Martha's Vineyard Plan Book: Designs for Houses, Porches, Additions, Guesthouses, Sheds, Garages, Barns, Outdoor Showers, and Garden Structures (Paperback)

~ James S. Weisman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Beguiling, creative, innovative, responsive are the solutions that the two architects, James Weisman and Susan Metzger, present to the myriad spaces offered them in the odd, constrained and whimsical place called Martha's Vineyard. So many books of design seem glib, generated by a designer behind a computer, designs that can "fit" anywhere and thus "fit" nowhere. (should I say, boring!!!) This volume demands of the reader to become engaged in real questions: What do YOU want? Where do YOU want it? How responsible are YOU willing to be, shared with the architect? Do YOU really know YOURSELF well enough to attend to YOU, YOUR house and YOUR community? Refreshing! If God is in the details, then the two architects are angels. Unique land shape? -well- a unique shelter shape. Recall of Vineyard tradition? -well- a traditionally constrained home (acceptable to local codes) that seems timeless yet innovatively modern within. Exposed to weather? -well- a home with "shoulders" hunched down with clan waiting to show its stuff when required. Privacy? -well- decks, fences, shrubbery that foreshorten the view disguising the home without offending the viewer. A touch of theater, a touch of class. Details? How about matching ageless brick walks with traditional houses or glistening brick walks with the contemporary shape of a soaring, light filled home? How about shaping a free standing add on master bedroom such that each window frames a view yet, like a bird in its nest, neatly disappearing into the surrounding landscape and its host home when viewed itself? In most of the homes' plans, there is a quality of yacht building. Sparse use of line, efficacy of space use, economy of flow suggest we are being lead from stem to stern. The architects are extremely sensitive to interior space, a trait unique if their work is compared to the effusive wasteful use of space in so many of the cookie-cutter house plans. One of the real treats of this volume is to witness passion in action. There is great diversity of plans displayed here - from an overgrown doghouse to homes in the 4000sq. ft. category. Yet, each plan is given great care, thought and emotion. It is refreshing to see talent embrace the idea and not the bucks. There is a truism that the larger the space/money, the greater the architect, but that real talent is shown at 2300 sq. ft. and smaller. Given land constraints of the Vineyard, these two show real talent in the balancing act between these size constraints, human needs and space with character. Why order this volume? If you want a cookie-cutter approach to setting a home to site, then this volume has no value to you. If you want an idea book on how to approach creatively and innovatively the fascinating and enticing challenger of blending human, ecological, economic and community needs, then this volume must be yours. It gives you the best chance to develop a home that reflects you within your world. For the reader who wants to be kick-started into creative approaches, this volume is a must. NOTE: I speak of first hand experience, for it was this volume which began our movement to placing a unique home on a unique site yet reflecting the very specific low country look of our traditional community. The architects? Well, Weisman and Metzger, of course, and we couldn't be prouder or more educated. Have fun reading. -- John K. Knowles, Southport, N.C.

Product Description

Proven, easy to understand, extraordinary construction plans you can't get anywhere else. Our plans describe homes that have been designed and built here on Martha's Vineyard Island. These plans were designed for real projects and, because of this, they are better than 'generic plans' you may find available in most plan books.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Marthas Vineyard Plans (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966454103
• ISBN-13: 978-0966454109
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #808,275 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's no other home plan catalog like this, April 27, 2000

By	Donald J. Berg (Rockville Centre, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This plan catalog is unlike any other you'll find - it's a portfolio of designs that were originally created as custom buildings for architect James Weisman's clients. Unlike "stock" plans, these homes and outbuildings show the care of a good designer who listened to his customers and created unique buildings for their needs. They are also inspirational examples of how contemporary buildings can reflect the traditions of their place. The homes have balconies, lofts, lookouts, great spaces and unusual layouts that seem exciting and efficient at the same time. If you enjoy dreaming about a country home or a vacation getaway, you'll love this book.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Martha's Vineyard Plan Book, March 28, 2002

By A Customer

I purchased this item expecting to see architectual details for some of the fine Victorian houses in Martha's Vineyard.
Instead, I was very disappointed to find out that it's an architectural firm's catalog listing plans to order.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stands Out Above the Rest, March 18, 2009

By	The Captain's Lady (Wheaton, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Many collections of house plans, some dating to the 1920s, line my bookshelves, but James Weisman's "Martha's Vineyard Plan Book" stands out from all the rest. It is a cut above, not only in the stunning yet simple elegance of the designs, but also in terms of sheer practical usefulness. Weisman's homes, additions, and out-buildings are to be lived in, admired, loved. I originally bought this book with the intention of building a garage for our row house in a Midwestern city. The garage never got built, and my husband and I eventually relocated to a suburb where garages are plentiful (though there are none as lovely as the ones in the "Plan Book"). Now, as we approach retirement, we are thinking of returning to our roots in the Northeast. One option is to build a new home. I have been scouring my plan books, some of which offer hundreds of designs, but something tells me that "Martha's Vineyard Plan Book" is the only collection I am going to really need and use. It is inspirational, buy it!