This book considers the contemporary house through close scrutiny of works designed by Ian MacDonald, and the ideas that are embedded within them. The architect explores boundary and illusion, and considers site and sightings in both the city and countryside to create houses that appear, disappear, and re-appear. Energetic explorations of land and considerations of weather provide the basis for MacDonald's designs of residential spaces that capture particular views, establish sequences of movement, and make inspiring places to live in nature. Featuring a well-illustrated selection of projects designed over the past twenty years, the book outlines Macdonald's way of working. Foreword by Christine Macy, introduction by Brian Carter, essays by Barry Sampson and David Dorenbaum, statement by Ian MacDonald.

Ian Macdonald was born and educated in Glasgow and worked for several years on Scottish newspapers before moving to Canada. He was a reporter in Ontario and Alberta before finding his way to the West Coast where he worked on the Victoria Colonist, the Vancouver Province and the Vancouver Sun. He was Ottawa correspondent for the Sun for five years before becoming press officer for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He made an award-winning documentary film, and then turned seriously to the writing of history. Betty O'Keefe was born in Vancouver and wrote for the Province newspaper for several years. She then moved into the field of public relations as a consultant and later as supervisor of communications for a large Canadian corporation. In 1988 she opened her own communications company, but decided that her real interest was in writing history. Together, Betty O’Keefe and Ian Macdonald have co-authored a dozen books.

Ian Macdonald's profile page

Barry Sampson's profile page

Brian Carter's profile page