Each year the pristine beaches, lush pine forests, and picturesque New England towns of Martha's Vineyard draw tens of thousands of admirers to one of our country's most beautiful islands. Some of these visitors have become part-time residents, building contemporary homes alongside the traditional Victorian cottages, sea captains' mansions, and colonial farmhouses that comprise the island's cultural and architectural heritage. Rarely does one find such a concentration of outstanding contemporary designs that complement, rather than overwhelm, the diverse ecology and history of this unique place.

The Houses of Martha's Vineyard presents twenty-four Vineyard homes, built in the past twenty years, by internationally renowned architects, among them Robert A. M. Stern, Steven Holl, and the Polshek Partnership, and emerging practitioners who have produced some of their best work on Martha's Vineyard. Stylistically diverse, the houses featured in this book offer environmentally sensitive designs and innovative solutions that respond to, but do not mimic, the island's rich architectural past.

Glorious color photographs, detailed architectural plans, and project descriptions document the challenges and solutions reached by each architectural firm. Complementing the visual material is an introductory essay by architect Keith Moskow, which sets the historical and architectural context for these gracious new homes.