What elevates a house to best-of-class status? Find out in this insider’s look at more than fifty award-winning homes designed by nearly three dozen A+ American architects. Regardless of their size or design style, the best new and remodeled homes share common traits. They deliver eminently livable space that can accommodate nearly any lifestyle event. They respect and relate to the natural environment. They take on the personalities of their owners. And they are works of art that no one will ever want to tear downthe ultimate test of sustainability. Comprehensive in scope, this book profiles a wide variety of extraordinary homesfrom urban infill to custom homes, suburban remodels, seaside cottages, and subdivision housing. It distills their broad patterns and refined details into practical lessons with endless applications, making it an inspirational guide for designers, builders, and anyone planning their own dream home.By Boyce ThompsonBoyce Thompson is the author of The New New Home, named book of the year by the National Association of Real Estate Editors. He founded Residential Architect magazine and for seventeen years was editorial director of Builder magazine.268 color and b/w imagesWhat America’s Most Celebrated Houses Tell Us about the Way We Want to Live268 color and b/w images