The Architecture Shelf

Pretty Good House
Dan Kolbert, et al.
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781641551656, $34.99, HC, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Good-House-Michael-Maines/dp/1641551658

Synopsis: "Pretty Good House" bu the architectural team of Dan Kolbert, Emi=
ly Mottram, Michael Maines, and Christopher Briley provides a framework and=
set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that = focus on its inhabitants and the environment -- but keeps in mind that few = people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution.

The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and pra= ctical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the plan=
et as possible. The fundamentals laid out in the pages of "Pretty Good Hous=
e" include: A house that's as small as possible; Simple and durable, but al=
so well designed; Insulated and air-sealed; Above all, is affordable, healt= hy, responsible, and resilient.

Critique: Beautifully, informatively, and profusely illustrated with full c= olor photography throughout, "Pretty Good House" will prove to have a speci=
al appeal to non-specialist general readers with an interest DIY home renov= ating, home building, and home rebuilding projects. As informative as it is=
inspiring, "Pretty Good House" will prove to be an enduringly popular addi= tion to personal, professional, community, and academic library Residential=
Architecture, Home Design/Construction, and Residential Sustainability/Gre=
et Design collections.

Editorial Note #1: Michael Maines is a residential designer specializing in=
energy-efficient homes, sensitive renovations, and custom kitchens. He is =
a contributing editor to Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Editorial Note #2: Dan Kolbert is a carpenter and contractor, and for the p= ast 10 years has been moderator of the original building science discussion=
group in Portland, Maine, where the Pretty Good House idea originated.

Editorial Note #3Emily Mottram is the founder and principal of Mottram Arch= itecture, specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, fun= ctional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.

Editorial Note #4: Christopher Briley is principal architect at BRIBURN, a = firm that designs and creates spaces that are energy efficient, durable, an=
d environmentally friendly and that enhance the lives of their residents.

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Midwest Book Review

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