Subject
Building Books
Best books
H. Vandervoort (Harold Vandervoort) Walsh
The Construction of the Small House A Simple and Useful Source of Information of the Methods of Building Small American Homes, for Anyone Planning to Build
"The Construction of the Small House" by H. Vandervoort Walsh is a practical guide on the methods of building small American homes, written in the early 20th century. This work is aimed at individuals planning to construct their own homes, offering essential insights into design efficiency, cost considerations, and the selection of materials. It encompasses various construction types and addresses economic challenges in the post-war housing market. At the start of the book, Walsh outlines the economic troubles facing potential homeowners following the war, emphasizing the drastic increase in construction costs and the resulting housing shortage. He provides a snapshot of the building landscape during this period, including speculative building practices and the rise in high rents that dissuaded many from pursuing home ownership. Through detailed analysis, he categorizes small house construction into distinct types—wooden frame, masonry and wood, fireproof, and economical approaches—while also discussing the importance of designing within financial limits to ensure a practical and livable home.
James Silver
Rat Proofing Buildings and Premises
"Rat Proofing Buildings and Premises" by James Silver, M.C. Betts, and W.E. Crouch is a scientific publication produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued in the early 20th century. The book outlines effective strategies and practices for permanently controlling rat infestations in both agricultural and urban settings. It emphasizes the importance of building design and maintenance in preventing rats from accessing food and shelter, thereby mitigating their destructiveness. The content of the book is comprehensive, detailing various methods of rat proofing across different types of buildings, including barns, granaries, poultry houses, markets, and warehouses. It provides practical recommendations for construction techniques, materials, and sanitation practices that can effectively limit rat access and breeding environments. The authors not only highlight the significance of proper building ordinances but also stress the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure sustained rat control. They assert that while extermination methods may provide temporary relief, the ultimate solution lies in preventing access to food and shelter through well-planned and executed rat-proofing strategies.
Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc
How to build a house : $b an architectural novelette
"How to Build a House: An Architectural Novelette" by E. Viollet-le-Duc is a fictional work written in the mid-19th century. This story combines elements of architecture with narrative, focusing on the journey of a young student named Paul who aspires to design and construct a house for his recently married sister. Through Paul's experiences and interactions, the book illustrates the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture while delving into themes of family, tradition, and the relationship between people and their homes. At the start of the novelette, we are introduced to Paul, a sixteen-year-old student returning home for summer vacation. Initially filled with youthful enthusiasm, Paul soon faces ennui as he exhausts his local surroundings and yearns for a purposeful endeavor. Inspired by a conversation between his parents about building a house for his sister, Paul finds motivation and begins to contemplate the design. With the help of his architect cousin Eugène, he embarks on a creative journey that invites him to apply his academic insights while grappling with practical building challenges. As he sketches plans and engages in discussions about architecture, Paul learns valuable lessons that blend artistic vision with the realities of construction.
National Sheet Metal Roofing Co.
Practical hints to builders and those contemplating building Facts worth considering relating to foundation, cellar, kitchen, chimney, cistern, brick-work, mortar, heating, ventilation, the roof, and many items of interest to builders.
"Practical Hints to Builders" by The National Sheet Metal Roofing Co. is a practical guide focused on construction techniques and materials, likely written in the late 19th century. This resource aims to assist builders and individuals contemplating home construction by providing valuable and concrete information about various aspects of building, such as foundations, roofing, and materials. Its emphasis is on practical hints that can cater to both extravagant and moderate means. The opening of the book establishes its intent to deliver solid, actionable advice for those looking to construct durable and comfortable homes. It begins by discussing the benefits of employing an architect, highlighting how their expertise can save money and enhance the quality of the building project. Following this, the text underscores the importance of selecting a proper building site, emphasizing health and environmental factors, thereby setting the stage for further practical guidance on foundations, chimneys, and roofing specifics. Overall, the beginning presents a clear commitment to practicality and utility in the building process, appealing to readers interested in informed construction decisions.
Ellen H. (Ellen Henrietta) Richards
The Cost of Shelter
"The Cost of Shelter" by Ellen H. Richards is a social and economic analysis published in the early 20th century. The book explores the implications of housing on family life, social status, and economic stability in society, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by average-income families. Richards delves into the historical evolution of housing, the significance of shelter in emotional and physical well-being, and critiques the standards of living that dictate the costs associated with home ownership. At the start of the text, Richards sets the stage for her inquiry by connecting the notion of 'home' to feelings of safety, belonging, and community. She examines how housing conditions have changed from earlier times to her present and raises concerns about the physical and emotional strains imposed by modern urban living arrangements. The opening discusses the essential roles that homes play in family life, touching on themes such as societal expectations, evolving economic pressures, and the psychological effects of living environments on individuals and families. Additionally, she warns against a growing reliance on ostentatious displays of wealth linked to living spaces, urging a re-evaluation of priorities in defining a true home.
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