Redux: Designs That Reuse, Recycle, and Reveal

I thoroughly needed to read this book cover to cover..the ideas were wonderful, genius and a great inspiration for using unusual materials that bring out the unique-ness in all of us. The resources throughout the book lend themselves very well to those interested in taking home construction seriously. This book is a must have to all who aspire to build their home reusing and recycling great materials.

Jennifer Roberts' REDUX: DESIGNS THAT REUSE, RECYCLE, AND REVEAL features homes which were built or remodeled to be healthier to live in and easier on the environment. Some are newer structures built entirely from recycled materials, while others were renovated to make the most of energy-efficient materials and systems. Practical tips and resources accompany pages packed with color photos, recaps of green features, and discussions of how salvaged materials can even create innovative new styles.

This is a wonderful book. The writing style is engaging and easy to read. The book is chock-full of information, but always tempered by the practical--perfect for the average person wanting to incorporate environmentally conscious methods in whatever projects are at hand. The featured projects are diverse and inspirational and the green ideas applicable even on a small scale (i.e. how to buy energy efficient appliances). This should be required reading for anyone embarking on a remodel or building project.

I'll start this review by pointing out that the work of my company is included in this book. But that's also the point of the review. So often, when one's work is featured in a book or magazine or newspaper, the results are subpar and unsatisfying. The work (or one's values, or whatever is being shown or discussed) may be distorted, or poorly reproduced. Not so here. Jennifer Roberts has done a superb job - she has gathered an eclectic collection of projects, assembled them beautifully, and presented them in an immensely compelling and informative way. The quality of the photos, the layout, and the elegant diversity of projects combine to welcome you in and inspire you to settle down with ithis book for awhile (as I've just done, after first critically reading the segment about us, of course). The "back stories" are a great addition, because through them we get a glimpse into the thinking of the people responsible for the projects. I'm certain I'll be back for a few more rounds with Redux - it's a wonderful book about the beauty and relevance that can emerge from a fresh look at the scrap heap."