Bespoke Home: Bates Masi Architects (ORO EDITIONS)

This homes featured in this book are really original and beautiful. The attention to detail in each residence is well thought out. I love that there are floor plans for each home; that's all to rare in books on home design. It allows you to see how the rooms relate to each other and shows rooms that aren't depicted in the photographs. The book starts with the firms oldest homes first, and progresses chronologically from there. Very happy with this purchase.

Because there's no "Look Inside" feature, you're undoubtedly wondering what to expect for imagery (as I was when I purchased). I posted a video flip-through of the book along with a review on YT: [...]In short: the book's primary strength is its full page, beautiful, rich photographic spreads, and large imagery. This is why you purchase an architectural monograph, to keep from pinch-zooming on your phone. Plans are provided for each project. The book indulges one’s desire to inspect the details closely and the space to learn about their inspiration.If I had a complaint, it would be a lack of diversity of architectural documentation and information. As an architect, I know the intellectual energy that design and construction consume, so to see process images missing in favor of the carefully staged, uninhabited interior shots feels slightly out of character with the depth of study I know must have been invested in such compelling work. Although it would benefit from the inclusion of more drawings, sketches, details, sections, and a closer look at their finely crafted models - the monograph certainly lives up to its namesake - a bespoke object - worthy of display and continued reference for both modernists and fans of Bates Masi’s work.

Great presentation of work by an incredible duo.

great book to use in a stack for decor purposes!

Needs some more drawings, case studies, etc.

A good looking book about a bourgeois, mainstream practice. The houses are impecably built with intricate detailing.All this said it's not what I was looking for. The architecture and ideology is mainstream "well to do American" (Sagaponack,Sag harbor). Doesn't propose anything new except wealthy detailing: no sinthesis or superabundance, no economy or over expenditure, no clear idea!!!.To display their craft they use at least 3 highly expresive textures on 3 types of wood in every room! and include a picture essay of the "weathering of copper over time" from unexposed, 4 months, 8 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, 15 years to, last but not least, 25-30 years (who gives a hoot). Useless "clip studies" and obscure "acoustic shadow" plans of their "Elizabeth II" house.Lights swiched on twilight photos without a blade of grass out of place.Some obvious excerpts: "for Bates and Masi modernism is a language, not a doctrine" ..."they acknowledge, and even celebrate, the difference between their time and that of mid century modernists". "You wouldn't confuse Bates and Masi with Norman Foster on the one hand, or with John Lautner on the other"... (of course you wouldn't. Who writes this stuff?)If you are looking for ideology or insight this is not the book. These guys are good detailers and overseers of "modernist sagaponack type architecture" nothing triggering, exciting or groundbreaking.The book makes evident the present bourgeoise architecture trend in eastern USofA, canonized by Deborah Berke's appointment as Dean of the Yale school of architecture.Another book in the pile.

Beautiful work in a beautiful package.