Washoe County Library System

How would you like to live in a house that floats? Or a treetop home with bats and birds for neighbors? Or maybe you'd like to live in a house made of ice, or underground, in the middle of a desert? From Cambodia to Vanuatu, from the Netherlands to Mongolia, journey around the world and discover 10 of the most unique and unusual homes that people still live in today.

High up in mountains around the world, houses that have long been constructed following local building traditions are being transformed. Intrepid young architects using new technologies and materials are refashioning these traditions, with results that range fromgemutlich (cozy) retreats to glamorous hilltop villas. Houses are presented in three sections: Cabin, Chalet, and Villa. Photographs of each house reveal its architecture, interior design,...

Author Dave Toht takes you through every step of the way, from design and planning, choosing tools and materials, installing footings and ledgers, framing, installing decking, building stairs and railings, and adding benches, planters, and other built-ins. The heart of the book is a step-by-step guide to building four different types of deck--a patio deck, a first-story deck, a raised deck, and a multi-feature deck--which include a range of decking...

This updated seven edition is based on new design ideas and the latest building codes, with chapters covering subjects such as deck planning and design, structural support, accessories and ongoing maintenance. "Be inspired by new design and follow the latest codes as you custom build the deck of your dreams. Architecture, building codes, and design are not static; they change constantly. That’s why there’s a new edition of the best-selling BLACK+DECKER...