Posted by Harry
Books | 22 Jun 08 | Comments (1) | Stumble
Modern Shoestring sets out to reverse a common misconception, that the "construction of a contemporary house will cost the owner a fortune". The book features 18 custom built residential projects (no prefab) built between 2002 and 2007 on a shoestring budget, some for as little as $51.00 per square foot. The homes are presented with "emphasis on the goals of the owners, the site, and the cost in the design process. Collections determine floor plans, observatories are built for starry rural nights, and found and industrial materials such as highway construction remnants, laboratory counters, plastic water bottles, and discarded chalkboards keep costs low while imbuing structures with character.". From all over the US, from Los Angeles to Anchorage to East Hampton. See more, Search Inside the book. Hardcover, 160 pages, well illustrated, $26.40 at Amazon.
Some of the images are washed out, but overall a good book. How they can build for these costs is remarkable, they must be doing all the management and some of the labour. I especially like the two 'cubes' in New Orleans.