In Praise of the American Small House is a limited-edition Risograph zine featuring an original essay by Hannah Palmer that explores the history, beauty, and enduring relevance of America's modest starter homes. Blending memoir, architectural history, and housing advocacy, Palmer reflects on the quiet dignity of the American Small House: its role in creating affordable homeownership, fostering diverse neighborhoods, and shaping generations of everyday lives. Thoughtfully designed by Sarah Lawrence and illustrated by Atlanta artist Carter Hightower, this publication celebrates the overlooked architecture that helped build communities across the United States.
Printed in February 2026 on a Riso SF 5450, each copy uses Black and Sunflower soy-based inks to create crisp linework, rich contrast, and warm highlights that complement the hand-drawn architectural illustrations.
Perfect for architects, urbanists, preservationists, designers, and anyone interested in housing history, walkable neighborhoods, or independent publishing, In Praise of the American Small House is both a compelling essay and a beautifully crafted printed object. It makes a thoughtful gift for homeowners, history lovers, and anyone who believes that great communities can begin with modest homes.
In Praise of the American Small House is a limited-edition Risograph zine featuring an original essay by Hannah Palmer that explores the history, beauty, and enduring relevance of America's modest starter homes. Blending memoir, architectural history, and housing advocacy, Palmer reflects on the quiet dignity of the American Small House: its role in creating affordable homeownership, fostering diverse neighborhoods, and shaping generations of everyday lives. Thoughtfully designed by Sarah Lawrence and illustrated by Atlanta artist Carter Hightower, this publication celebrates the overlooked architecture that helped build communities across the United States.
Printed in February 2026 on a Riso SF 5450, each copy uses Black and Sunflower soy-based inks to create crisp linework, rich contrast, and warm highlights that complement the hand-drawn architectural illustrations.
Perfect for architects, urbanists, preservationists, designers, and anyone interested in housing history, walkable neighborhoods, or independent publishing, In Praise of the American Small House is both a compelling essay and a beautifully crafted printed object. It makes a thoughtful gift for homeowners, history lovers, and anyone who believes that great communities can begin with modest homes.
