Conversions

As populations grow, where and how we live is a major concern. Architects spend their time addressing the issue of housing, and converting spaces is often a more satisfactory solution than building from scratch. This book shows that with a bit of imagination all sorts of buildings can be converted into homes.

Four chapters examine 36 conversions of rural, urban and civic buildings, lofts and industrial spaces, and radical one-offs. With each case study the author asks: what does one leave intact, what does one rip out and what is one forbidden to change by planning regulations? The budget, the materials used and the way they impact upon surroundings are also examined and assessed. Varied projects from around the world include the archetypal glamorous New York loft, high-tech-meets-rural barns in Germany and Norway, an electrical box in Italy and a striking church conversion in Australia.