A great reference text as part of your new home or remodel the Patterns of Home, is a well defined synopsis of house design patterns that enhance the notions of the essence of home. These patterns are key in the process of working with homeowners; understanding that good homes do many things; combining these patterns together gain great design.

Here is the List:  http://www.architectureweek.com/topics/patterns.html

• Pattern One — Inhabiting the Site
• Pattern Two — Creating Rooms, Outside and In
• Pattern Three — Sheltering Roof
• Pattern Four — Capturing Light
• Pattern Five — Parts in Proportion
• Pattern Six — The Flow through Rooms
• Pattern Seven — Private Edges, Common Core
• Pattern Eight — Refuge and Outlook
• Pattern Nine — Places in Between
• Pattern Ten — Composing with Materials

Each and every pattern listed is essential and key. These patterns, I reference each time in my architectural design work; design tools that respond appropriately and resonate with the life of the homeowners.