Subject
Architecture, Domestic -- Designs and plans Books
Best books
American Face Brick Association
A manual of face brick construction
"A Manual of Face Brick Construction" by the American Face Brick Association is a technical guide focused on the methods and benefits of using face brick in construction, likely written in the early 20th century. The manual presents various techniques for building with face brick, emphasizing its structural, artistic, and economic advantages over other materials, particularly in residential architecture. As builders and masons are the primary audience, the book serves as a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their building practices. At the start of the manual, the authors lay the groundwork for understanding the art and science of brick construction, referencing its historical significance and the evolution of brickmaking from ancient civilizations to modern practices. They articulate the necessity of combining firmness, utility, and charm in building design, reflecting Vitruvius's principles. The opening chapters outline the manual's aims, discussing the merits of face brick including its durability, aesthetic variety, and economic efficiency, while setting the stage to guide builders through specific construction techniques, brick types, and the advantages they provide in terms of fire safety, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Unknown
Sunset's Cabin Plan Book
"Sunset's Cabin Plan Book" by Ralph P. Dillon, Clemens Friedell, and Norman Gordon is a guidebook on cabin design and construction, written in the early 20th century. This comprehensive resource is focused on helping readers plan and build their ideal vacation home, whether by a mountain or near a beach, offering various layouts suited to outdoor living. The book aims to inspire both aspiring builders and those in the "talking stage" of their cabin dreams, providing practical advice on construction materials and techniques. The opening of the book sets the stage by emphasizing the desire for vacation homes among Westerners, deeply rooted in a connection to nature and the outdoors. It outlines the various considerations for selecting a cabin site, including proximity to resources, as well as highlights the importance of thoughtful planning. Readers are introduced to essential topics such as water supply, sanitation, and suitable building materials, all while keeping the book’s primary aim of offering easily adaptable cabin plans and practical guidance for creating a personal retreat in the wilderness.
S. B. (Samuel Burrage) Reed
Modern house-plans for everybody For village and country residences costing from two hundred and fifty dollars to eight thousand dollars
"Modern House-Plans for Everybody" by S. B. Reed is a practical guide focused on low-cost architectural designs written in the early 20th century. This work aims to assist individuals and families seeking to build simple, comfortable homes within a modest budget ranging from two hundred and fifty to eight thousand dollars. The book contains numerous detailed house plans, descriptions, estimates for materials and labor, and practical construction suggestions. The beginning of the book introduces the concept of affordable housing through various designs tailored for different budgets. Reed emphasizes the practicality of starting small with the option of future expansion, highlighting that a well-thought-out plan allows for efficiency and adaptability. He presents various house designs, beginning with a simple cottage for beginners, outlining its features, conveniences, and cost estimates related to the construction materials and labor needed. The author seeks to empower readers with the knowledge to embark on home building suited to their specific needs while remaining mindful of economical choices.
Clough Williams-Ellis
Cottage Building in Cob, Pisé, Chalk and Clay: A Renaissance (2nd edition)
"Cottage Building in Cob, Pisé, Chalk and Clay: A Renaissance (2nd edition)" by Clough Williams-Ellis is a practical guide focused on alternative building materials, written in the early 20th century. The book addresses the pressing need for affordable housing amidst a shortage of traditional building materials following World War I. The primary subject matter revolves around methods of cottage construction using local, natural materials like cob and Pisé, with a particular emphasis on the latter as an innovative solution to contemporary architectural challenges. The opening of the text sets the stage by addressing the remarkable demand for cottage building in the wake of a housing crisis exacerbated by material shortages. Williams-Ellis offers an overview of Pisé de terre, a method of rammed earth construction that is increasingly capturing public interest. He discusses his early experiences with Pisé-building, including the challenges and successes he faced in implementing this ancient technique, which gained traction due to its affordability and sustainability. The author also hints at contemporary research and developments in Pisé construction, suggesting a renewed appreciation for these traditional techniques amid modern needs.
William Wrighte
Grotesque architecture; or, rural amusement consisting of plans, elevations, and sections, for huts, retreats, summer and winter hermitages, terminaries, Chinese, Gothic, and natural grottos, cascades, baths, mosques, moresque pavilions, grotesque and rustic seats, green houses, &c. Many of which may be executed with flints, irregular stones, rude branches, and roots of trees. The whole containing twenty-eight new designs, with scales to each. To which is added, an explanation, with the method of executing them.
"Grotesque architecture; or, rural amusement" by William Wrighte is an architectural publication written in the early 19th century. This book presents a collection of imaginative designs and plans for various types of rustic structures, including huts, hermitages, grottos, and mosques, all aiming to blend into natural landscapes. The author emphasizes the construction of these structures using natural materials, suggesting a harmonization with the rural environment. The content of the book features twenty-eight detailed designs that include plans, elevations, and sections for a diverse range of structures, from traditional rustic seats to elaborate cultural buildings such as mosques and pavilions. Each design is accompanied by specific dimensions and construction techniques, promoting the use of locally sourced materials like flints, irregular stones, and branches. Wrighte's work not only serves as a practical guide for building in a grotesque or rural style but also reflects the aesthetic values of the time, encouraging an appreciation for nature and the creative possibilities of landscape architecture.
George E. (George Evertson) Woodward
Woodward's Country Homes
"Woodward's Country Homes" by George E. Woodward and F. W. Woodward is a practical guide on domestic architecture written in the mid-19th century. The book offers a collection of architectural designs and plans, tailored for individuals looking to build or improve their country homes, ranging from simple farm cottages to more elaborate villas. It reflects a growing trend of rural improvement and the desire for aesthetically pleasing yet practical living spaces in the countryside. The opening of the book introduces the authors' intentions to address the diverse needs of those seeking to establish country residences. They discuss the changing dynamics of society, highlighting the shift of city dwellers toward rural living and the demand for better architectural designs to meet their desires. The authors emphasize the importance of adapting homes to their landscapes, materials, and the lifestyle of their occupants, promoting a harmony between the built environment and nature. A detailed discussion on selecting appropriate sites, materials, and the overall design strategy sets the stage for the subsequent architectural plans outlined in the book.
Jón Sveinsson
Húsabætur á sveitabæjum: Uppdrættir og áætlanir
"Húsabætur á sveitabæjum: Uppdrættir og áætlanir" by Jón Sveinsson is a practical guidebook written in the late 19th century, specifically in 1898. The book provides insights into farmhouse renovations and construction, particularly addressing the transition from traditional turf houses to more durable timber structures. It focuses on various designs and construction plans, offering practical advice and cost estimations for those looking to improve their rural living conditions. The content of the book is a detailed examination of specific building plans, labeled as houses A through F, along with additional bathhouse structures. Each plan includes precise measurements, materials needed, and cost calculations, making it a comprehensive resource for rural dwellers looking to undertake construction projects. Sveinsson emphasizes the importance of transitioning to timber construction for better living conditions, highlighting factors like durability, insulation, and practicality in rural settings. The book serves as both a design manual and a resource for budgeting and sourcing materials to facilitate these construction efforts.
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