Timeless Architecture: Homes of Distinction by Harrison Design Associates (Schiffer's Leading Architects Series)

About this book

Following a recent trend to radicalize or modernize domestic architecture both professional and lay audiences must relearn the lessons of the traditional architect. This book is an excellent 101 course in historic design for todays home taught by a professor of architecture illustrated with more than 400 color images. It answers the needs of patrons professionals and the merely inquisitive to reconsider the tenets of classical or traditional design that were universally followed for more than twenty-five centuries. Drawing from one of Americas leading design firms it presents the traditional concepts that all fine buildings must satisfy being well-built easy to use and inspiringly beautiful. The partners of Harrison Design Associates (Bill Harrison AIA and Greg Palmer AIA) answer their clients desires with buildings that fit their context and climate provide comfortable and familiar imagery and respond to the time honored desire for a beautiful environment. Many residential designs are presented in three contexts as seen in the writings of the Roman Vitruvius and the Renaissance author Alberti -- beauty function and firmness. Beauty is explored through historical styles including Eighteenth Century American Colonial Georgian and Federal Arts and Crafts American Beaux-Arts Philadelphia Style American Eclectic and Italian Influence. For utility a tour of twentieth-first century homes includes kitchens and keeping rooms bath suites pools outdoor rooms and gardens wine cellars bars and entertainment rooms. In chapter three structural materials are discussed and illustrated culminating in a set of fascinating renovations of residential design.