Synopses & Reviews
Though the median size of a new single-family house is back on the rise — after a brief decline during the 2007-2009 U.S. recession — many are now choosing to live small deliberately. They're building smaller, more environmentally and economically friendly homes.
The New Small House presents small-house design strategies as well as whole-house case studies from across the U.S. and Canada for homeowners eager to simplify, and remodelers, builders, architects, and designers looking for inspiration.
The ingenious and attractive designs of these 24 small houses (ranging in size from 500 square feet to 1640 square feet) suit young families, independent couples, single folks and those entering retirement. The houses are categorized by their location, from waterside gems to city dwellings and include new construction and renovations featured in 275 beautiful color photographs and 30 illustrations. The introduction defines 10 time-tested small-house design strategies, like borrowed view and daylight, multipurpose spaces, outdoors in and indoors out, pockets for privacy and more. And a bonus chapter includes five small retreats — each less than 500 square feet — in the backyard and beyond that exemplify, in even smaller packages, many of the same design strategies portrayed by the case-study houses.
For those longing for a simpler life, a small house may be right for you. The New Small House can get you started today.
Synopsis
Smaller is big, says architect and author Katie Hutchison, whose book The New Small House shows those looking to downsize how they can live smartly, economically and environmentally friendly in elegantly designed homes.
With 275 gorgeous photographs and 30 detailed illustrations, The New Small House takes the reader on a tour of North America and spotlights small houses in rural, coastal, and in-town locations. The book presents fundamental small-house design strategies, complete with whole-house case studies for homeowners eager to simplify.
Creating a great small house is illustrated in the opening chapter with 10 approaches, including:
- borrowed view and daylight
- multipurpose spaces
- privacy pockets
- using quality materials
Twenty-five stunning small houses are profiled in the second part of the book, organized by the nature of their locations.
About the Author
Katie Hutchison is an architect and award-winning fine-art photographer with over 20 years of experience in residential design. She provides design commentary to shelter magazines such as Fine Homebuilding and design blogs, including her online magazine, House Enthusiast. Hutchison lives in Warren, Rhode Island.