Creating a New Old House (American Institute Architects) [Hardcover]

Russell Versaci (Author)

Book Description

Series: American Institute Architects | Publication Date: November 15, 2003

Anyone who yearns for an older home--but is daunted by the prospect of owning one--will love this book. Through inspiring photographs and engaging text, the author describes what gives traditional homes their enduring appeal. The houses illustrate the creative work of architects, builders, and craftsmen who are forging the movement toward building new homes that capture an old-home sensibility.- Versaci identifies Eight Pillars of Traditional Design that create a solid foundation for combining authentic, traditional design with livability to create homes that feel old yet live new.- Features a vast array of new, old-house styles--from colonials to farmhouses--from all over the country.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book providing the guidance and details necessary to create a new/old house is long overdue. Russell Versaci writes with authority about the value of historical accuracy when creating a house with architectural integrity."

About the Author

Russell Versaci, AIA, has built a first-class reputation as a designer of new homes in traditional architectural styles and is a principal in the firm Versaci Neumann & Partners of Middleburg, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. His work has been featured in national magazines, including Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Southern Accents, and Southern Living. Recognized for his expertise by his peers in traditional design, Versaci is a founding member of the Institute for Traditional Architecture, a select guild of architects dedicated to teaching the art and craft of traditional building. He lives in Middleburg, Virginia. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (November 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561586153
• ISBN-13: 978-1561586158
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Design > House Plans

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

313 of 317 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traditional Aesthetics with Modern Conveniences, November 28, 2003

By 

Catherine "Mom" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creating a New Old House (American Institute Architects) (Hardcover)

I have an academic and working background in architectural design, and I recently began designing a house for myself and my family for the very first time. While having a pretty solid education in modern architecture, I confess to have always been in love with more traditional design aesthetics and architectural history. A few months ago, I was searching for a book like this to aid in designing my home, but I could NOT find anything like this. I wanted a home that was rich in architectural tradition yet the home design also had to meet modern day demands in space and utility. I was ecstatic to come across a review for this book at another website announcing the book's publishing date. . . I was concerned at first that this book would be nothing but SLICK coffee table fodder because of the beautiful pictures, but upon receiving the book, I found the book to contain pertinent information that guides the reader/designer on how to accomplish a design that integrates traditional aesthetics and feeling with modern day needs and wants. This book is more than just pretty: it spells out how to achieve a historical, traditional look without mocking the past or being trite. . . and at the same time encourages the designer to meet modern needs.

168 of 169 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great source of ideas and inspirations, March 15, 2004

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creating a New Old House (American Institute Architects) (Hardcover)

In this wonderful book, widely acclaimed architect Russell Versaci tells the reader how to capture the character of an old house in a new house, tailored for today's needs. The author, who is well known for this sort of designing, starts out with his "Eight Pillars of Traditional Design", and then shows you how to put them into practice. Taking eighteen houses found throughout the country (and reflecting the traditional regional style), he uses a combination of brightly colorful pictures and highly informative text to take you around and through the houses, giving you an insiders look into what was done and why.

Having grown up in an old house, I have always found the boxy/characterless/styleless post-World War 2 houses to be nothing short of depressing. My wife and I now own a 1916 house, and wish to add in the character that makes an old house a gem. Well, we found this book to be a great source of ideas and inspirations. If you like the style and grace of well-made older houses, and want to incorporate that style and grace into your own home, then you must read this book!

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great source of inspirations. Great photographs., February 29, 2004

By 

Natalie Norris "mainecoast mama" (Maine) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Creating a New Old House (American Institute Architects) (Hardcover)

I love older homes. And when it came to renovating our newer home we were challenged to put the old into the new. I've been a magazine junkie, culling pictures here and there. But this book is a one-stop shop for classic American styles and details. I love that these houses are not lavishly large (for the most part) but intimate. The strength is in their high quality details.
My husband and I really love this book. We have been able to visually resolve some ideas about mantels, flooring, and window styles to compliment our New England home. The side bars and floor plans are easy to follow. And notice how light plays in the interiors. Sumptuous!

(I just wish I could find an old stlye interior pattern book, complete with example photos, dates and locations. Hint, hint!)