The latest monograph by Princeton Architectural Press, Tom Kundig Houses 2 is no mere sequel to the first book on this architect, Tom Kundig Houses. While its predecessor was a standard architectural monograph, the Character Approved 2 presents architect Tom Kundig's work in a larger format book, while still paying the same close attention to detail that Kundig does to his projects.

Kundig's work has noticeably evolved from the previous volume. While the designs still incorporate complex, heavy, steel mechanical devices, such as sliding walls, retractable roofs, fastidious door handles, and whole cabins on wheels, the houses also feel lighter. It is as if the architect has less to prove and is more interested in how pleasurable a house can be, letting his mechanisms get out of the way so that one just enjoys the majestic woodsy Pacific Northwest setting where most of them are sited.

[Image: Princeton Architectural Press]