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A MASTER BLUEPRINT FOR FLEXIBLE HOUSING FROM A PIONEER IN THE FIELD

Award-winning author Avi Friedman believes that the homes in which we live should not be regarded or designed as single purpose, unchangeable physical environments incapable of adapting to the occupant s evolving needs. A home, he contends, should be constructed as a life cycle house where changes such as children being born or leaving the nest, elderly relatives moving in, or the need for home office space are all easily accommodated.

This powerful, eloquent resource provides a clear, systematic guide to the conception and construction of adaptable homes that can be quickly, easily, and inexpensively altered to reflect the new needs of owners. Packed with floor plans, drawings, photos, and charts to fully illustrate the author s suggestions, The Adaptable House is more than a persuasive argument for designing and building flexible structures it is an innovative blueprint for putting principles into practice.

A conflict exists between the dynamic nature of occupants lives and the homes in which they choose to reside. . . . The argument this book puts forward is that a fit between the evolving space needs of occupants and their homes needs to be simpler than it is at present. --From the Preface

America s rapidly changing demographics people living longer, an increasing number working from home, fewer having children demand a greater flexibility, creativity, and awareness in home design and construction. Clearly, the era of unchangeable homes, capable of accommodating just one life-style is drawing to a close, and there exists a clear need for new, imaginative strategies, tasks, and products.

The Adaptable House provides specific design approaches and techniques that facilitate flexible design both on the inside and out. These principles make it simple to alter a dwelling s layout, demolish partitions or build new ones, upgrade heating systems, and change the locations of staircases.

The Adaptable House is divided into three sections: the first sets the stage for adaptability, the second outlines relevant design principles, and the last shows their actual application in a variety of projects with detailed coverage of:
* Interior layouts and room configurations
* Exterior elements such as roofs and facades
* New building materials and methods
* Easy add-ons and remodels
* Single-family and multiple dwelling houses

This groundbreaking reference outlines both a vision and process that together will alter our concept of the structure we call home.