New York is a town of more quartiers and arondissements than Paris, more souks and bazaars than Cairo, a place of havens from overwhelming energy and of studios where that energy is generated. Above all else, it is where everyone wants to make a mark. And for a lot of residents the biggest mark of all is the place they live in - no matter where that is in the infinite diversity of the astonishing tumbling ziggurat that is New York. This book looks at a cross-section of these thrilling spaces for living created by New Yorkers. Ranging from the great mansions of the Upper East Side to the Tribeca loft that provides a live-work space for the high-flying architects of MPA, from the glamour of Kenneth Lane's Murray Hill apartment to Susan Sheehan's Arts and Crafts haven in Union Square, from Hamish Bowles's 'tiny Atlantis' in Greenwich Village to James Fenton's fantasy palace in Harlem, from the ivory tower that is the Modulightor Building in Midtown Manhattan to Miranda Brooks's 'garden in the city' in Brooklyn, this is a visual and literary feast of the marvellous houses and apartments of New York.

Beaufort, South Carolina, is well known for its historical architecture, but perhaps none is quite as remarkable as those edifices formed by tabby, sometimes called coastal concrete, comprising a mixture of lime, sand, water, and oyster shells. Tabby itself has a storied history stretching back to Iberian, Caribbean, Spanish American, and even African roots--brought to the United States by adventurers, merchants, military engineers, planters, and the enslaved. Tabby has been preserved most abundantly in the Beaufort area and its outlying islands, (and along the Sea Islands all the way to Florida as well) with Fort Frederick in 1734 having the earliest example of a diverse group of structures, which included town houses, seawalls, planters' homes, barns, agricultural buildings, and slave quarters. Tabby's insulating properties are excellent protection from long, hot, humid, and sometimes deadly summers; and on the islands, particularly, wealthy plantation owners built grand houses for themselves and improved dwellings for enslaved workers that after two hundred-plus years still stand today. An extraordinarily hardy material, tabby has a history akin to some of the world's oldest building techniques and is referred to as "rammed earth," as well as " tapia" in Spanish, "pise de terre" in French, and "hangtu" in Chinese. The form that tabby construction took along the Sea Islands, however, was born of necessity. Here stone and brick were rare and expensive, but the oyster shells that were used as the source for the tabby's lime base were plentiful. Today these bits of shell, often visible in the walls and forms constructed long ago, give tabby its unique and iconic appearance. Colin Brooker, architect and expert on historic restoration, has not only made an exhaustive foray into local tabby architecture and heritage; he also has made a multinational tour as well in search of tabby origins, evolution, and diffusion from the Bahamas to Morocco to Andalusia, which can be traced back as far as the tenth century. Brooker has spent more than thirty years investigating the origins of tabby, its chemistry, its engineering, and its limitations. The Shell Builders lays out a sweeping, in-depth, and fascinating investigative journey--at once archaeological, sociological, and historical--into the ways prior inhabitants used and shaped their environment in order to house and protect themselves, leaving behind an architectural legacy that is both mysterious and beautiful. Lawrence S. Rowland, a distinguished professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and past president of the South Carolina Historical Society, provides a foreword.

An innovative examination of heritage politics in Japan, showing how castles have been used to re-invent and recapture competing versions of the pre-imperial past and project possibilities for Japan's future. Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg argue that Japan's modern transformations can be traced through its castles. They examine how castle preservation and reconstruction campaigns served as symbolic ways to assert particular views of the past and were crucial in the making of an idealized premodern history. Castles have been used to craft identities, to create and erase memories, and to symbolically join tradition and modernity. Until 1945, they served as physical and symbolic links between the modern military and the nation's premodern martial heritage. After 1945, castles were cleansed of military elements and transformed into public cultural spaces that celebrated both modernity and the pre-imperial past. What were once signs of military power have become symbols of Japan's idealized peaceful past.

Discover Britain's magnificent heritage of country houses in this lavishly illustrated guide to the architectural treasures of the United Kingdom. Spanning the years from 1714 to the start of the 21st century, this book includes the period's finest examples of architecture, such as Blenheim Palace, Arundel Castle and Clarence House. An in-depth guide to the history of every house features information on its design, construction and the stories of its best-known inhabitants, as well as profiles of celebrated architects. Timelines and maps trace the development of Britain's architectural legacy, while a glossary introduces key terms and an A-Z listing make it easy to find every property listed. This complete reference book will delight and inform in equal measure.

While Dale's earlier books have focused on smaller cabins (1,600 sq. ft. and below), this one will be less about size and more about the living experience. The Family Cabin will feature new and old family compounds from across North America, much as The Cabin and Back to the Cabinhave done. New structures explore the prospect of family bonding, where old ones tell the tales of generations of family use. Since the beginning of the 20th century, cabin retreats have had a unique place in the lives and lore of many American families. In the 21st century, cabin creation continues with new forms and materials that give shelter at nature's doorstep. In this new collection of 37 cabins, Mulfinger rekindles his love for this treasured American icon with fresh insight and seasoned strategies for the logic, utility and beauty of cabin design.

Diener & Diener Architects, based in Basel and Berlin and one of Switzerland's leading contemporary firms, have had a special focus on residential architecture throughout its 40 years of existence. The origins of the work are based in the previous studio of Marcus Diener, founded in 1942 and joined in 1976, and taken over entirely in 1980, by his son Roger Diener. This new monograph documents comprehensively this 'recherche patiente' of four decades. It discusses 30 realised designs and unbuilt proposals that exemplify Diener & Diener's philosophy, based on their characteristics and individual urban context. Illustrated with photographs, floor and site plans as well as archival images and plans, and drawing on the firms archive and Roger Diener's collected lectures, the authors investigate the typological design process on which each project is based. Diener & Diener update and adapt fundamental types to the requirements and restraints of each new task. The consistency of this approach constitutes the significance of their work in contemporary housing.

This book explores the rich but understudied relationship between English country houses and the portraits they contain. It features essays by well-known scholars such as Alison Yarrington, Gill Perry, Kate Retford, Harriet Guest, Emma Barker and Desmond Shawe-Taylor. Works discussed include grand portraits, intimate pastels and imposing sculptures. Moving between residences as diverse as Stowe, Althorp Park, the Vache, Chatsworth, Knole and Windsor Castle, it unpicks the significance of various spaces - the closet, the gallery, the library - and the ways in which portraiture interacted with those environments. It explores questions around gender, investigating narratives of family and kinship in portraits of women as wives and daughters, but also as mistresses and celebrities. It also interrogates representations of military heroes in order to explore the wider, complex ties between these families, their houses, and imperial conflict. This book will be essential reading for all those interested in eighteenth-century studies, especially for those studying portraiture and country houses. -- .

This book celebrates the work of 30 architecture studios; singular influential forces are featured alongside emerging talents. Some have been widely awarded and published. They have offices spread out across the world, promoting their ideals and visions, and creating works that have the power of suggestion and that inspire emotion. The participating architects-through some of their most notable works-offer their own theoretical positions, technical innovations and design contributions to the built world. Each, in its particular way, thrives to offer design solutions that lead to society's progress and well-being. Innovate, anticipate future challenges, and develop long-term visions are some of the design goals that respond to the contemporary ideas of comfort, usability, sustainability and quality. Architecture Here & Now assembles a rich variety of design approaches guided by different factors.

"This book presents around thirty Swiss architects with their latest projects in the areas of residential, commercial and public buildings. From single-family houses, villas, multi-family houses, office buildings to major projects and master plan developments, the book gives an impressive insight into today's architecture in Switzerland.

Carmarthen Castle was one of the largest castles in medieval Wales. It was also one of the most important, in its role as a centre of government and as a Crown possession in a region dominated by Welsh lands and Marcher lordships. Largely demolished during the seventeenth century, it was subsequently redeveloped, first as a prison and later as the local authority headquarters. Yet the surviving remains, and their situation, are still impressive. The situation changed with a major programme of archaeological and research work, from 1993 to 2006, which is described in this book. The history of the castle, its impact on the region and on Wales as a whole are also examined: we see the officials and other occupants of the castle, their activities and how they interacted with their environment. Excavations at the castle, and the artefacts recovered, are described along with its remaining archaeological potential. This book puts Carmarthen Castle back at the heart of the history of medieval Wales, and in its proper place in castle studies and architectural history, the whole study combining to make a major contribution to the history of one of Wales's great towns.

For 70 years, readers have been enjoying Meinecke's classic odes to the simple life, Your Cabin in the Woods (1943) and Cabin Craft and Outdoor Living (1947). For the first time, these books are combined into a deluxe two-color vintage package, featuring hundreds of charming illustrations by Victor Aures, known for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. In writing both practical and inspirational, Meinecke details how to turn your dream into a reality, from building plans to choosing land to using tools. However the book's enduring appeal owes in large part to its warmly engaging tone and firm belief in the restorative power of nature. He delights in the satisfaction of hard work, writing "in the doing you find yourself tired, muscles a bit sore, hands hardened and rough, but you will say over and over again, 'I did it.'" Meinecke's homespun wisdom is a comfort in your toil, "Take full enjoyment in the building. Take time out to rest. Most city folks seem always to rush things through. Why? Lay off until tomorrow. Take an afternoon nap. Stop the clock for the weekend. Get off to an early start in the cool of tomorrow morning. You may be crowded in your work in town, but this should be your rest cure, your recreating. Don't spoil it by city driving standards."

The setting might be a sparkling lakefront, a cool clearing in the woods, a breathtaking mountaintop, or an expansive beach, but the dream of a modest retreat from everyday life often includes a simple little cabin. In cabin getaways of the imagination, the cares of the world recede, time slows down, and the day s pace is set by leisure and quiet activities.
"Compact Cabins" presents 62 design interpretations of the getaway dream, with something to please every taste. Best of all, these small footprint designs are affordable and energy efficient without skimping on comfort and style. The cabins range in size from a cozy 100 square feet to a more spacious but still economical 1,000 square feet, and all include sleeping accommodations, kitchen and bath facilities, and a heat source. Complete chapters on low-maintenance building materials, utilities and appliances, and alternative energy sources supply readers with the options for living efficiently in small spaces.
For every design, readers will find floor plans with detailed suggestions for designing the space for optimal use. These plans are flexible; many feature modular elements that can be mixed and matched to accommodate a particular owner s needs or hobbies. Features such as an outdoor fireplace, covered porch, or external storage locker might work nicely in several cabin designs. It s all about enhancing and maximizing small spaces to suit individual needs and preferences.
Build small. In this time of uncertain energy costs, global warming, and tighter budgets, building small is a theme that resonates with second-home owners. Gerald Rowan shows readers how to achieve their cabin dreams on a small footprint."

A total revision-both in text and illustrations-of the standard document on Fallingwater, the boldest, most personal architectural statement of Wright's mature years. Updated with valuable new material from the recently opened Frank Lloyd Wright Archives, the book gives special emphasis to Fallingwater's architectural innovations: cantilevered construction, ingenious integration with a majestic waterfall, use of reinforced concrete, and more. Over 100 photos depict the site, every phase of construction and the distinctive interior and exterior detailing. "Fascinating"-The New York Times. 116 illustrations.

The English have a love affair with the period house. They find the intoxicating blend of history, rustication and detailed styling more appealing than the plain and synthetic houses of recent years. The Edwardian house comes in all shapes, sizes and materials. It was essentially conservative in design, often harking back to a romantic age with elaborate but solid constructions. Garden Cities and suburbs were planned on a larger scale than ever before. There was a feeling of space and comfort that would disappear in the turmoil and tragedy of the First World War.

Scandinavian design is a movement characterised by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Scandinavian designers are known especially for household goods including furniture, textiles, ceramics, lamps, and glass, but Scandinavian design has been extended to be an influential movement in architecture and industrial design. High On...Scandinavian Architects presents twenty-eight architects from Scandinavia with their latest projects from the areas of residential, commercial and public buildings. Whether large or small, sharp-edged or soft, coarse or fine, the architecture depicted in this volume is characterised by the iconoclastic flair of Scandinavia.

The Wars of the Roses is one of the most dramatic and fascinating periods in medieval history. Much has been written about the leading personalities, bitter dynastic rivalries, political intrigues, and the rapid change of fortune on the battlefields of England and Wales. However, there is one aspect that has been often overlooked, the role of castles in the conflict. Dan Spencer's original study traces their use from the outbreak of civil war in the reign of Henry VI in the 1450s to the triumph of Henry VII some thirty years later. Using a wide range of narrative, architectural, financial and administrative sources, he sheds new light on the place of castles within the conflict, demonstrating their importance as strategic and logistical centres, bases for marshalling troops, and as fortresses Dan Spencer's book provides a fascinating contribution to the literature on the Wars of the Roses and to the study of siege warfare in the Middle Ages.

'Julie Summers has an amazing instinct for unearthing good stories and telling quotes.' Craig Brown, The Mail On Sunday 'This is an enjoyable book, peppered with examples of under-reported wartime heroism.' Robert Leigh-Pemberton, The Daily Telegraph 'It's hard to believe that there are still untold stories about Britain and World War II, but Julie Summers has unearthed a fascinating one that she tells with great verve and style. All in all, Uninvited Guests is a sheer delight.' Lynne Olson, author of Citizens of London and Last Hope Island A remarkable narrative set against the dark days of World War Two, from one of the country's foremost social historians. Our Uninvited Guests perfectly captures the spirit of upheaval at the beginning of the Second World War when thousands of houses were requisitioned by the government to provide accommodation for the armed forces, secret services and government offices as well as vulnerable children, the sick and the elderly, all of whom needed to be housed safely beyond the reach of Hitler's Luftwaffe. Julie Summers gives the reader a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life in some of Britain's greatest country houses that were occupied by people who would otherwise never have set foot in such opulent surroundings.Blenheim Palace was colonised by schoolboys who slept in the Long Library; Polish special agents trained in the grounds of Audley End House, learning to forge and lie their way into occupied Europe in the old nursery. Brocket Hall, former home of Queen Victoria's favourite Lord Melbourne, was used as a maternity home for women from the East End of London, and the Rothschilds' magnificent French chateau-inspired Waddesdon Manor housed a hundred children under five. The Northern Highlands, where the fierce warriors of Scotland's past developed their unconventional military skills, played host to the most extreme form of warfare, training agents in the fine arts of sabotage, subterfuge and assassination. The juxtaposition of splendour and opulence with the everyday activities of people whose needs were at odds with their new surroundings is at the heart of this book. This thought-provoking and evocative narrative captures a crucial period in the social history of Britain. Praise for Julie Summers: 'Superb...highly recommended' Who Do You Think You Are Magazine 'A remarkable collection of stories...a rich and moving book' Mail on Sunday 'Summers is a good and knowledgeable writer...powerful, emotional stuff' Independent 'A poignant, lingering account' BBC History Magazine 'A revelation - full of information, reminiscences, humour and social history. Reading it not only gave me great pleasure but also made me proud to be a member of such a long lasting, valuable and vital organisation' Helen Carey OBE, former chairman of the National Federation of Women's Institutes

An awe-inspiring collection of contemporary homes designed to foster a connection with the essential elements of landscape Living in Nature showcases a selection of architect-designed houses that have something fundamental in common: a special relationship with the natural world. Each of the book's 50 homes is carefully chosen for its stunning location, whether cocooned within the earth itself or soaring high amongst treetops, surrounded by cooling waters, or resisting the desert heat. With a wealth of photographs showcasing each house inside and out, Living in Nature offers inspiration - and tranquillity. Organized into four chapters - Air, Earth, Fire, and Water - to reflect the uniquely elemental characteristics of each home, this beautiful book includes houses by Felipe Assadi, Olson Kundig, and Studio MK27 as well as a host of lesser-known creative studios. With exterior and interior photography highlighting such sumptuous design features as treetop terraces, cosy fireplaces, crystal-clear pools, and magnificent views, Living in Nature gives the reader a world tour of breathtaking landscapes in North America, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and New Zealand and also features the latest developments in both style and materials, making it the perfect gift for both architects and archi-fans.

Castles were introduced into England by the Normans in the 11th century, with more than 1500 built throughout England and Wales over the next 400 years. Colourful photos of castles now and artworks showing what they looked like centuries ago accompany informative detail about topics such as medieval castle life, knights and chivalry, and the castle as a home as well as fortress. Also includes a list of interesting castles to visit, including some National Trust properties. A book for lovers of England and her history. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

The Georgian and Regency house conjures up a distinct and much admired image. Elegance, refinement and beautiful proportions have made this period an inspiration for later architects and a popular choice for today's house buyer. Using his own drawings, diagrams and photographs, author Trevor Yorke explains all aspects of the Georgian and Regency house and provides a comprehensive guide to the houses of this notable peiod. The book is divided into three sections, outling the history of the period; stepping inside the different rooms and their fittings, what they were used for and how they would have appeared; and the final section contains a quick reference guide with notes on dating houses, suggestions for further reading, a glossary of unfamiliar terms and details of places to visit.