John K. Knowles, Southport, N.C.
Beguiling, creative, innovative, responsive are the solutions that the two architects, James Weisman and Susan Metzger, present to the myriad spaces offered them in the odd, constrained and whimsical place called Martha's Vineyard. So many books of design seem glib, generated by a designer behind a computer, designs that can "fit" anywhere and thus "fit" nowhere. (should I say, boring!!!) This volume demands of the reader to become engaged in real questions: What do YOU want? Where do YOU want it? How responsible are YOU willing to be, shared with the architect? Do YOU really know YOURSELF well enough to attend to YOU, YOUR house and YOUR community? Refreshing! If God is in the details, then the two architects are angels. Unique land shape? -well- a unique shelter shape. Recall of Vineyard tradition? -well- a traditionally constrained home (acceptable to local codes) that seems timeless yet innovatively modern within. Exposed to weather? -well- a home with "shoulders" hunched down with clan waiting to show its stuff when required. Privacy? -well- decks, fences, shrubbery that foreshorten the view disguising the home without offending the viewer. A touch of theater, a touch of class. Details? How about matching ageless brick walks with traditional houses or glistening brick walks with the contemporary shape of a soaring, light filled home? How about shaping a free standing add on master bedroom such that each window frames a view yet, like a bird in its nest, neatly disappearing into the surrounding landscape and its host home when viewed itself? In most of the homes' plans, there is a quality of yacht building. Sparse use of line, efficacy of space use, economy of flow suggest we are being lead from stem to stern. The architects are extremely sensitive to interior space, a trait unique if their work is compared to the effusive wasteful use of space in so many of the cookie-cutter house plans. One of the real treats of this volume is to witness passion in action. There is great diversity of plans displayed here - from an overgrown doghouse to homes in the 4000sq. ft. category. Yet, each plan is given great care, thought and emotion. It is refreshing to see talent embrace the idea and not the bucks. There is a truism that the larger the space/money, the greater the architect, but that real talent is shown at 2300 sq. ft. and smaller. Given land constraints of the Vineyard, these two show real talent in the balancing act between these size constraints, human needs and space with character. Why order this volume? If you want a cookie-cutter approach to setting a home to site, then this volume has no value to you. If you want an idea book on how to approach creatively and innovatively the fascinating and enticing challenger of blending human, ecological, economic and community needs, then this volume must be yours. It gives you the best chance to develop a home that reflects you within your world. For the reader who wants to be kick-started into creative approaches, this volume is a must. NOTE: I speak of first hand experience, for it was this volume which began our movement to placing a unique home on a unique site yet reflecting the very specific low country look of our traditional community. The architects? Well, Weisman and Metzger, of course, and we couldn't be prouder or more educated. Have fun reading.
Book Description
Proven, easy to understand, extraordinary construction plans you can't get anywhere else. Our plans describe homes that have been designed and built here on Martha's Vineyard Island. These plans were designed for real projects and, because of this, they are better than 'generic plans' you may find available in most plan books.
