Between the years 1926 and 1928 the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and the architect Paul Engelmann designed and built a villa for Wittgenstein's elder sister, the Viennese society figure Margaret Stonborough. Although Engelmann was an experienced architect and a former pupil of Adolf Loos, the collaboration between the two was dominated by Wittgenstein, who is generally credited with the villa's design.

This book describes the events that led to Wittgenstein's temporary status as an architect and reviews his ideas about aesthetics in general and architecture in particular. It also includes an extensive analysis of his quest for functionalism, perfectionism, and elegance as a consequence of truthfulness in thinking and acting. Considerable attention is given to Wittgenstein's friendship with Loos and the role of Loos's pupil, Jacques Groag.

The text is accompanied by some 300 drawings and sketches by Engelmann and Wittgenstein, virtually all preserved perspectives and plans, and drawings and watercolors of the villa's interior and original furnishing.