5 comments about Building the Japanese House Today.

1. For anyone who has dreamed of building a Japanese style house, this book is a must! The book takes you through the construction of a building from start to finish. All the things the customers and builders had to consider in construction. (From design, to permits, to materials,to assembly and finally finishing) This is a good way to get an idea of what building a traditional or westernized version of a Japanese house would entail, in terms of time and resources. It would also provide a neat book for house design to see the way traditional Japanese design styles have been incorporated to fit into American style homes.
   
   One of the authors, Len Brackett, is the owner of East Wind which does Traditional Japanese Architecture and Woodworking. The beautiful woodwork this company does is extraordinary!! Len spent more than 5 years in Japan as a temple carpentry apprentice. The book also included an interesting chapter describing him time there. For more information on East Wind, (and to get a better idea of what the book describes) try visiting their website eastwindinc.com



2. Superbly illustrated with photography from Aya Brackett, Building The Japanese House Today by Peggy Landers and Len Brackett is an outstanding collection of beautiful and decorative architectural designs drawn from the Japanese traditional and contemporary architectural ideas and ideals. Deftly co-authored to provide a wealth of usable and informed perspectives, Building The Japanese House Today offers such particulars as preliminary design decisions for building a Japanese home; design directions based on living with or without furniture a chart showing the relative proportions of components of the traditional house; lumber selection, drying and milling; design and construction of a Japanese bath; technical drawings showing how to make traditional architecture conform to western building codes; sources and contacts for materials and craftsmen; and twenty pages of professional plans and diagrams to guide readers through the simple and elegant procedures of construction. A core addition to any professional or academic library Architectural Studies reference collection, Building The Japanese House Today is very highly recommended for non-specialist general readers searching for a knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture.



3. I should like to urge anyone contemplating the making of a house today to pause and study this book. Live with it for awhile before you proceed. Building a house is more than a personal satisfaction. It is an opportunity to create a work of serene and lasting beauty.
   
   It is only rarely that a book falls into your life as a genuine revelation. Building the Japanese House Today is such a book. It is as if a gentle breeze from the East scattered all the remains of the broken promises of modernism, and replaced them with the new-worldly grace of this centuries-old traditional architecture.
   
   Len Brackett is a Californian who served a full apprenticeship with one of the finest temple carpenters in Japan twenty-five years ago. Upon his return to the United States he set up shop building classical Japanese houses in the San Francisco Bay area and elsewhere.
   
   Mr. Brackett quickly discovered that his clients had their own ideas, and that modern building departments and locally available materials made other requirements. It was then he began a kind of second builder's apprenticeship--to Making it Work in America Today. This book details the results: structures and spaces of a rare, ethereal beauty, at once classically traditional and yet surprisingly modern, descended directly from the Japanese.
   
   Four hundred years ago, when the first Europeans laid eyes upon traditional Japanese houses, they described them as so fine they seemed to have been built by the hands of angels. Such exactly describes the impression one has of Mr. Brackett's houses. They succeed better than any houses I know at marrying an old world architecture with the opportunities of new world modernity. They are traditional Japanese houses, certainly. But they harmoniously agree with the lives we live today.
   
   The book is straightforward. It tells the simple story of a modest building built by an honest craftsman. But what almost explodes off its pages is the possibility it represents of a new-made house culturally and spiritually worth living in.
   
   Anyone interested in traditional Japanese architecture will be interested in Mr. Brackett's book. But I hope it finds in time a much wider circulation among those whose interests lie closer to home. It is a book about living, about what it means to lead a beautiful life that is true to our time, and how such a life may take shelter and sustenance from the house in which we live.



4. This book is full of the most beautiful pictures of close up japanese residental architecture. It goes into tradational japanese rooms and how to adapt it to fit modern day needs. It goes through building materials and intricate explanations on elevation levels, roofs, sliding doors, japanese bath and more. It's definitely worth the price if you're interested in japanese architecture or plan to have a japanese style house.



5. Building the Japanese House Today fills a void that has frustrated me for several years. It is difficult enough to find english language books on traditional Japanese architecture, much less those that have practical application in today's society. This book is a case study of one building project.
   
   If this book has a flaw, it is that it reads too much like an advertisement for East Wind, Inc., the timber framing company whose work is featured in the book. That said, there is enough technical and philosophical discussion to make this an excellent companion volume to, say, Heino Engel's Measure and Construction of the Japanese House.
   
   This book is no DIY manual, but there is more than enough information to make this book a valuable addition to the library of an armchair architect or timber framing student.

2 comments about The Everything Breastfeeding Book: Basic Techniques and Reassuring Advice Every New Mother Needs to Know (Everything Series).

1. I can't believe nobody has wrote a review for this book! I first bought The Breastfeeding Book by Martha and William Sears. That book was boring and awful. They are negative people. I had already read The Everything Pregnancy Book and The Everything Baby's First Year Book and LOVED them both so I decided to buy this book. I couldn't put this book down. The information in this book is very helpful and I still look back in it. My baby was in the NICU and her first night she was fed formula in bottles. The second day she was fed my pumped breast milk and formula because my milk was still coming in. She got used to the bottles and made it VERY CLEAR she was not interested in learning how to latch on. I use the nipple shields made by Medela so I can breast feed my baby. Even though I use the shields I still have questions and this book answers them all! You WON'T regret buying this book!



2. This book is wonderful. Being the oldest of nine breastfed kids, I've been around breastfeeding all of my life and thought I knew everything. Little did I know once I had my own daughter and started breastfeeding. I've learned so many interesting things and gone, "Oh, so that's why this is happening" while reading this book! It is very easy to read, has instructions from a lactation expert and gives examples of positions, milk storage, how to treat sore nipples, etc. Really, everything you need to know about breastfeeding is included.
   
   It's a must have for any mom who plans or is breastfeeding her children. It's comforting too as you find out that you're no the only experiencing things and the book explains why it's happening. I've already loaned out my copy to a friend and will start giving this out to any friends at baby showers. It's just that good!

1 comments about Construction Cost Estimating: Process and Practices.

1. Good undergraduate book civil engineering estimation class. Used for a graduate course and felt it was not as challenging as it should have been for graduate level (I personally feel that graduate work should be very rigorous). The drawings in the back were too small (8 1/2 X 11) to be useful and should have been provided on a CD or on line so they could be printed full or quarter sized (tabloid, 11X17). I received the drawings, however some of the students and the instructor did not receive the drawings with the book.

5 comments about Windows and Doors (Build Like A Pro).

1. I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors. You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems. I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors. Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book. I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade. If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time. This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs. I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer. I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors. I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer. There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly. Have fun.



2. I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.



3. I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!
   
   I found this book very helpful and confirmed that I wanted to hire a professional! The pocket door section seemed a little slim to me, but that might be because I had no clue about what they were doing. It's definitely not a step-by-step. LOL. Even though some of the projects in this book might be DIY, many of the complex projects would probably require a professional, unless you've done some type of construction-type work.



4. I have a 100 + years old house with the original windows. They have a section on Tuning Up Old Windows which I found very helpful. There are only a few pages on this subject for old windows. The information is straight forward and to the point.



5. Good book, but title is misleading, more about proper installation of windows & doors rather than fabrication of doors & windows. Title should be "Install Like a Pro"

4 comments about Building Stairs (For Pros by Pros).

1. This book covers every aspect of stair building very thoroughly. Some of the topics covered are both open & housed stair construction, winders, handrailing, & exterior stairs. Much attention is paid to detail. There are literally hundreds of excellent photos & clear, concise drawings. The text is easy to follow & along the way the author shares plenty of tips & techniques for building beautiful, durable stairs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned carpenter, you'll find plenty of good information here. A great addition to my library!



2. A nicely organized and well laid-out manual that covers everything from stairbuilding basics up to complex railing and finishing details. Written in an easy-to-read casual tone with clear photos and drawings, helpful sidebars and useful appendices. Definitely recommended.



3. This is truly a well-written book on how to build stairs! Mr. Engel explores every aspect of stairbuilding and describes each step in the process in great detail. I highly recommend this book for the novice and the expert, alike. There's always something new to be learned by any of us and this book is chock full of new and interesting methods and tips on how one can build a stair the right way and without error! Well worth the price to purchase!



4. I am a serious DIYer, and when I decided to tackle a stair construction project in a two-story addition, I looked through my collection of books, downloaded stair building codes, and found whatever else I could on the internet. I also had back issues of Fine Homebuilding Magazine, where I found various articles, including the March 1998 issue which has an article by Mr. Engel, "Bulding Finish Stairs." Despite having these resources, I still lacked the confidence to tackle the project, and I wanted a better book. I bought this book based on the excellent reviews, and I haven't been disappointed. If you need to build some stairs, indoor or outdoor, this book has everything you need to start the job, provided you already own a shop full of tools and know how to use them. The book fully explains the trade-offs between various types of construction and details how to accomplish the job with illustrated clearly-written text. As an example, I located a local source for engineered stringer lumber after going to a URL listed in the book. I had some initial confusion as to whether I should buy this book since there is another book by almost the same name, "Building Stairs (For Pros by Pros) by Fine Homebuilding Editors", that received horrible reviews. That book appears to be a loose collection of former Fine Homebuilding articles, including the previously mentioned March 1998 article. I have a collection of similar books from Fine Homebuilding, and they are of somewhat limited value.

5 comments about Modernism Reborn: Mid-Century American Houses.

1. I bought this interesting book because I wanted something that would cover, visually, the best of mid-century American architecture. As another reviewer has said, don't expect a full technical account of the background to these beautiful houses but if you want excellent exterior and interior photos in a well designed and printed book, 'Modernism reborn' is the one to get.
   
   The fact that these thirty-five houses have all been restored in some way gives the book extra interest. Many of them were featured in the architectural press years ago when they were first built and these are the photos you usually see in books. Some of them were neglected but fortunately the current owners thought restoration worthwhile and this is how Roger Straus photographed them.
   
   An interesting companion book to 'Modernism reborn' is Classic Modern: Midcentury Modern At Home by Deborah K Dietsch, not directly concerned with the architecture but more to do with the furniture, fabrics, lighting and style that made these houses such wonderful homes. If only I could afford to live in one!
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



2. 
   We are in danger of losing our mid-century domestic architectural heritage.
   
   Yesterday's flat-roof, ultra-modern "home of tomorrow" is often perceived as the cramped and impractical "teardown" of today. Most real estate agents will confide that "Modern doesn't sell," and those modernist homes that are sold are usually fodder for the bulldozer; razed and discarded to make way for another McMansion.
   
   Sometimes it seems that the only folks who have any fondness for "Home, Sleek Home" are advertising directors (who love to feature hip mid-century homes in TV commercials and print ads), and subscribers to Dwell Magazine (and subscribers to the Dwell Magazine lifestyle).
   
   In his book MODERNISM REBORN: Mid-Century American Houses, architectural critic Michael Webb demonstrates that there is a growing appreciation for cutting-edge American residential architecture of the 1930s through the 1960s, and in it he highlights the intrepid homeowners who've assumed stewardship of 35 of these "Contemporary" domiciles of long, long ago. Tersely written, illustrated with floor plans, and enlivened by nearly 200 color photos by noted architectural photographer Roger Strauss III, MODERNISM REBORN explores the unique histories of these homes, and chronicles the research, labor, and expense that the adventurous owners have lavished on their preservation, restoration and sometimes, expansion.
   
   Nearly all of the 20th Century architectural greats are represented here--Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Philip Johnson and R.M. Schindler--as well as iconic modernist structures such as Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #21, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, and Charles and Ray Eames' own home-studio. Webb presents homes that embody various modernist impulses in thematic chapters that prove that there was no one right way (or Wright way) to be "modern."
   
   Webb's survey argues a case for Modernism as a mode (or ideal) of living, rather than a mere style (or styles). Indeed, these light-filled, open plan, spartanly furnished "homes of the brave" imply an enlightened lifestyle of Zen-like purity somewhat at odds with the ever more acquisitive and materialistic American way of life.
   
   Don't read too much into the Modernist rejection of consumerism, however, because these designer homes were status symbols in their day, and to furnish a home with "Modern classics" like Le Corbusier's Petit Confort sofa, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, and a pair of Mies Barcelona chairs will set you back several grand. Modern don't come cheap.
   
   Ultimately, the stories that Webb weaves about the people that commissioned, designed, built, restored and live in these homes are every bit as enlightening and memorable as the homes themselves. In fact, the author makes their histories seem inseparable, as if house and owner are joined in partnership against philistine taste, obnoxious neighbors, natural (and unnatural) disasters, and metal fatigue.
   
   This is not a scholarly study, but Webb assumes a certain level of cultural awareness and familiarity with architectural terms in his reader. It is a fine book with a fresh look at a perhaps overly familiar subject, and is well worth owning for the photos alone.
   
   Reading MODERNISM REBORN makes one wonder how the home of 1950 will inform and inspire the home of 2050, the mid-century home of tomorrow.



3. The author provides a good overview of the history and restoration of 35 architecturally significant houses
   of the 1930's through mid-century. The only thing keeping it from getting a 5 star rating is it's small format,
   resulting in smallish pictures and smaller floor plans. These wonderful houses deserved a larger page size,
   say 12" x 12", to show them to the best advantage. Still, given it's relatively modest price, this book provides
   a lot of information between the covers.



4. If you want a strong, national (not just LA or Palm Springs) overview of mid-century modern, this is a good bet. Very well produced, beautiful imagery.



5. I was looking for mid-century houses that were more in the middle classes, and you do not get that here.
   
   These are all high-end, very expansive homes, similar to the type one might come across in Dwell magazine. The book is nicely set up, with thick, distinctive paper used, and the book coming encased in cellophane, implying 'you're getting something very sophisticated and special here...', something I neglected to pick up in reality [but again I was looking for something else]. I also did not like the contrived use of marketing (paper and cellophane wrap). Always a bad sign.

5 comments about Bungalows: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling, and Building New (Updating Classic America).

1. This book is called UPDATING Bungalows! Amazon is a wonderful resource because you can browse pages before you buy. This book should not be a disappointment for those who are paying attention.
   
   I am now the proud owner of a 1922 California Bungalow. I have no illusions that this was the tract home of its day (I have found 4 others exactly like it in my neighborhood). This book embraces the ideals of the bungalow and the intent of the lifestyle completely. Not all of us can live in rarified homes in Pasadena or Chicago, and a strict period restoration with Stickley furnishings may not be practical for our lives in the 21st century. This book is about UPDATING what you have to balance the traditional Craftsman aesthetic with modern sensibilities.
   
   For those who are hard core Craftsman enthusiasts bent on a period correct restoration, this is not the book for you. If you live in the modern world but respect the ideals of the era, check this out. There are plenty of good ideas, and a few photos of loving restorations too.



2. The authors confess early on in this beautifully illustrated book that they are themselves bungalow-owners and -dwellers, which makes them automatically sympathetic to the situation of the novice who finds himself with a fixer-upper or a house that needs a new kitchen, more storage, or just more space. And they tell, in a very practical way, how to go about creating what you need. Quite apart from the many beautiful full-color photos, they offer plenty of really vital information. "With the right architect, a radical overhaul can be sensitively done...[integrating] many of the interior details that people love about their bungalows," they say. "A potential side benefit of [renovating one's attic] is that [its slanted knee walls] may mean [it] isn't legally a room at all and therefore not taxed as a bedroom. Check to see if your local ordinance states that if more than a certain percentage of a room's walls are sloping, it is exempt from full taxation." (This is something that would never have occurred to me!) "As real estate values escalate, you may find that the lot is more valuable than the house itself. That, in turn, can make it difficult to get a mortgage on a 900-sq.-ft. house. But if you apply for a loan with a proposal to add on, you may have a better chance of getting financing...Look at the local ordinances covering setback and height requirements and limits on the percentage of the site that can be built on...You also have a chance to address any shortcomings your lot [yard] may have..." Team this volume with Treena Crochet's Bungalow Style: Creating Classic Interiors in Your Arts and Crafts Homeand Diane Maddex's Bungalow Nation (see my reviews) and you'll have a core shelf that will help you understand, appreciate, and sensitively update your bungalow.



3. The authors of this book do a very good job of highlighting the bungalow's unique traits and then showing inspirational bungalow renovations. Early pages give the requisite definitions of what makes a bungalow, but I was most impressed by the middle three chapters: "Remodeling Inside the Walls"; "Beyond the Walls"; and "Brand New Bungalows". It is here that the authors challenge you to update your bungalow without losing any of the home's original character (or build anew with the same overall goal of classic home character).
   
   As any bungalow fan knows, there are three definite "branches" to the bungalow tree: in the Eastern U.S. craftsman bungalows rule, in the Midwest you find prairie styles and simple Chicago bunghalows, and in the west you find mission styles and the Greene and Greene influenced California bungalows. Being from the Midwest, I found this book especially compelling because so many of the example houses illustrated in the book are from my part of the country. Thus if you are from the Midwest I recommend this book with 5 stars, otherwise I give it a 4.5.
   
   Updating Classic American Bungalows is a must read for anyone who owns, lives in, or loves the bungalow style of architecture.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. This book is richly illustrated with plenty of photographs of updated bungalows from several styles ranging from the simple Midwestern houses made to be affordable in their day, to modern, contemporary West Coast bungalows.
   Where I found the book somewhat lacking was in the area of detailing before and after transformations of existing bungalows. Given the title, I would've expected more information about specific remodeling and renovation projects, with plenty of photos detailing "before", "during" and "after" the remodeling phases. There's very, very little of that in this book. The majority of the photos and scant floorplans dwell primarily with the finished project, though there are a very few that indicate what the owner started with. If you're looking for project specific guidance for rennovating or building your bungalow, this may not be the best choice. Still, the finished photos and supplemental text are inspiring. I would recommend this book with caution, based on the idea that it should likely be only one of many books in a modest library on period architecture upfitting.



5. I didn't find the book to be helpful or even enjoyable. Little to no information about transitioning an older Bungalow as I had understood the book would contain.

5 comments about The Handplane Book.

1. Wow everybody loved this book!!?? I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I want to build my own planes. This book is not useful for that. The only illustrations, which are sparse, are pictures of planes. So if you love tools and want to read about planes this is probably as great as everybody says, but if you actually want to build a plane this book will not be any help. I did find the discussion of Stanley and other old planes very useful though when going to the flea markets to look for old hand tools. Thats why I gave it a 4. If you want to build a plane I would give it a 2.



2. I've been using hand planes for basic tasks for years but never got the performance I felt they were capable of. This book has given me the information I needed to really tune all my planes. It is a pleasure to run a plane down a board and get a perfect shaving thin enough to see through!
   
   I'm now using planes for things other than fitting a drawer or easing an edge. And my shop is often a quieter place because of it!



3. Some years ago a purchased the book this author wrote on Handtools and have read it about ten times. In that book the author made mention of this book he wrote on handplanes but I was not all that interested. Then in the last few years I have purchased a number of handplanes and began using them and realizing what wonderful and almost sensual tools they are. It was then I ordered the author's book of Handplanes and realized why he wrote an enire book on this subject. I can only say if you have an interest in handplanes of any kind, or age, or conditon this is the book to have. It covers everything you would want to know, including how to tune, reconditon, buy, sharpen, use, and identify about any handplane made. The photos are sumptuous. I cannot say how much I appreciete this book. I just keep reading it over and over and putting the information to work in my shop.



4. I inherited a standard Stanley bench plane from my Dad. After I tried to sharpen it, I had know idea why it was chattering and gouging the wood I was trying to plane. From reading this book I got it properly sharpened and tuned. Now it works great. Also, I found out that I had placed the iron on backwards, and that I really did not need to buy a honing guide or expensive stones to sharpen the iron well enough to do the job.



5. If you are a dedicated hands-on woodworker, or simply of the armchair variety, this beautifully written and lavishly illustrated book on handplanes should be on your short list. I recenly met the author, Mr. Garrett Hack, at a woodworking conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. He speaks to a live audience in much the same way that he writes; with great organization, clarity, and enough anecdotal sidebars to really make the discussion lively. After reading the book through, cover to cover, I ordered my first handplane... a Lie-Nielsen No. 4 iron bench plane... and am now rereading the book to learn how to tune this beautiful tool, sharpen it, and commence making those paper-thin, elegant shavings..

No comments about HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb, 2nd Ed..

5 comments about The New Cottage Home: A Tour of Unique American Dwellings.

1. As an avid cottage fan, and living in one while designing a new one to build for myself which is even more zen and simple, I found this book to be one of the best books on cottages around. Although I also admit what was considered a cottage when my place was built someone hundred years ago and what is considered a cottage in 2006 is around five square feet more in size.
   
   Of course I am a purest and go by what my dictionary says a cottage is which is 1 : the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer 2 : a usually small frame one-family house. Small being reduced in size. So I was surprised that on page 112 they show a French Hunting Lodge from the Pacific Northwest. Not a cottage at all.
   
   What does make this good sized book useful for anyone looking for ideas on cottage styles is the vast array of examples given. From the coastline of Maine to the San Juan Island of Washington State, to rural Kansas to Massachusetts to favorite areas here in California.
   
   And wonderful examples of simple to elaborate. One of my favorites because of its really simple zen style is the Pumphouse on pages 52-59 on San Juan Island in Washington State that was made into a smooth lined, all in one cottage which I and other minimalists would love to own. Or the wonderful Salvage Yard cottage in Franklin County, Kansas on page 156-161 that would fit in just about anywhere where clean lines and environmental desires are important.
   
   There is even an off the grid cottage and some communities of nothing but cottages like those on Lopez Island in Washington State beginning on page 196, where the cottages are part of a land trust that was set up to allow people on moderate incomes to build small abodes with common greenbelt areas in and area where expensive homes were/are the norm. Heck, this made the book worth the price in itself.
   
   Each cottage is shown inside and out complete with basic blueprints of each cottage so one can see how the space sits and works. The photography and text meld well and makes this a book that is hard to put down.



2. This book is great if you want gables and a structure with more character but more expensive. I am looking for simple structures. I do like the book a lot.



3. the used bookstore wouldn't even want this rubbish- about 5 pages of decent information. it's all coffee table fluff and I don't drink coffee- Boo



4. Some books you love and race right through them. This one I loved so much I dawdled over every page, scrutinized the photos, and extracted every bit of info I could from the written descriptions.
   I pictured myself curled up on the windowseat reading a book. I imagined walking through the woods to my camp cottage, or lounging in the adirondack chair on the porch with an ocean view. This book will fuel any dreams you have of owning a second home, a special retreat from the real world.
   The cottages are grouped into these categories:
   *Cottages by the water
   *Cottages of the forest and mountains
   *Cottages in the field
   *Cottages in town
   The final section covers designing the cottage home (26 pages).
   Each cottage gets 4 to 6 pages. The book describes the owners' vision and tells how the architect created their dream cottage. It might be 500 sq. ft. or 2,000 sq. ft. but each vacation home is a pleasure to view. Besides numerous color photos, there's a floor plan for each cottage. These combine with the descriptive text to give a pretty good picture of each home.
   Savor this book. Even if you never have a cottage, you can dream.



5. I thought it was a little dated for being called "New cottage homes". I know some of the houses built and they were built over 13 years ago. So not so "new" if you know what I mean. If you buy it I am sure you will understand.