Monday, April 16, 2012

Dictionary of Architecture and Construction (Dictionary of Architecture & Construction)

Dictionary of Architecture and Construction (Dictionary of Architecture & Construction) Review



Updated and expanded, this Fourth Edition of the most trusted reference in architecture offers the most comprehensive coverage of architectural and construction terms available. This classic dictionary now features nearly 25,000 definitions (including 2,800 new terms), 2,500 illustrations (including 200 new illustrations), and maintains its extraordinary visual appeal and easy-to-read page design. Prepared by a renowned architectural editor in association with expert contributors and incorporating the work of many standards groups, the book presents clear, concise definitions of terms in nearly 80 working areas. The Fourth Edition covers new industry terms which have emerged due to changes in engineering and building technologies, organizations, materials, and legal developments, and has been expanded to include more historic architectural styles. New terms include: Legal Architectural Barriers Act Wheelchair Accessible Materials Fibrous Concrete Latex Mortar Polymer-Based Stucco Concrete Compliance Conformity Refractory Mortar Organizations Building Research Establishment (formerly Building Research Station) of Great Britain ASTM Historic Architectural Styles Anglo-Palladianism French Victorian Isabellino Mudajar Mozarabic Neo-Rococo


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes

Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes Review



The Log Construction Manual tells you what you need to know to build your own handcrafted log home shell. This is a comprehensive and thorough guide to how to scribe-fit logs to each other, cut notches, and build roof support systems of large, round, naturally-shaped logs.

The Log Construction Manual is packed with information that is available nowhere else — including the Log Selection Rules, Chambers' brilliant and simple method for choosing which log to use next; detailed instructions for building handcrafted log roof trusses; step-by-step directions for laying out sill logs for any design or floor plan; how to cut state-of-the-art compression-fit saddle notches; methods to keep notches and grooves tight over time; allowing for settling and shrinkage of log walls; scribing tips that pro's use; and much more.


Sunday, April 8, 2012

A Day in the Life of a Construction Worker (First Facts: Community Helpers at Work)

A Day in the Life of a Construction Worker (First Facts: Community Helpers at Work) Review



Children will explore a typical day of a community worker, following a firefighter as he puts out a fire, a construction worker on a building site, and more! Bright, bold photographs show how these helpers serve their communities.


Saturday, April 7, 2012

Home Tree Home: Principles of Treehouse Construction and Other Tall Tales

Home Tree Home: Principles of Treehouse Construction and Other Tall Tales Review



Remember the view from atop a tree? You could survey the landscape like a monarch, escape your parents' watchful eye, and let your imagination run wild. Well, just because you've grown up, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the sense of liberation a tree provides. Here is the most comprehensive guide ever to building your own castle in the air, be it a simple child's playhouse or an adult's cozy retreat with all the modern conveniences, including electricty. Peter Nelson, the nation's foremost authority on treehouses, tells you everything you need to know about designing and building the house that's right for you and your family. He gives you information on site selection (why some trees provide better homes than others), safety issues, tree care, advice on styles and materials, and other essential rules of thumb that will save time and money.

Nelson walks you through the construction of four actual projects: a children's playhouse, a vacation home, an office, and a full-time residence. Whether you'd like to build your children a safe and fun place to play and dream, or you're contemplating your own retreat from the drudgeries of earthbound living, this practical, wildly fanciful guide will show you how to make your tree fantasies come true.


Friday, April 6, 2012

Ready for Love (The Men of 3X CONStruction)

Ready for Love (The Men of 3X CONStruction) Review



Second book in Men of ThreeX CONStruction series. Red and Denise have been together eight years when she breaks it off. It couldn't have come at a worst time. His company is under attack and he's being targeted. He has to filter through all the mess to come up with a plan to both trap the crooks and save their relationship.

Excerpt:

Red sat in the driveway of the two-story brick home contemplating his next move. His partners in Three X Construction, Ross and Smoke, refused to allow him to quit over what they termed bullshit. He’d finally hopped in his Hummer and drove around to clear his head. At least that’s the shit he’d told his boys. The look on both their faces called him a liar. Hitting the steering wheel, he yelled out his frustration.
Why’d he always have to be the fuck-up?
All his brothers had strong careers working for themselves. As the youngest, he’d had less responsibility and stayed in the most trouble.
Smoke had called him out days before for straddling the fence in his non-relationship with his babies’ mama and ex-girl, Denise. She’d been right. He needed to grow up. Ever since the fundraiser a few weeks ago, she’d been on his mind more than usual. That was hard to understand since she was buried so deep inside him, she was never far from his thoughts.
The red sparkly dress she’d worn that night had his balls tensing and his cock straight hard. He lost his mind for a second when he saw her looking up at that asshole. Smoke had tried to stop him, but he was on autopilot. Nobody touched his woman. Fuck that they’d had a disagreement. She was still his. It was all he could do to keep from throwing her over his shoulder and taking her to a dark corner. He’d make her remember why they’d been so good together.
When he heard her complaining to Ms. Connie, the construction company’s office manager, and Cherise, something snapped. She’d broken up with him on a bullshit tip and wouldn’t talk to him. Lord knows he’d tried.
That was probably why he sat, like a lump of coal, in her driveway at nine pm. He had a shitload of mess on his mind and didn’t want to be alone. He’d bypassed his townhouse, as well as Smoke’s offer to crash at his beachfront condo. Now, like a jackass, he sat on the outside wanting in.
Pathetic.
That’s what this insatiable need to be around her was fast becoming. He inhaled and glanced at his watch for the tenth time in the past twenty minutes, hoping to clear his head in preparation for a titillating exchange with Denise. She wasn’t easy, but matched him perfectly. You’d never know she was a preacher’s kid the way her mouth went off. Thinking of her mouth, led to visions of her full lips, which made him hard. He swallowed, pushing away his desire and righting his pants.
Unlocking his door, he stepped out of his black Hummer and pocketed the keys as he moved slowly toward the door. A car sounded in the distance, the hum of a neighborhood settling for the night calmed his jangled nerves. The mat proclaimed ‘welcome.’ Somehow, he doubted it extended to him.
After ringing the doorbell, he stepped back so she could see him. He suspected she knew he’d been outside the moment he arrived. It probably tickled her that he took this long to knock on her door. Probably thought he’d been scared. He wasn’t sure how far off she was on that. Not of her, but the whole situation with someone sabotaging the company, his role in it and since he was being honest, their relationship or lack thereof, worked his nerves.
His hands stroked the cotton lining in his pockets searching for additional warmth as he ducked his chin into the collar of his heavy Burma jacket against the night chill. Light footsteps neared the door. Without conscious thought, he rocked side-to-side, digging in his pockets further.
“Red?” a muffled voice asked surprised.
“Yeah.” Who the hell else would be showing up this time of night, he wondered.


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Completely Revised and Updated

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Completely Revised and Updated Review



This is the new revised and updated edition of the complete visual handbook for architects, builders, students and DIY builders - anyone interested in wood frame house construction. Section by section the book covers foundations, floors, walls, stairs and roofs. Full cross-referencing gives information about building systems and materials. Written by an experienced self-builder and a practicing architect, this authoritative guide reviews all the options to solve specific building problems. * GRAPHIC: This is a definitive visual handbook featuring nearly 500 step-by-step detailed and annotated plans and drawings. * FULLY REVISED: Updated to keep paces with changes in the building industry in the last nine years, particularly new materials, disaster- and extreme weather-proofing concerns, and new energy conservation codes.


Monday, April 2, 2012

City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction

City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction Review



Text and black and white illustrations show how the Romans planned and constructed their cities for the people who lived within them.