)    10. Identity (Psychology)    11. Interior Design - General    12. Psychological aspects    13. Residential Buildings Architecture    14. Social Science    15. Sociology    16. Sociology - General    17. U.S. Architecture - General    18. United States    19. Architecture / Design & Drafting   

Reviews (21)

The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home
Book has many outmoded products and procedures. Needs updating.

complete guide to contracting your own home
Great guide book seem to cover everthing,worth the money

Very specific information on limited areas
I used it to write specification to give to contractors so we can get bids. The specs are detailed but I still added lots of my own stuff to customize it for my needs.
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Building    3. Building Construction    4. Construction - Contracting    5. Construction - General    6. Contractors    7. General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House construction    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Selection and appointment    12. Superintendence    13. Technology    14. Food & Drink / Cookery