HOMES ON DISTINCTIVE LAND

This book presents 26 homes where the land on which they are built is the connecting thread. The topography or geological composition of the plot is often the most important factor in determining the final design. High ground, uneven and sloping ground, strictly regulated areas, maximum integration with the landscape - all these factors and more present exciting challenges and opportunities to the architects concerned. Examples include ecological concerns, with climatic elements such as wind, sun and rain determining the inclusion of energy-saving systems like a tank for rainwater, or making use of sea breezes to cool the house.All the projects are illustrated with photography from various angles, multiple floor plans and text describing the particular challenges to be negotiated in order to realise the project. Craig Steely's white timber and glass house suspended above Hawaiian lava, a sloping series of concrete blocks on a Portuguese hillside and an arc-shaped clifftop design hugging the ground on Australia's south coast are just three of the residential conversations with nature herein.