Villa Mairea is one of the finest houses of the twentieth century. For those familiar with it from only a few images, this book is a revelation. Alvar Aalto used his knowledge of vernacular building, Classicism and Modernism to create a building that is at once humane, rich and lyrical. The result is a work that remains technically innovative and timelessly alluring.

Launched in 1991, the Architecture in Detail series attracted immediate acclaim and now comprises more than 60 titles. These books are highly collectable documents, each focusing in depth on a celebrated building. The series covers all sides of the vast spectrum of architecture from the past, present and future; the individual buildings are selected for their exceptional character, innovative design or technical virtuosity.

Each volume contains a definitive text by a respected author; a sequence of colour and black-and-white photographs; a series of technical drawings; and a set of essential working details. These titles are vital to every architectural library, appealing to the professional and student alike, or indeed anyone with an appreciation of buildings.