First volume of the book that is the absolute reference from a technical point of view, on the work of Álvaro Siza.

Siza, seeing the book and with our camera recording, says: "Well, I am marvelled at the quality with which this book is made in all aspects, the presentation, the design of the book, but also and above all the rigour with which It's done. Since it's a book of details, I've never seen one published with the rigour with which this one is (...). Really, this book is a treasure."

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In the book are shown 3 unknown housing projects, with different characteristics at various levels, essentially details and construction processes.

Photographs were also taken, on top of some explanatory drawings were made, of the kind that House Details usually makes.

From a technical point of view, it is the most useful publication, the most demanding, detailed and the one that most and best reveals Siza's unique genius.

An absolutely essential book from a technical and methodological point of view, to understand his way of thinking, his profound dedication and his unique talent.

Never in his career, Siza had provided a complete project in autocad, editable dwg format, in our case, he provided three. For the first time, House Details asked an architect for permission to explicitly say that we had updated his technical drawings. Siza, allowed us to disclose that he "authorized us to make changes to the drawings so that they correspond to the constructed project (as built)". It is impossible for the team of architects at House Details and for any other architect in the world to have a greater honor than this one.

We are deeply grateful for the extreme confidence in our team and for having enriched us so much and in so many different ways, in this process with more than two and a half years and many thousands of hours of work.

This first of two volumes was made with: Sacrifice, great joy, the deepest respect and all the rigour that it was humanly possible for us to have. Every effort that was possible to be made has been made.

A profoundly exhausting and overtiring process, from a physical and mental point of view, the result of the path we chose to follow.

Among many events over two and a half years (by the time the second volume is completed, at least 3 will have passed), House Details sent for recycling almost half of each book, around 360,000 pages for very slight questions.

According to those around us, those questions were imperceptible, they couldn't be seen. Although everyone was against it, including the company where the book was printed (which was going to make money with the reprint), House Details preferred to spend another small fortune, and reprint a book that could honor the great Master Siza Vieira. For us it was unthinkable that Siza could be harmed in the slightest way, as well as the greatness of his work.

Again, we express our deepest gratitude to Álvaro Siza for given us everything we asked for, without refusing anything, for having understood us, for having cooperated with us and for having welcomed us with friendship. We appreciate all his immense generosity, human and professional qualities.

Sincere appreciation

The editor