Gerald Rowan is the author of Compact Cabins. Retired from full-time teaching, he now teaches architectural history part-time at various schools in Pennsylvania, including Lehigh University and Haverford College. He has owned and renovated more than 60 small houses and cabins.

Books by Gerald Rowan

  • Compact Houses
    Discover the huge possibilities of a small house! Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing structure, these 50 innovative floor plans will show you how to make the most of houses measuring 1,400 square feet or less. Gerald Rowan presents creative and efficient layouts that use every inch of space, with tips on fully maximizing closets, porches, bathrooms, attics, and basements. From reorganizing a small storage area to building a brand-new home, you’ll find a detailed design to fit your family’s needs. 
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  • Compact Cabins
    In the woods, on a mountaintop, or at the water’s edge, a small cabin can fulfill big dreams. With attention to efficient living and minimizing energy footprints, Gerald Rowan provides 62 designs for compact and creative buildings that are flexible enough to fit whatever your needs may be. Rowan includes detailed floor plans with plenty of modular elements that make the designs adaptable and easy to recreate with cost-effective, low-maintenance materials. Make the most of the cabin you call home, regardless of its size.
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Related Articles

  • The Big Thinking behind Tiny Houses

    The Big Thinking behind Tiny Houses

    In the economic boom time that was the 1990s in this country, the thinking was that bigger was better. Cars were replaced by SUVs that gradually got larger and larger, houses grew, and even fast food was super-sized. Then the bubble burst. As we’ve regained our economic footing and … Read More

    House & Home

    by Gerald Rowan