American House Now: Contemporary Architectural Directions

An updated and expanded edition of the hugely successful 1997 book American House Now, this richly illustrated volume showcases twenty-six of the most extraordinary examples of residential architecture designed in the United States in the last twenty years. The collection represents established American architects, such as Richard Meier and Charles Gwathmey; such internationally known contemporaries as Stephen Holl, Mark Mack, and Arquitectonica; and newcomers Carlos Zapata and UKZ. Superb exterior and interior photographs, as well as plans of each house, are accompanied by individual essays and captions.

The private home is a key expression of the American dream, and it is also where contemporary architecture enters into a direct dialog with the individual citizen, as homeowner and architect negotiate to find a balance of design theory, aesthetics, and practicality. Heavily illustrated with color photographs and drawings, this little catalog of 27 modern houses is updated from the 1997 edition, and profiles four new houses that exemplify "small is beautiful," including Wendell Burnette's own residence-studio in Phoenix and the Slot Box House in Santa Monica by the firm of Daly, Genik, both of which maximize small lots.