Book excerpt: The 100 projects featured in this book represent some of the finest examples of contemporary residences from Australian and New Zealand architects and designers. The projects include award-winners, luxury residences, simple beach shacks, inner-city apartments, rural retreats and suburban family homes, reflecting the way we live, or aspire to live, in the 21st century. That the projects vary so widely is indicative of the enormous variety and originality in the talent and design direction of architects from 'Down Under'. Although the featured projects are diverse in size, location, use, ambience, budget and taste, they are linked by some sommon themes, allowing them to be grouped into a loosely defined 'Down Under' aesthetic. Flipping through the pages of this beautiful coffee-table book, you will agree that the architects and designers of Australia and New Zealand have much to be proud of.