Compact Houses: Architecture for the Environment

by Cristina Del Valle

In an age of "McMansions," this international survey of the latest in residential architecture proves that small is beautiful-and responsible. The houses profiled are designed to make maximum use of the smallest possible footprint in order to protect the environment. The houses profiled here prove that efficiency as well as beautiful, thoughtful design can be had in a tiny setting. Each project includes a case history describing its design challenges and how the architect overcame them, a detailed blueprint for each house, full-color photos of the interior and the exterior, and plans of the layout. This book will be an inspiration to anyone in the interior design or residential architecture field as well as to anyone considering a second home, and proves that environmentally responsible design principles are not just a style but a philosophy for sustainable living.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction

420 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2005

Reviews

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the houses in this book were really cool. The pictures were good, but I wanted more. And I wanted fewer typos.

[RebL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty book of tiny houses before they were called tiny houses. Only a few of the houses were shown as if people actually live in them...a few were photographed with no furnishings at all. And, the floor plans were a printed little small and hard to see, with no scale.
In one case, a homeowner was photographed with his house, which really helped me imagine the scale and was helpful.
Would recommend to anyone interested in designer minimalist tiny houses.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite smaller house books: it is a bit more modern, but has come clever ideas about space. Houses are on the bigger side of "small" and go up to 1250 square feet.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flipping through I see page after page of full color, huge photographs and beautiful design.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of many books I've read when I'm dreaming about building my own home just as I'd like it to be :)