The New American House 2: Innovations in Residential Design and Construction: 30 Case Studies (Whitney Library of Design) (v. 2) [Paperback]

Oscar Ojeda (Author)

Book Description

Series: Whitney Library of Design | Publication Date: October 1, 1997

This excellent reference profiles a choice selection of recently built, single-family houses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Subsequent edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823031640
• ISBN-13: 978-0823031641
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 0.7 x 11.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have for Architects and Do-it Yourselfers alike!, January 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The New American House 2: Innovations in Residential Design and Construction: 30 Case Studies (Whitney Library of Design) (v. 2) (Paperback)

The second covering houses and one of several in a series that highlight and describe the potential of American domestic architecture. It illustrates the possibilities and alternatives to the popular Martha Stewart/Bob Villa suburban style that has taken away so much recognition from American architects. Stunning photographs and simple detail drawings illustrate several different homes; each with it's own character.

If you are a do-it-yourself type or looking to hire an architect, this is a great place to start. This book will illustrate how a much a professionally designed house stands out from the Home Depot remodel or typical "custom" suburban home designed by a contractor.

If you are an architect, this is a great reference for residential projects illustrating rigorous use of materials and simplicity of concept, without the heavy "archispeak". It is also a great primer for potential clients, exposing them to the possibilities of design.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book of Contemporary Homes, December 9, 2003

By 

Robert I. Hedges - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The New American House 2: Innovations in Residential Design and Construction: 30 Case Studies (Whitney Library of Design) (v. 2) (Paperback)

I love this book. Contemporary architecture is often misunderstood and misrepresented by focusing on the extreme or most useless of structures. In this book Ojeda takes us into some of the most beautiful, yet utilitarian, contemporary homes from the Arizona desert to Manhattan. He explains the design choices made and more importantly why they were made for the different designs. Included in the book are numerous beautiful photos of the different projects and architectural sketches of the projects.

This book would be a wonderful 'idea book' for an architect, or someone like me who is looking for ideas to give to an architect in preparation for building a new house. It is also a simply beautiful book to look at and learn from, both in design concepts specifically, and in building materials as well. I highly endorse this book as one of the best illustrated generalist books available on contemporary architecture. The ideas you will get for your own home alone are worth the cost.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sweet book, September 6, 2003

By 

doppelganger "dvd-archive" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New American House 2: Innovations in Residential Design and Construction: 30 Case Studies (Whitney Library of Design) (v. 2) (Paperback)

While not an architect or builder, I am browsing various ideas and methods. This is a great book for getting all the flavors from concrete prefab and rammed-earth to wood-frame with copper exteriors. In one case, a pre-fabbed house is given a timeline picture page showing the construction progress to finish. The pictures are nearly perfect, both encompassing and detailed with briefs that are pretty informative for their length. It's the information that you want with little else. Materials, construction methods and in most cases, cost. Excellent diagrams and cross-sections too. Worth it for someone who wants to build but isn't sure about the materials and methods they want to use, as well as sighting some good ideas.