Bohlin Cywinski Jackson - 12 Houses
Almost skipped this one. It's a big book with big houses, and I felt there's been enough written on Bill Gates' house that I didn't need to add my two cents. Then I saw the book and the other 11 houses were too compelling to pass up. It's how BCJ uses natural materials, particularly wood and stone, the houses look as if they sprout from the landscape they're built in. Adroit and generous use of glass and decorative iron elements create a kind of outsized rustic minimalism. At first it all looked too big as if massed improperly, but on a second look, it's stylistic and the scale of the projects requires it. All 12 houses are presented in detail, with elevation drawings, sketches, and photos. Hardcover, 426 pages, 650 color photographs, 250 B&W photographs, 350 drawings, 8 gatefolds, 7.5 pounds, $40.95 at Amazon.

+ Arcadian Architecture at Amazon