Nano House: Innovations for Small Dwellings

This wonderful compilation of photos accompanied by brief, informative essays presents a definitive review of micro-habitations, or "nano houses." A variety of shapes and designs from around the globe are presented to exhibit how one can downsize and still live luxuriously. Though some homes are intricate and ornate%E2%80%93like the sophisticated, complex "Moon Dazzler" in Guanacaste, Costa Rica with bamboo screens for walls%E2%80%93others, like the Czech Republic's "Villa Hermina," display a cozy minimalism. The appropriately-named and barrel-esque German model, "Roll-It," along with the egg-shaped Belgian "Blob" demonstrate how small can still be both innovative and surprisingly comfortable. Design and architecture enthusiasts as well as readers concerned with environmental issues and alternative housing will find this book informative and inspiring. Photos. (Oct.)