Noah Bradley, Author at Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

29 06, 2019

An Inglenook

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:12+00:00

Now that’s a fireplace!
In fact, some would call this an “inglenook”… a fireplace designed so that a place to sit down near the fire was part of the design.

Originally posted 2015-12-02 22:32:51.

An InglenookNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:12+00:00

29 06, 2019

Proper design comes from thorough study

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:11+00:00

This home, as nice as it is, could have been so much better, at no additional cost, nor additional labor, with just a couple of minor design adjustments implemented.

Keep in mind that the combination of log and stone is one of the best mixes a homeowner can put together.

Here we have a nice vintage log cabin with a great original stone chimney… notice that the stones are laid flat and in a horizontal pattern, and that they have great texture and color.

Later on, the current homeowners have added this stone addition and used properly matching stone… which was a wise choice.

But, somehow the addition falls flat… it’s… “nice”, but not… “OMG!!!… that’s AMAZING!!!”

What happened?

Well, for one thing the newer stone work on this addition drifted away from being horizontally laid to more of a “random pattern”… as if it was laid with the aid of a giant shotgun.

But, the larger failing here is one of design (or lack thereof)… a lack of attention… to the roof pitch and an “eye-pleasing” use of windows.

The nearly flat roof that crowns this stone section gives this give it an “industrial… mobile home… modern” look.

And, with regard to windows… the simple addition of a little window on the chimney end, and larger one on the long side, would have dramatically improved the overall appearance.

So what’s the point in all my rambling here this morning?

Too much coffee you say? lol

It’s just that… If a person is going to build… if they are going to buy a nice piece of land… if they are going to use attractive materials… shouldn’t they arrange those materials in the most attractive way that they can?

And the secret to learning appealing design?

Simply look at every home, and every photo of a home, that you find attractive… study each home and try to figure out what it is about that particular home that makes it special (or not special).

Then do it again… and again… and again.

Or… hire someone who has done this process, over and over, for years, to design your home for you.

Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder… but I would be willing to wager that I could have spent 15 minutes with a pen and the back of an envelope and convinced this owner to make a few adjustments that would have blessed him for years to come.

Originally posted 2015-12-02 15:26:29.

Proper design comes from thorough studyNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:11+00:00

29 06, 2019

A stone cottage with a missing window

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:10+00:00

Which would you choose to have on the end of this cozy stone cottage? A window? or a bricked-in chimney flue pipe?

I assume the owners of this home wanted a heating stove installed and this was their solution. I would have located the stove off to one side of the window and then run the pipe through the roof.

Originally posted 2015-12-02 14:23:09.

A stone cottage with a missing windowNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:10+00:00

29 06, 2019

Rebuilding an old log cabin

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:09+00:00

There are four clues that indicate this cabin has been re-built in a different location… 1) the jar lids that are still nailed to the ends of some of the logs (a common method of numbering the logs)… 2) the front door and wide trim around it (although old, they don’t quite match do they?) …. 3) the bottom sill log on the front is in perfect condition (likely from another salvaged cabin)… 4) and some of the logs on one side of the cabin don’t match those on the other side.
Overall, a fine job rebuilding an old cabin… (but, I’d have been tempted to add some windows and a front porch… and a chimney).

Originally posted 2015-12-01 14:00:43.

Rebuilding an old log cabinNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:09+00:00

29 06, 2019

Too small?

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:08+00:00

As cute as it can be… but is it too small?

Originally posted 2015-12-01 13:37:13.

Too small?Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:08+00:00

29 06, 2019

A few dollars more

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:07+00:00

Here we have an interesting, and very attractive, outbuilding behind one of the historic homes at Colonial Williamsburg.

This little shed would cost only a little bit more to build than those pre-assembled units found at the local lumber supplier.

Originally posted 2015-12-01 13:14:10.

A few dollars moreNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:07+00:00

29 06, 2019

Why?

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:06+00:00

I wonder how many people walk by this cabin and fail to pause a moment to look her over?

I doubt many.

This small home certainly has it’s problems and shortcomings. For one thing, it’s likely a bit dark and damp inside having been built so close to the ground and with so few windows.

And yet, we are drawn to this structure, issues and all.

Why is that?

Originally posted 2015-11-30 14:32:55.

Why?Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:06+00:00

29 06, 2019

Stone House

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:05+00:00

Wow… just… wow.
Notice the massive stones used in the corners and above the windows of this home.
Elsewhere, smaller (much easier to lift) stones make up the rest of the home.
The stones were all laid in an “eye appealing”, and structurally-strong, horizontal pattern.
This home is a fortress, built for the centuries ahead.

Originally posted 2015-11-29 16:49:01.

Stone HouseNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:05+00:00

29 06, 2019

A board-and-batten retreat home

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:04+00:00

A rustic retreat home… oh, the benefits of board and batten siding.

Among the benefits… low priced, locally sourced, easy to install, and natural look. For those seeking a rustic log cabin but price is an issue consider the potential of this material, for the entire home, or for part of it.

Originally posted 2015-11-29 16:12:09.

A board-and-batten retreat homeNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:04+00:00

29 06, 2019

Outbuildings

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:03+00:00

A “homeplace” is more than just a house.
The surrounding outbuildings are just as important to the daily lives of those who live there. Outbuildings tend to draw us out of the main house where we will then find ourselves enjoying the great outdoors.
And that, is a good thing.
Focused attention needs to be given to these minor structures with regard to design and location.

Originally posted 2015-11-29 15:29:43.

OutbuildingsNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:25:03+00:00

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