Small Houses: Big Ideas for Today's Small Houses (Great Houses)

This is a polished edition is filled with interesting designs, floor plans, and photographs. There is an emphasis on the efficient use of space and energy conservation. Each house is described by the architect. If you are thinking of downsizing and building your own home, this book is for you.

My only gripe is 1,800 square feet is considered a 'small space' in this book. Beautiful pictures, floor plans, and it goes through things you need to consider when building a small space. Most of the pictures and styles seem to be taken from the west coast lifestyle (Oregon, Washington). They do cover small 'cottage' style living spaces, and up to about 2-3 bedrooms. My own personal taste though, I'm not a big fan of living on several floors, and I wish they covered small spaces spread out on one floor that weren't a mother in law suite type. But, it gave us food for thought on how to possible live in a smaller house size later on.

Plenty of ideas, well laid out book. Some very interesting well designed small homes in this book. I've read "Fine Homebuilding" for years and this is one of their best on the small home subject.

Yet another good book for inspiration. Some good pictures and design ideas that will help you if you are considering shifting gears and moving into a smaller house that doesn't require you to spend 30-40% of your waking moments trying to pay for it. It has some interesting details from a builder perspective but not quite as inspirational as the books by Susan Susanka.

Great “stuff” for making the most of an existing structure, or creating one from scratch. Color, landscaping and detail emphasis makes for an absolutely “take charge” text.

Provides really good ideas and is a great inspiration. As German I also like the American house style. I guess a big switch for Americans in size, but all objects still spread the charme of open room.

What I said in the title

Pics are wonderful. There are many of most houses. House plans of each house. Overall the best book I've seen yet for small house plans and designing efficiency. I'm very appreciative of efficiency in a house, no matter the size.

Lots of these homes are not what I would consider small. I was disappointed in that.

やはり欧米と日本では「スモール」という概念大分違います ここに出てくるスモールハウスは日本では立派な家ばかり セルフビルダーなどには適した本ではありません