A House Deconstructed

This book ‘deconstructs’ a single recently constructed house located in Seattle, WA, in an attempt to recover its backstory. The information is presented along four vectors – atoms, labors, sources and ingredients. Though remarkably detailed, the A House Deconstructed contends that a huge proportion of what we ‘know’ about the house is unknowable, not because our epistemological instruments aren’t strong enough or calibrated precisely enough, but because things themselves are indeterminate, uncertain. This begs the question about agency. If we are to critique our profession and even improve some of its claims about Sustainability, then we must develop a more robust understanding of the building industry and the sourcing and making of materials. We must even develop a stronger awareness of the history of atoms and how architecture brings that history into a remarkable focus.

This book 'deconstructs' a single recently constructed house located in Seattle, WA, in an attempt to recover its backstory. The information is presented along four vectors - atoms, labors, sources and ingredients. Though remarkably detailed, the A House Deconstructed contends that a huge proportion of what we 'know' about the house is unknowable, not because our epistemological instruments aren't strong enough or calibrated precisely enough, but because things themselves are indeterminate, uncertain. This begs the question about agency. If we are to critique our profession and even improve some of its claims about Sustainability, then we must develop a more robust understanding of the building industry and the sourcing and making of materials. We must even develop a stronger awareness of the history of atoms and how architecture brings that history into a remarkable focus.

The construction industry is a vibrant and active industry. The building sector is responsible for creating, modifying and improving the living environment of humanity. This volume presents solutions that facilitate and promote the adoption of policies, methods and tools to accelerate the movement towards a global sustainable built environment.

By locatingthe architecture already hidden within deconstructive discourse, Wigley opens up more radical possibilities for both architectureand deconstruction.

More than 20 American ceramic artists present a broad variety of inspiring clay sculpture pieces and some unique techniques they used.

The village green is the focal point of any community, a gathering place where the best ideas take root and the brightest voices are heard. The New Village Green gathers some of the best ideas and brightest voices of the green community, some famous and familiar, others fresh and unknown. Each tells an absorbing story, and collectively they comprise a powerful chorus that profiles the current state of the environment. This remarkable book gathers wisdom and insight from a compelling and thought-provoking virtual community. Each contributor brings a unique perspective that mingles reverence for the environment with provocative thoughts for the future. Topics range from spirituality to solar panels and, just like a real village green, are juxtaposed with opinions from “the new village people,” including: Writers Bill McKibben and Michael Pollan Scientists James Lovelock and Donella Meadows Spiritual leaders Gandhi and Buddha And practical, homespun topics are given equal time: Good reasons to embrace alternative currencies Tips for growing great garlic Meant to be devoured in one sitting or sipped a little at a time, this book springboards the green movement into the future by acknowledging its roots in the past. Rachel Carson, Paul Ehrlich, and Helen and Scott Nearing are as relevant today as the Slow Food Movement and Peak Oil. This book will touch the heart of anyone who lives with conscience and hope. Stephen Morris is editor and publisher of Green Living Magazine and co-founder of The Public Press.

Turn weekend home-improvement projects into big money! Did you know you and your spouse can sell your home every two years and pay no taxes on profits up to $500,000? It's true! In fact, you should think of your home as an investment as much as a place to live. Simple renovations can dramatically increase the value of your home, and you can undertake most of them on your own and in your spare time. Renovate to Riches shows you how to turn your sweat into equity and your home into a moneymaker. Millions of people across America are making their do-it-yourself weekend projects pay off-and you can too. This straightforward guide will show you how to secure financing for your home, accomplish the renovations that add the most value, and get the highest price when you sell. It shows you how to design your own custom plan for creating wealth over five, ten, or even twenty years, and includes detailed case studies that help you avoid common mistakes. Renovate to Riches also includes: * An explanation of complicated federal tax codes * Tips on finding great homes at bargain prices * Advice on financing options * Which renovations add the most value * Professional guidance on interior design, landscaping, and other home improvement projects * Which projects you should be able to handle yourself and which will require a professional contractor * How to work with contractors and keep it cheap * Practical advice from the experts-real estate agents, brokers and bankers, tax advisors, contractors and carpenters, landscapers, interior and lighting designers, home inspectors, and appraisers Renovate to Riches is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a practical, step-by-step guide to building long-term wealth. You don't need the skills of a contractor or the experience of a real estate agent; all you need is a little extra time, a little extra money-and this unbeatable guide.