Customer Reviews

American Houses: The Architecture of Fairfax & Sammons

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fairfax & Sammons have designed a series of modern day homes that build upon classical American architectural appearance but combine with the need for modern day convenience and construction techniques. Many of the twenty four houses depicted in this book would not have appeared startling to the founders of the country (until, of course they saw areas like the kitchens). These are not Frank Lloyd Wright style buildings. They belong out in the country with a lot of land around them.

At the same time the architects have been active in downtown city development where often small and unfunctional builds have been remodeled into dwellings meeting the unique requirements of the owner.

The exact style of the buildings it hard to define as the different structures borrow from various styles that integrate together to form a unique body of work. This is a great idea book for anyone interested in modern houses with a classical American look.

This is a classic architecture monograph. The photography is excellent, and the text really serves to frame the photography and declare the design philosophy of the firm. The portfolio of structures is mostly residential rather than institutional, though Fairfax and Sammons have put together (and included in the book) a plan for Marion Square in Charleston that will probably never be executed but is still beautiful.

The houses contained within are all luxury accomodations with stunning classical details of delicate proportion. These architects practice a restrained neo-classicism that is both pure and original, and gives the neo-classical revival the quality it deserves. You're not likely to tire of these houses the way Robert A. M. Stern can leave you overwhelmed and then bored. Their work is like that classic song that fails to get your attention on first hearing, but becomes an all-time favorite after awhile. The work of Fairfax and Sammons reminds me very much of the classical masterpieces of Norman Davenport Askins. All the sites are located along the East Coast, where this type of architecture fits the historical context.

The only reason I rated it 4 instead of 5 is that I find these books to be vastly overpriced, much the same way art folio are overpriced. Since books like this are meant to be browsed and enjoyed, and do not serve as technical manuals or textbooks, I find it hard to justify the prices. That said, if you can find this one for a nice discount and you appreciate fine neo-classical work, you'll enjoy this book.

If anyone wonders at the taste of contemporary architects, the darlings of media critics, this book is a breath of fresh air and a reminder that good taste never dies. Several recent commissions for private homes are reviewed with excellent photographs and narrative. The architects Fairfax and Sammons were unknown to me prior to this book, but I now wish I had the means to employ them. American Houses: the architecture of Fairfax & Sammons is a book to enjoy again and again.

Really a nice book on two very talented residental architects. I must confess, prior to getting this book I had never heard of them, but after getting a real education on their talent, I am now an ardent admiror of their work. This book has insightful text and vivid, well crafted images. If you have any interest in grand estates and beautiful classic styling, then i can't imagine you being disappointed in this book, and if your looking for ideas for your own home, all the better. Christ, the reviewer above is such a snob, I mean dropping the names Lutyens and Wallace Nutting does not make you erudite, get real. As far as wilting flowers and drugged dogs, I must confess, when looking through this book I didnt demand a tox screen for the pets and water for the plants..LOL..Ive gotten three not helpfuls on this book review, so I guess maybe im in the minority on this book, so be it.

OK, the book is very beautiful... just as described. However, it arrived with a torn dust jacket, several ripped pages and something gooey smeared on the back. Of course I returned it, but there was no comment space in the return screen. Amazon asked no questions as to why I was returning the book. They just gave me my money back. Buy the book; it's wonderful. I've never before gotten an Amazon book in this condition (this WAS a "new" book, not used). Oh well.