The Big Book of Small House Designs

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Big Book of Small House Designs is a collection of more than 500 drawings illustrating all aspects of 75 small homes of various styles, from a New England farmhouse to a sophisticated steel frame to a Santa Fe ranch. This collection is the distillation of several competitions, held among architects and designers, calling for the best, most livable, most affordable home within a limited amount of space. The result of these competitions is scores of unique, inspired, environmentally conscious and functional plans. Since the primary goal of any small home design is economy of space, the architects have worked to achieve this through a variety of techniques. Some plans include vaulted ceilings and vertical space which creates the feeling of openness. Others are either a single-story or a split-level, and are more rambling in nature. In terms of style, some of the designs are extremely modern and avant-garde. Some are more traditional and echo the great homes of the past.

Another important objective for the owner of a small home is often energy efficiency. Most of the plans incorporate some energy-saving element such as solar panels and solar water heaters, wood stoves, ceiling fans, airlock entries, wind power alternatives, natural gas heaters, and more. Each design includes detailed floor plans, section drawings, elevations, and perspectives, as well as in some cases, descriptions of setting and the intended purpose of the home (nature preserve, office/living space, retirement home, etc.), materials used, and recommended landscaping around the home. Whatever your taste and lifestyle, you're sure to find your dream house, or a combination of ideas that will culminate in your dream house, among these award-winning designs.

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