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In the August 2009 Residential Issue:

Concrete Masonry Builds Character in an Arizona Infill Project
Concrete block is the protagonist of this urban desert dwelling success story where two single-family homes sit proudly in Tucson’s Barrio Blue Moon, an old neighborhood between the Interstate, the downtown and the University. Efficient land use for the project was made possible by exploiting concrete masonry's durable strength and timeless, simple beauty.

California Dreaming
When Robert Nebolon, AIA, designed this colorful, multi-story tower-like home, he always had “green design” in mind. For example, windows on the beach side of the house open to let the prevailing winds enter the house, move through the staircase, and up through a thermostat-controlled skylight.

Expanding An Urban Residence From The Ground Up
There was really only one direction in which to build when Brent Farrow, an architect in San Diego, California, decided to remodel a 100 year old home to incorporate a home and studio. Concrete masonry units allowed him to build right up to the street and against the property line without requiring room for large construction equipment.

Special Section: 10 Passive Solar Design Rules of Thumb

Detail Of The Month: Types of Passive Solar Designs
Passive solar designs can generally be classified as one of three types, depending on where the solar heat is collected relative to where it is used: direct gain, indirect gain or isolated gain.