Architecture

"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 energ... read more

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Let there be light. This title presents the work of celebrated American architect Richard Meier. As one of the most important contemporary architects, Richard Meier (born 1934) is a key figure in "TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series". His brilliant career ranges from elegant family homes to dazzling institutional buildings like the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. This work gives an insight into the development of his oeuvre starting with the early designs and ending with his latest buildings, exploring the combination of prec... read more

This absolutely groundbreaking manual doesn't just talk about eco-friendly building techniques, but actually shows every step! More than 1,200 close-up photographs, along with in-depth descriptions, follow the real construction of an alternative house from site selection to the addition of final-touch interior details. Co-authors Clarke Snell and Timothy Callahan (a professional builder and contractor) provide thorough discussions of the fundamental concepts of construction, substitutes for conventional approaches, and planning a h... read more

From the Pyramids of Giza to the Guggenheim, this lively guide explains the key concepts and inventions in architecture clearly and concisely. Exploring the myriad ways in which the built environment is shaped and created, readers will gain a new and informed appreciation for architecture, from the classical orders of Vitruvius Doric, Ionic and Corinthian to the to the most recent contemporary trends. Philip Wilkinson offers expert introductions to the most important architectural movements and styles throughout history, as well as... read more

Bridges touch all our lives - every day we are likely to cross a bridge, or go under one. How many of us stop to consider how the bridge stands up and what sort of people designed and built something so strong? Bridge building is a magnificent example of the practical and every day use of science. However, the story of bridges goes beyond science and technology, and involves issues relating to artistic and cultural development. After all, bridges are built by people, for people. Bridges can be icons for whole cities; just consider ... read more

The new wave of country houses in Australia and New Zealand reflects the desire of many city dwellers to get away from the pace and competitive edge of the city and find fullfilment in the peace, stillness and natural beauty of the land. This presentation of 47 of the most exciting country houses is presented with brilliant photography, plans and incisive commentary. It is an exhilarating collection, with responses ranging from the tropical north to the snowy south, from bush-bound weekender to rural mansion, from rammed earth to zincalume.

Dan takes us to the buildings he believes have changed the world, revealing how in truly great buildings function, material and purpose connect to all other parts of life - showing how architecture is the richest and most compelx of man's artistic endeavours. Do his chosen buildings live up to expectation, or does he find disappointment and lost ideals? Architecture is an art, a science and a craft. But buildings also have to fulfil a function, cater for human use, withstand the forces of nature, and be built to a budget. Dan cons... read more

This abundantly illustrated overview of modern design across continents and cultures highlights key movements and design traditions. A cross-disciplinary book, it outlines the milestones of modern design history, including Art Nouveau's breathtaking ornament, the Bauhaus' "new vision", the rise of the International Style, postmodernism and contemporary currents, ranging from the Crystal Palace of 1851 to the iPhone.

Stuart Harrison writes about residential architecture again in Forty-six square Metres Doesn't Normally Become a House, this time exploring how the constraints of space often result in the most innovative results.

For anyone thinking of designing, building, remodelling or furnishing a modern home, this all-in-one publication provides practical inspiration for dwelling stylishly, sensibly and sustainably. Five chapters consider where, what and how to build a modern natural home, advice on manipulating the elements to improve lifestyle, materials, indoor-outdoor relationships and ways to reduce our carbon. Houses selected from around the world in a variety of natural settings and climates show that living green is stylish, and hundreds of phot... read more

Wrought iron has been used as a decorative element in architecture from the eleventh century to the twentieth. At first a device to strengthen and embellish doors, wrought iron was soon adopted for free-standing screens and railings, examples of which can still be seen in churches and cathedrals.

This book is a record of winners of New Zealand and Local Architecture awards for 2009/2010. It celebrates the achievements of New Zealand Institute of Architects' practices. It is an important snapshot of good architecture that practices from the eight branches of the Institute have produced over the last year, enhancing the built environment with considered responses to the aspirations of their clients, whilst responding to a wide range of external influences.

The 2011 edition of this very popular book is now available. It features all the projects in the New Zealand Local and New Zealand Architecture awards plus the supreme New Zealand Architecture Medal. This is an invaluable record of the best of architecture in New Zealand over the last twelve months. Always eagerly awaited this book is printed in limited numbers and usually sells out quite quickly. This year it features the superb and highly acclaimed Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor’s Centre. Also included are a glass-case hel... read more

"Country Living" knows that beautiful handcrafted accents are as essential to home-sweet-home as a comfy cushion to sink into at the end of a long day. Whether it's richly indulgent herbal soaps, vintage-inspired woven pillows, a keepsake family album, or beeswax tapers to illuminate a dinner party, the 75 projects in this varied collection will warm your heart...and give a personal touch to every room in the house.

Sheds and other landscape shelters have never been out of style, but they are now seeing a remarkable surge in popularity and are being used in creative new ways. The common garden shed is now just as likely to serve as a workshop for an artist to pursue his or her hobby, or may be used as a writer's retreat or even be equipped with a satellite dish and high definition television and be used as a meeting spot for Sunday afternoon football parties. Spacious sheds are increasingly being fully appointed with furnishings and used as de... read more

Spanning the architectural history of the country house from the disarming Elizabethan charm of South Wraxall, the classical rigour of Kinross in Scotland, the majesty and ingenuity of Hawksmoor's Easton Neston, the Palladian sweep of Wentworth Woodhouse, with over 300 rooms and frontage of 600 feet, the imperial exuberance of Clandeboye, through to the ebullient vitality of Lutyens' Marshcourt, the stories of these houses tell the story of our nation. All are the are buildings of the greatest architectural interest, each with a fa... read more

Home is a complete illustrated reference to homes today and how architects design a living space to suit the occupants and the community in which they live. In Part One, take a journey through the homes of different times and cultures - from Mayan limestone huts and Bedouin tents to the grand palaces and fortresses of Europe and Asia. In Part Two, visit more than 100 homes of the present day by way of stunning architectural photographs and interesting and authoritative text written by a team of international academics and architect... read more

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Warm House Cool House simplifies the science behind low-energy housing design...and suggests inspiring and achievable ways to apply energy-efficient methods to new and existing homes. - Jamie Durie We all want to minimise our environmental impact, but we dont always know how. In this new edition of the bestselling Warm House Cool House, respected Australian architect Nick Hollo provides valuable advice, illustrated by more than 100 inspiring contemporary examples of low-energy housing design, to help keep our homes cool in summer a... read more