SMALL

We are a small press specializing in publications for the design and construction industry. All of our books are written as graphic narratives using a combination of three-dimensional images, captioned text, and interactive construction models.

 

SIMPLE

Our goal is to keep our publications simple. The objective is to make complex construction information quick to read and easy to understand. To accomplish this we use very accurate construction information models (BIMs*) and a simple three-dimensional construction modeler called SketchUp.

 

SUSTAINABLE

We use a number of research tools to field test graphic communications in construction in the real world. This includes research taht explores the effectiveness of visual information displays, sequence animations, process simulations, and three-dimensional construction documents.

 

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS

One of our most advanced research platforms is a tiny house we call the NEST. The NEST is used to systemmatically test the values of interactive three-dimensional construction documents. This includes extracting permit documents from BIM models, shop fabrication drawings, and field assemblies.
 

OUR BOOKS

Living SMALL

Building SIMPLE

Being SUSTAINABLE

ConXtech: A Revolution

3D Construction Modeling

All our publications include the construction models used to illustrate the books, bideo tours and tutorials, and tips on the modeling techniques used in the models virtual construction.

 

GOOGLE SKETCHUP
A free version of SketchUp is available on this Google website for readers to open, explore, and reconstruct the buildings in every book.

RESOURCES
A collection of books and websites for small, simple, and sustainable living.

 

CONTACT
Barbara Fukai
babs@insitebuilders.com

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    RECENT PUBLICATIONS
 

Being SUSTAINABLE

Illustrates the mechanics of sustainability and how building systems work together to maximize performance. Includes the design, construction, and operation of a variety of sustainable technologies with a focus on their integration and interaction, rather than the details of any one system.
 

Building SIMPLE

Uses a construction information model to show the step-by-step construction of a commercial office building. Construction starts with a surveyed layout and continues through excavation, foundations, both concrete and steel frames, and exterior curtain walls.
     
     
     

 
*Building Information Models or BIMs are three-dimensional models used in both design and construction. Architects use BIMs to extract plans, elevations, and sections as construction documents and contractors use them for estimating and scheduling. The construction models we use in our publications differ from standard BIMs. Our models are piece-based virtual constructions. They include time and sequence as deconstructible processes to graphically illustrate scale, technique, and construction details.