Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration For Harmony With Nature (Schiffer Design Book)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfect book
  • YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK
  • Beautiful photos; strange text
  • Very complete book
  • Surprisingly COMPREHENSIVE!
Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration For Harmony With Nature (Schiffer Design Book)
Michael Littlewood
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Outdoor & Recreational AreasOutdoor & Recreational Areas | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Swimming PoolsSwimming Pools | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Earth Ponds Sourcebook: The Pond Owner's Manual and Resource Guide, Second Edition Earth Ponds Sourcebook: The Pond Owner's Manual and Resource Guide, Second Edition
  2. Landscaping Earth Ponds: The Complete Guide Landscaping Earth Ponds: The Complete Guide
  3. The Ponder's Bible The Ponder's Bible
  4. Earth Ponds: The Country Pond Maker's Guide to Building, Maintenance and Restoration Earth Ponds: The Country Pond Maker's Guide to Building, Maintenance and Restoration
  5. Poolscaping: Gardening and Landscaping Around Your Swimming Pool and Spa Poolscaping: Gardening and Landscaping Around Your Swimming Pool and Spa

ASIN: 0764321838

Book Description

Natural swimming pools rely on the correct balance of plants and microorganisms to clean and purify the water. They are a safe place for children to play and birds to drink, and are a dramatic example of ecological design, combining the natural and man-made worlds while creating beauty. These pools offer enjoyment not only in the warm months, but during winter, too, when they can be used for ice skating and other activities. Often the focal point of a garden, natural swimming pools blend into their environments, flowing into the surroundings with plants and rocks.They reflect the changing seasons and they enhance the environment naturally. They are easy and less costly to maintain than chemical pools, providing significant savings in water. Chlorine and other common pool chemicals are hazardous to human health and are not used. This book is a necessary resource for anyone interested in having a natural swimming pool and shows how a natural swimming pool system works, as well as the environmental, health, and safety benefits it offers. Drawings, diagrams, and charts cover planning, design, biology, materials, construction, planting, and maintenance. Over 300 beautiful color pictures feature projects that will inspire you to have your own natural water garden where you can swim in harmony with nature at any time.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Perfect book.......2007-09-04

Great book for all aspects of creating a variety of green/natural pools. Beautiful pictures and good illustrations and copy to help in decision making.

5 out of 5 stars YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK .......2007-08-22

Simply put this book is a MUST READ for anyone intersted in any aspect of Sustainable and Ecological Design. It should be read right along with Permaculture by Mollison, the Passive Solar Handbook by Mazria, Rainwater Harvesting by Lancaster, and ecocities to Living Machines by Todd. Even if you aren't specifically interested in making a swimming pool (which you will be after reading it) the insights into the workings of hydro-ecologies and how to design natural systems are invaluable!

If you aren't interested in the whole range of sustainability but just this particular topic of pool design then this book is STILL A MUST READ. If you're an ecologist who wants to make a pool, or a pool designer who wants to do something ecological this book provides an excellent layman's understanding of ecological design, with good technical and artistic advice for how to do it, and good technical and artistic advice for swimming pool construction.

I would still advise you to also purchase the book Poolscaping as a companion to this one.

This is an all around excellent book buy it now.

4 out of 5 stars Beautiful photos; strange text.......2007-08-01

Thumbing through the book will make you want to move to Austria or Germany where beautiful "natural" pools are somehat established. Why is the U. S. so environmentally backward? Unfortunately, the text is awkwardly translated at times such that one has to struggle to figure out what is meant with limited success.The assumption is that one is swimming only in the summer, but in California we may want to swim year round. Useful especially since so little information is available. Can't understand why the publisher didn't insist on professional proofreading.Buy it for inspiration, or wait for the next edition, or wait for one more applicable to your area. It does provide info in the back about two U.S resources, one in CA.

5 out of 5 stars Very complete book .......2007-02-24

Is the book i need for learning on natural swimming pool. Now i can make my own pool

5 out of 5 stars Surprisingly COMPREHENSIVE!.......2007-02-09

This large sized book covered the subject exceedingly well in lots of color photos with explanations and, more importantly, in lots of diagrams and nuts and bolts descriptions. I only read sections here and there but what I did read clearly indicated to me that you could actually use this book to build a natural swimming pool. At the least, you could definitely make a solid decision whether or not you could build or would want to build such a pool on your property. These pools are basically like salt water aquariums in that you have to make a biosphere and monitor it. In some ways it's not as easy as it sounds but also not as hard as it sounds. However, start up takes time and it can be tricky to finally reach environmental stabilization. I am not going to build a natural pool but I still found this book very useful. At the end this book are MANY pages of water plants and trees recommended for certain types of water areas. There are zone maps of the US included for reference. So even if you just want to make a little ornamental fountain in a big pot on the patio deck or a pond or a bog out back, this book has a VERY comprehensive set of plant lists you will find exceedingly useful. 18 pages of them. Categories include Submerged Plants, Floating Plants, Floating Leaved Plants, Shallow Marginal Plants, Deep Marginal Plants, Moisture-loving Plants, Bog/Marsh Plants, Waterside Plats-Trees & Shrubs, Ferns, Grasses Sedges Reeds and Rushes. Botanical and Common Names are listed along with height, spread, water depth, flower color, flower period, foliage, position, comments and plant zone. It's the best I've seen in any book so far.
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 10th Edition
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Informative
  • Very very very thick - but truly worth owning !
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems/ Buildings
  • Weighty tome shows how engineering intersects architecture
  • Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 10th Edition
Benjamin Stein , John S. Reynolds , Walter T. Grondzik , and Alison G. Kwok
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Drawing & Modelling | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mechanical | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Advanced MechanicsAdvanced Mechanics | Aerospace | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
MechanicsMechanics | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Plumbing & Household AutomationPlumbing & Household Automation | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
All Amazon UpgradeAll Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
EngineeringEngineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ProfessionalProfessional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods
  2. Modern Architecture Since 1900 Modern Architecture Since 1900
  3. Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition
  4. Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects
  5. The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb  for Preliminary Design The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design

ASIN: 0471465917

Book Description

Continuing its proud heritage, this Tenth Edition provides thorough coverage of the latest in the theory and practice of environmental control system design. This bestselling book encompasses mechanical and electrical systems for buildings of all sizes, featuring design guidelines and detailed design procedures for every topic covered and supported by more than 2,200 illustrations—over 225 new to this edition!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Informative.......2007-04-08

This book was used as a text for two of my classes in my third year of architecture schooling. It is extremely useful, with lots of descriptions and helps you to understand more than just the structure of the building. Lighting, plumbing, all the different systems, etc. It has been very useful and I recommend it as a great reference.

5 out of 5 stars Very very very thick - but truly worth owning !.......2007-01-31

I came across this book preparing Architectural Registration Exam (ARE).
I have to say that this book is an essential for architects
who are preparing MEP (Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing)section of the ARE.

The book is divided into basically nine sections.

1. design context
2. thermal comfort
3. illumination
4. acoustics
5. water/waste
6. fire protection
7. electricity
8. signal equipment
9. transportation

It describes various systems of each section with pretty
accessible narrative.
Abundance in graphics and diagrams is very helpful.
The book is extremely helpful in understanding where each
kit of parts fit into the overall building systems.

For instance, I heard about AHUs/ cooling towers/ refrigeration
cycle/ boilers/ duct systems/ etc. , but I never knew how
they fit and interconnect to one and another. The book, being
encyclopedic in its contents, really helps to overcome that.

The book also pays particular attention to the "sustainable"
agendas and strategies.

1 out of 5 stars Mechanical and Electrical Systems/ Buildings.......2007-01-04

I was searching for a good general description of central plants. The impending installation of 1000 ton chillers, cooling towers, electrical conversion to primary service, multiple emergency generators, paralleling gear, etc. This book didn't fit the bill. The 9 pages on central plants for HVAC were a disappointment. From the title , I expected more on MEP and didn't expect the book to be more about illumination, color,acoustics etc. My fault, not the book.

5 out of 5 stars Weighty tome shows how engineering intersects architecture.......2006-07-16

This almost 1800 page treatise on mechanical and electrical design as it relates to architecture is one of a kind. It is not an artistic book on the subject, although some artistic ability is always needed in any aspect of building design. Instead it is a very technical book that shows how the architect must be part electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, electrician, physicist, plumber, safety specialist, and transportation engineer in order to design the modern building. And to top it all off, you need to be knowledgable of current mechanical and electrical equipment - their specifications and their costs.

The book has plenty of examples with step by step instructions on how to perform various subtasks. Many of these examples contain numerical calculations, so it will help if you have had freshman engineering physics, especially in the sections on illumination, acoustics, and electricity where calculations, tables, and equations abound.

The book is broken into nine parts encompassing nearly every technical decision involved in designing a modern building. The first section is an introductory one on the context of design. That is followed by sections on thermal control, illumination, acoustics, water and waste, fire protection, electricity, signal systems, and finally in-building transportation. A lengthy appendix contains a great deal of supplemental information, including climate data for various parts of the United States, solar geometry, sound transmission data, and a listing of software that can be helpful in performing the tasks discussed in this book, and how that software can be obtained.

I highly recommend this book to aspiring architects and also to civil engineers that are interested in the construction of modern buildings. It's been the flagship book on the subject for seventy years in its various editions, and probably will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.

5 out of 5 stars Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings.......2006-07-04

Excellent. The best book I have seen on the subject.
Materials and Components of Interior Architecture (6th Edition)
Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
  • Very Poorly Written
  • Broad Outlook on Interior Products
Materials and Components of Interior Architecture (6th Edition)
J. Rosemary Riggs
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Buildings & ConstructionBuildings & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Household HintsHousehold Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ProfessionalProfessional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Estimating for Interior Designers Estimating for Interior Designers
  2. Space Planning Basics Space Planning Basics
  3. The Codes Guidebook for Interiors The Codes Guidebook for Interiors
  4. Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition
  5. Lighting Design Basics Lighting Design Basics

ASIN: 0130483990

Book Description

/*0-13-048399-0, 4839J-7, Riggs, J. Rosemary, Materials and Components of Interior Architecture, 6/E*/ Taking into account the dramatic advances being made in materials and technologies, this innovative book on interior architecture offers a refreshing, synergistic approach to the field while exposing readers to many exciting nonstructural materials available to today's designers. With an eye on the environment, it provides a firm understanding of the products, properties, and uses of all materials, covering everything from floors, walls and ceiling to installation, and recycling. Progressing from the ground up—literally—it looks beyond the more decorative aspects of design to study the properties and uses of both finishing materials in the design field and structural materials in the architectural field. For interior designers and specifiers.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Very Poorly Written.......2006-08-22

This book is very poorly written. It also does not adequately discuss estimating materials.

3 out of 5 stars Broad Outlook on Interior Products.......2000-06-21

This book is a good reference for anyone who is currently designing or building a luxury home, but for a general education on construction interiors, this is not the book. There are many references to the latest products, which include both color and feature description that will be quickly outdated. Most of the discussion centers around materials that would be used in an affluent home rather than your typical family residence, and product descriptions focus on the unique product, not the typical. Dimensions for comfortable clearance and layout hints are useful for residential layout, but the commercial references are very limited.
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A terrific reference book
  • Straightforward
  • Excellent Resource for Wood Frame Construction
  • Invaluable for Anyone Who Wants to Build
  • Good graphic presentaion of wood frame construction
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros)
Rob Thallon
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Building ConstructionBuilding Construction | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
CarpentryCarpentry | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
WoodworkingWoodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books | Decoys | Furniture & Carpentry | General | Projects | Tools
Design & ConstructionDesign & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
CarpentryCarpentry | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Designers (Graphic Guide) Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Designers (Graphic Guide)
  2. House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...) House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
  3. Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide
  4. Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition
  5. Wiring a House (For Pros by Pros) Wiring a House (For Pros by Pros)

ASIN: 1561583537
Release Date: 2000-10-01

Book Description

Teaching through hundreds of meticulous drawings, Rob Thallon's guide covers foundations, roofs, building systems and materials, durability, energy efficiency, and more.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A terrific reference book.......2007-10-06

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (Paperback)

After preparing 8 pages of detailed engineering-size construction drawings for contractors to bid on a two-story addition to our house, I came across this book. Even though I have many years of (mostly remodeling) experience, this book provided lots of great tips on strengthening foundations and walls, flashing, roofing and other areas. Those drawings have now been modified to incorporate what I've learned. Lucky I read this book BEFORE starting the project. Change orders, once construction begins, are costly, since you have little leverage with the contractor at that point.

Materials and techniques used in frame construction have evolved over the years, and the previous (similar) book I had was substantially obsolete. This one cites the latest materials and approaches, as of the year 2000, and is well worth the cost for anyone contemplating a framing job of almost any size. It's doubtful that any contractor knows the best methods to do everything this book explains, not to mention non-contractors. That makes this book a good resource for any experience level. About half of the book's pages have one or more detailed drawings to show you how to do "it" (see customer images for a sample). The spiral binding is particularly helpful in using it on-the-job, or to photo-copy or scan.

The five chapters, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs, cover virtually every aspect of frame construction, including decks and porches.

The book doesn't cover everything. For example, there is no mention of the APA (Wood Engineering Association), Narrow Wall Bracing Method, an important subject when building sunrooms, or other structure with narrow corner walls or walls between window or door openings. Nevertheless, it's a great reference well worth the price.

5 out of 5 stars Straightforward.......2007-09-23

This is a very easy to follow guide to wood frame construction. I recommend it as a basic reference.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Wood Frame Construction.......2007-05-31

This is a wonderful book to have on the reference shelf. It answers so many questions about wood frame construction in a clear manner with great graphic depictions.

5 out of 5 stars Invaluable for Anyone Who Wants to Build.......2007-04-09

I am a beginning amateur builder of outbuildings on my property, and this book is wonderful. Easy to understand, the pictures are very descriptive. It is all I need. I gave a beat-up copy (after ordering another for myself) to a friend who just got his contractor's license and the next day he acted as though I'd given him gold. I recommend getting the spiral bound version - so much easier to use on the job site. This book cannot be rated high enough.

4 out of 5 stars Good graphic presentaion of wood frame construction.......2007-03-17

This book is a good tool for anyone, do-it-yourselfer or not, to grasp how North American homes are put together. An excellent tool to learn the nomenclature of houses and house construction. I missed a discussion of the the reasons for and the pros and cons of the various methods. On the other hand, the lack of text is a strongpoint of this book, at least for those who want to quickly get up to speed on home construction.
Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors: Basic Skills
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Reference Book
Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors: Basic Skills
W. Otie Kilmer , Rosemary Kilmer , Kilmer , and Stephen Hanessian
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Drafting & Mechanical DrawingDrafting & Mechanical Drawing | Mechanical | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Building ConstructionBuilding Construction | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Buildings & ConstructionBuildings & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
All Amazon UpgradeAll Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
EngineeringEngineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ProfessionalProfessional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition
  2. The Codes Guidebook for Interiors The Codes Guidebook for Interiors
  3. Interior Design Illustrated 2nd Edition Interior Design Illustrated 2nd Edition
  4. Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition
  5. Lighting Design Basics Lighting Design Basics

ASIN: 0471109533

Book Description

Get a realisitic guide to producing construction documents that clearly communicate the interior space of new construction, remodeling, or installation projects with Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors. This highly visual book:

Order your copy today.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference Book.......2005-06-22

I have many years of architectural drafting experience. Although this book says "Basic Skills" on the cover, it is much more than basic. It's an excellent reference book, covering everything that is needed for interior design drafting: from line weights to scale, dimensioning, plans, elevations, sections, checklists, furniture and finish schedules, contract documents, and the list goes on. I highly recommend this book for students of interior design and practising designers alike.
The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great concepts, middling design
  • Inspiration & ideas for rethinking your living space
  • A must Have If You Plan To Build
  • Reviewed by Amy Lignor
  • Insightful book with great ideas
The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
Sarah Susanka
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Design & ConstructionDesign & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
House PlansHouse Plans | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Cleaning, Caretaking & RelocatingCleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Home RepairHome Repair | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Small Homes & CottagesSmall Homes & Cottages | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home
  2. Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka) Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)
  3. Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka) Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka)
  4. Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home
  5. The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters

ASIN: 1561583766
Release Date: 2001-04-01

Amazon.com

When describing a favorite room in the house, do you find yourself using terms such as "expansive," "formal," and "spacious"--a marble foyer or a formal dining room perhaps? Or do the words "cozy," "intimate," and "warm" come to mind--a cheery little breakfast nook or a window seat complete with plenty of pillows and a breathtaking view? More than likely, you--like thousands of other homeowners--are drawn to the more personal spaces in your home, where comfort, beauty, and efficiency meet. In The Not So Big House, respected architect Sarah Susanka and coauthor Kira Obolensky address our affinity for the "smaller, more personal spaces" and propose "clear, workable guidelines for creating homes that serve both our spiritual needs and our material requirements." The heart of the not-so-big house--which is not "just a small house ... [but] a smaller house," that uses "less space to give greater quality of life," and is designed to not only "accommodate the lifestyles of its occupants" but also to express "our values and our personalities," is discussed in chapter 1, entitled "Bigger Isn't Better." Susanka's urging for homeowners to get creative with their space as well as loads of ideas to encourage that creativity are covered in "Rethinking the House" and "Making Not So Big Work." Discussions of specific needs, such as a home for one and designing for kids, can be found in "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous," while "Dreams, Details, and Dollars" gets down to the nuts and bolts of the operation, looking at quality versus quantity, budgeting, and what "low end," "middle ground," and "high end" really mean in home design and construction. Lastly, the authors look at the home of the future, which involves simplifying, recycling, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs, as well as floor plans and Susanka and Obolensky's intelligent and lively dialogue, The Not So Big House is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. --Stefanie Hargreaves

Book Description

Sarah Susanka contends that people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don't work. In The Not So Big House, she proposes clear guidelines for creating homes that serve spiritual needs as well as material requirements. Topics covered include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs as well as floor plans, the book is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. “Susanka says to evaluate what makes you feel at home and let your activities define your rooms.” — San Francisco Chronicle

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great concepts, middling design.......2007-09-25

I've found this book to be an invaluable resource and appreciate the philosophy and information contained within it. I also found the numerous photos and illustrations to be helpful to convey Susanka's ideas.

The only problem is that I found the actual design and decor of the homes in the book somehow dated and uninspiring. This is definitely a personal reaction, and I'm sure others would disagree. Despite my issues with the actual look of the homes, I'd recommend this as an essential resource along with John Wheatman's books (whose design does resonate for me).

5 out of 5 stars Inspiration & ideas for rethinking your living space.......2007-09-02

The ideas in this book encourage you to think about how you would like use your home space and how to accomplish this marriage of functionality with comfort and aesthetics. Almost every photo has some new little idea to think about. It gives me hope that I'll finally be able to create a comfortable home that integrates everyone's interests & needs. It's inspirational for those of us who have to adapt living spaces to growing families & to those like me who are now empty nesters (but who still need bed space for visiting family members).

5 out of 5 stars A must Have If You Plan To Build.......2007-06-27

Useful, practical, creative. Anyone can gain something from this book even if you aren't building.

4 out of 5 stars Reviewed by Amy Lignor.......2007-06-21

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Is this all there is to life?" We are running in a world of cell phone and blackberry technology, where life is so fast that we never have time to do what we truly want: sit back and enjoy our lives while we have one. This author, with a background in architecture, has put together a fantastic psychological blueprint, if you will, to make changes that will offer you a more rewarding life. This is not like the usual "schlock" that says close your eyes and all good things will come. No, this author takes the time to reveal that things like form and function are not only useful in building a house, they can be translated into building a better life. In a house, you can tear down interior walls to make more space and bring in more light; in your life, you can tear down your fears and open new possibilities.

This is a lovely read filled with wise advice. The author has successfully interwoven her extensive architectural background into well-compiled thoughts on how each and every one of us can make small changes in our lives that will allow us to treasure the time we have.

My advice? If you wish to begin taking time out to enjoy your life - begin by reading this book.

5 out of 5 stars Insightful book with great ideas.......2007-05-26

I was starting to think I was crazy for wanting to build a small house, but this book perfectly articulates the thoughts I was having so much conveying. It is a wonderful basis for discussion and offers many practical, well thought out ideas for implementation.
Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderfully Educational
  • Waste of time and MONEY!
  • Good Guide
  • Like Cliff Notes for Furniture!
  • Excellent Reference - Nice Job!
Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
Treena M. Crochet , and Treena Crochet
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Furniture & CarpentryFurniture & Carpentry | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
FurnitureFurniture | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Household HintsHousehold Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ProfessionalProfessional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Encyclopedia of Furniture: Third Edition - Completely Revised The Encyclopedia of Furniture: Third Edition - Completely Revised
  2. Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition
  3. Fabrics: A Guide for Interior Designers and Architects Fabrics: A Guide for Interior Designers and Architects
  4. Furniture: World Styles From Classical to Contemporary Furniture: World Styles From Classical to Contemporary
  5. A History of Interior Design A History of Interior Design

ASIN: 0130447579

Book Description

This book profiles the history of the development of various furniture styles, exploring the evolution of style in the context of the architectural setting, interior design, and decorative arts of each period. This fascinating book is a beautiful visual reference guide to furniture styles. For architects, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, and antique dealers.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Educational.......2007-05-14

This book is wonderfully educational. It takes you back to the beginning of furniture and walks you through the centuries providing you with the intial inspiration through Modern design. Great pictures too.

1 out of 5 stars Waste of time and MONEY!.......2006-07-09

Based on the reviews of this book I decided to buy it! To my absolute shock, I dont understand who wrote these great reviews??? They were probably written by the publisher or author of this book.
What a waste of time and money. Being a designer myself, i ve got every possible book on interior design, and furniture styles that are out on the market. Based on the price of this book, and good reveiws, I figured it would be a great addition to my collection of books and references. Its poorly printed, very bad paper quality, no detailed shots of the furniture pieces, and not worth the price whatsoever. I mean if the publisher is charging this price, then the least they could do is print it on good paper and have clearer pictures.
I am extremely dissapointed and returning the book asap.
If u enjoy throwing your money away on a small book with poorly printed pictures(aside from the info, which is fine)then this is the book to buy . But if you are looking for details of furniture, including the background and history, and worth every penny, then i suggest you buy (Furniture: World Styles From Classical to Contemporary by Judith Miller )

4 out of 5 stars Good Guide.......2006-02-08

I was not impressed when I received this book, with the quality of the paper or the overall presentation. I thought some of the photography left much to be desired quality-wise. However, it is quite a comprehensive book and I leaned on it considerably in my studies of furniture and design. So don't let me put you off. I just think that, with all the research and hard work involved, and considering the price, a better quality might have been forthcoming.

4 out of 5 stars Like Cliff Notes for Furniture!.......2005-08-10

This book has brief history lessons on furniture from the begining of time! It's a great reference when you need an answer about a design period- quick! A must for every Interior Designer!

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference - Nice Job!.......2003-01-19

I found the book to be a good overall reference and extremely
useful in explaining period furniture to my design clients. I would like to have seen more coverage of Mid-century Modern, especially the work of Edward Wormley and DUNBAR.

Definitely worth the money - should be all designers reference
libraries...
Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • For those who want to dig a little deeper
  • Full of inspiring ideas!
  • Great Ideas
  • Less is most definitely more
  • Great as always!
Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)
Sarah Susanka , and Marc Vassallo
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Design & ConstructionDesign & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Cleaning, Caretaking & RelocatingCleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home
  2. The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
  3. Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka) Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka)
  4. Home by Design: Transforming Your House into Home (Susanka) Home by Design: Transforming Your House into Home (Susanka)
  5. Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home

ASIN: 1561586811
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Book Description

In her latest book, best-selling author of The Not So Big House Sarah Susanka teams up with architectural design writer Marc Vassallo to expand upon the message that has resonated with over a million homeowners and builders across the country: opting for personalized, well-crafted, thoughtfully designed spaces over superfluous square footage results in a home that comforts and nourishes those who live there.
In Inside The Not So Big House, Susanka and Vassallo focus their lens on the tangible and sometimes intangible details that bring an otherwise ordinary home to life. Incorporating such details as dropped ceilings, built-in shelves, pocket doors, window seats, and well-placed alcoves infuses a home with the character of its owners and conveys a uniqueness that's mising in many homes built or remodeled today. From Rhode Island to San Diego, the 23 homes featured here illustrate exceptional attention to detail. Each offers inspiration for those building or remodeling to transform their home into an expression of all that is important to them. "Detail is everything in design. Sarah Susanka proves it again with this, her latest book."
--John Wheatman, author, Meditations on Design and A Good House Is Never Done

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars For those who want to dig a little deeper.......2007-09-02

Susanka's attention to detail is awe-inspiring, and probably more information than the average person wants, but the book has great photos and some wonderful ideas that anyone can use. If you've been able to acquire the perfect furniture, best use of space and light, but you're still missing the ingredient to really pull it all together -- balance, aesthetics, personality, etc -- this book may help you.

4 out of 5 stars Full of inspiring ideas!.......2007-03-08

I have been devouring the pages of ideas in this book. I think I have looked all through it a dozen times, because many of the concepts and ideas seem to improve and become more usable as I think them over. We live in a ca. 1970's "split-ranch" house and this book has me thinking creatively about using the space in our house in ways I haven't done before.

4 out of 5 stars Great Ideas.......2006-11-03

Read the book cover to cover and enjoyed a fresh look at residential design. As an architect myself, it made me rethink some of my own design processes. Bigger isn't always necessarily better!

4 out of 5 stars Less is most definitely more.......2006-03-22

In this astonishing book, which is filled with wonderful ideas, as well as being a beautiful coffee table book, we are granted an inside look at a truly new concept in home design in our age of teardowns and mega-mansions, a concept that smaller can be more satisfying than larger, if properly done. Here we are presented with something seldom viewed these days, how to make a house a home. There is something for every taste herein, and it is even multi-cultural, with oriental viewpoints as well on both furniture and flow of the home. Spend some time with this excellent book to see how every size home can be made more personal and beautiful, no matter what the budget.

5 out of 5 stars Great as always!.......2006-03-20

Sarah books are a staple in my books of design collection. I refer to them frequently. She has a wonderful sense of design as it relates to organization, usefullness,and asthetically pleasing. I wish more designers and architects would use her sensibility and we would not be over run with all the hideous, vapid,mac mansions everywhere. I would reccommend all of her books without hesitation.
Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home
    Julie Moir Messervy , and Sarah Susanka
    Manufacturer: Taunton
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    LandscapeLandscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    Garden DesignGarden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    LandscapeLandscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Interior DesignInterior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books | Decorating | Decoration & Ornament | Floors | General | Lighting | Painting & Wallpapering | Professional Reference | Style | Upholstery & Fabrics | Windows
    GeneralGeneral | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka) Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)
    2. Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka) Not So Big Solutions for Your Home (Susanka)
    3. The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
    4. The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters
    5. Home by Design: Transforming Your House into Home (Susanka) Home by Design: Transforming Your House into Home (Susanka)

    ASIN: 1561587346
    Release Date: 2006-02-07

    Book Description

    In this groundbreaking book, noted landscape designer and award-winning writer Julie Moir Messervy and bestselling author Sarah Susanka reveal how to bring house and garden into perfect harmony. After all, who doesn't yearn for a landscape that is as well designed as the interior of their home? In Outside the Not So Big House, Julie and Sarah teach you everything you need to know about the design concepts essential to extending your home beyond its four walls.

    Lushly photographed and illustrated with vivid drawings, Outside the Not So Big House explores how to build pathways and journeys in your gardens; how to make the most of your site; how to use details to bring it all together. Twenty homes from across the country aptly illustrate these easy-to-grasp design ideas. Fans of Sarah's previous Not So Big books will be pleased to discover not only Julie's clear, concise prose but also a new vision for creating home.
    An Affair with a House
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • What it means to love a house
    • Not what I was looking for
    • Home Away From Home
    • WONDERFUL!
    • I would give this book six stars, if I could!
    An Affair with a House
    Bunny Williams , and Christine Pettel
    Manufacturer: "Stewart, Tabori and Chang"
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    ResidentialResidential | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Remodeling & Renovation | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Winter House Winter House
    2. On Garden Style On Garden Style
    3. Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style
    4. Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer
    5. Michael S. Smith: Elements of Style Michael S. Smith: Elements of Style

    ASIN: 1584794704

    Book Description

    For 28 years the world-renowned interior designer Bunny Williams has been involved in a passionate love affair with an18th-century New England manor house that she found in sad repair. From the moment she walked up the driveway and her palms began to perspire, Williams knew she wanted the affair to last forever. In her sumptuous new book, An Affair with a House, the venerable decorator describes in detail how she and her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, rescued, nurtured, renovated, and decorated the well-worn house, giving it new life as they restored each room, resurrected the abandoned gardens, and filled this weekend home with family and friends.

    Through photographs, anecdotes, how-tos, and recipes, Williams provides a rare inside look at a top decorator's retreat and explains how she approached the joys, pleasures, challenges, obstacles, and day-to-day realities of creating a beautiful, comfortable country home. An Affair with a House provides a wealth of advice on interior decor and such topics as mixing design styles, but it also addresses such practical matters as stocking the pantry and outfitting the linen closet. Beautiful photographs of the house, the gardens, and the property's rustic structures provide an intimate glimpse of the couple's lifestyle and illustrate a way of life we can all appreciate and learn from.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars What it means to love a house.......2007-09-04

    I am not your typical reviewer of this book as I have had "An Affair with a House" for quite some time. The fact that I continue to pick it up for inspiration prompted me to share my opinion. Bunny William's personality shines through every page. I like that she shared a bit of the history of the house and how she came to acquire it. What is obvious is that Bunny's house and gardens evolved over time. Her book will inspire you to make the very most of what you have with your own house. I love this book and I am so glad to be able to refer back to it often. I also purchased her book "On Garden Style". The only thing that would be better than reading these two gems, would be to take a personal tour! Thank you Bunny and John. From one dog lover to another, I loved the pictures of your "babies".

    2 out of 5 stars Not what I was looking for.......2007-08-22

    I was looking for Decorating Inspiration and this didn't provide much. It just goes through what this woman went through in buying the old villa and restoring it. My home is almost new and not that big and the decorating help was minimal.

    5 out of 5 stars Home Away From Home.......2007-08-16

    This book was beautifully presented and written. I absorbed it all! Would love to live with Bunny and John. As wonderful as the presentation, I found it reassuring how down to earth the decorating and recepies were communicated.

    Billie (GA)

    5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!.......2007-06-28

    First, I fell in love with the cover shot. Then the barn. Then the guest house. And the decorating isn't even my style! But I'm on my third read - every word read and every photo examined. Guess I love the thought of it and wish it were me! Now I don't have the money - and I don't have the time. But I can certainly appreciate her love for this house.

    5 out of 5 stars I would give this book six stars, if I could!.......2007-05-15

    This is a wonderful book---and the text is as wonderful as the photographs. The chicken house is my hands down favorite part. Bunny's husband's pancakes are great (we've tried the recipe) and the guest barn is totally charming. Oh how I wish I had Bunny's gardeners! I dream of her gardens, but feel like they are out of reach for us. There is a lot to learn from this book--even if you can't accomplish all of this for your own home or property. It's my favorite coffee table book ---and I never tire of looking at it. Congratulations Bunny---this book is a clear winner!!

    Books:

    1. Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration For Harmony With Nature (Schiffer Design Book)
    2. Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration For Harmony With Nature (Schiffer Design Book)
    3. Open Space Technology: A User's Guide
    4. Organizing Magic: 40 Days to a Well-Ordered Home and Life
    5. Painted Ladies Revisited: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians Inside and Out
    6. Picasso's Weeping Woman: The Life and Art of Dora Maar
    7. Places Rated Almanac (Special Millennium Edition)
    8. Plantation Homes of Louisiana and the Natchez Area
    9. Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition
    10. Programming WCF Services (Programming)

    Books Index

    Books Home

    Recommended Books

    1. Crystal Reports 10 For Dummies
    2. The Disposable Male: Sex, Love, and Money--Your World Through Darwin's Eyes
    3. Lake Huron's death ship
    4. History: Fiction or Science
    5. Patton on Leadership
    6. The Holy Man
    7. Rome Venice Florence, 5th
    8. Financial Accounting, Solving Financial Accounting Problems Using Lotus 1-2-3 and Excel for Windows
    9. Innovation Clusters and Interregional Competition
    10. And Justice There Is None