House Beautiful's Building Manual, Fall-Winter 1987-1988, is a richly illustrated guide to residential architecture, house planning and home construction, with particular emphasis on practical and energy-efficient design. The issue presents energy-saving ideas including solar orientation, hillside construction, super-insulation, compact planning, all-season sunspaces and the principles of a fuel-efficient house. A section on great small houses examines a soaring cottage, an open-plan home and a residence designed around a light tower. Traditional log construction is explored under “Focus on Style”, while difficult building sites are addressed through houses raised above flood plains, stepped down narrow hillsides or positioned to capture exceptional views. The extensive house-plan section offers designs for luxurious living, energy-saving homes, flexible layouts and smaller residences, together with information on ordering and building from published plans. A special section on manufactured homes discusses contemporary developments in prefabricated housing and presents 36 custom and standard models. Additional departments cover architectural details, floor treatments, outdoor lighting, wood stoves and furnaces, home economics, building books and products. A useful period reference for collectors, architects, builders and readers interested in American residential design, energy-conscious architecture and house construction during the 1980s.

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House beautiful's building Manual (fall-winter 1987-1988; 87 n°.3)