Do not think for one second the selection of RECORD
HOUSES 2012 is meant to provide practical, no-nonsense
answers for everyday residential construction. To be sure,
several houses continue the tradition of Modern, regional
architecture while deploying vernacular or industrial forms
and building methods. More important for this grouping,
they offer an element of surprise in their crafted, spatial
explorations of a Modernist vocabulary.
Yet a good number of the houses in this issue blithely
encourage high concept over obvious practicality.
Fortunately, the architects involved in these creative
investigations have attracted clients who thrive on taking
chances with their living environments. In a couple of
instances, the architects are the clients.
You may ask why we publish houses that are not likely
to be replicated next door. As we have written often before,
we value functionality and code compliance. But the brave
explorations, kinks and all, test the boundaries of design.
In this manner, architects can move the discipline forward,
often building on historic legacies. Their efforts form an
intrinsic part of our architectural culture.
—Suzanne Stephens
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