One of the “rules” in architecture is that the tops of doors and windows should be at the same height. Obviously the builders of this cabin hadn’t read the rule book. lol
Sweet little place, don’t you think?
Originally posted 2016-03-16 21:33:02.
I received a great inquiry this morning from a member of this community who made a comment about how she had considered the merits of cob construction but now was leaning towards log construction. I thought I might share my response…
There are many alluring alternative methods of construction out there… including cob.
I’ve “experimented” with many of them. They all have their appeal, as well as their drawbacks. It seems that each form of construction has it’s hardcore advocates… individuals who become authorities of their chosen method, those who promote the positive features of that type of housing, but never mention the negative, and go on to dismiss all the other types.
After building homes for a decade, employing all manner of techniques I eventually came to an epiphany and that is that homes that were originally built locally, centuries ago, using minimal tools and locally sourced materials, were not only proven to endure but were also timeless in their visual appeal. I discovered that new homes built using these early designs and techniques, along with modern features and techniques, made tremendous homes, ones which were in strong demand, with promising resale values, and easy financing (if desired), and proven longevity.
In my area (and that of NC) those types of homes would be log cabins, timber frame, farmhouses, and stone. I also have found that by combining these styles of construction into one home that we can create a striking home that is warm and inviting.
I am currently on the “downhill side” of creating a free mini-course on 12 steps that anyone can take now, at nearly no cost, that will take them from the “dreaming about, but don’t know where to begin” stage to being well on the way towards living in that dream home. I’m also wrapping up the Handmade House Academy… eight hours of my sharing all that I’ve learned through decades of building handmade houses. You ought to think about signing up for that… this first offering of the course will be at a discount price with lots of added freebies. Make sure and sign up to the mailing list at handmadehouses.com for updates. Noah
Originally posted 2016-03-16 14:54:09.
Originally posted 2016-03-12 14:21:17.
Originally posted 2016-03-12 14:01:39.
Originally posted 2016-03-08 19:29:58.
I gave out a little advice to a young man this morning on becoming a stone mason. I thought I’d share that advice with everyone… (This photo is of the foundation my firm built for a forty foot silo to set upon)
Stone masonry is tough on the back, so work carefully or you will have to give up this career far too soon.
In order to make a good living at it you will need to either get really good… or get big.
Either way you will need to not only learn the craft, but become a businessman, and a marketer.
Getting big often creates money, but often robs one of the joy in the work. So if you seek satisfaction… go for being the best.
Study the work of old, spend years copying the best of yesterday. Get a reputation in doing this.
After a decade or so, you can slowly start to add some of your own artistic flare to it.
The real challenge ahead of you is not the craft, you can learn it through practice and slowly become the best. Your challenge will be in finding people to pay you for it. You need to find an affluent area where people appreciate good stonework and are willing to pay for it. It’s a great idea to work in a small artistic stone company to learn the craft… make sure and pay close attention to how the business operates… work at a place that mirrors what you want your future business to be.
Beware of companies that do stone veneer on huge projects… you will become a machine.
Strive to become an artist.
Noah
Originally posted 2016-03-08 15:43:51.
For the record I didn’t build this cabin, nor did I design it. I wish I knew who did… I’d give them a tip of the old hat.
This cabin breaks a lot of the rules that I have placed on my own projects. The front porch is too small. The front of the cabin is not log, but rather switches over to paneling. The porch posts have structurally unnecessary angle braces. There is a door located in the gable end of the cabin, and there is vertical paneling above it rather than the traditional lap siding. And, there is a pretty unusual porch roof in the way it goes way up onto the cabin roof. With all these “rule-breakers” I shouldn’t like this cabin… but the fact is, I do. And, I do a lot.
So, what’s up with that?
First of all, there are no “rules” (I need to keep that in mind). There are proven things that work. And, on the other hand, there are features that often turn out to be mistakes or eyesores. But the fact is that sometimes proven things are boring, and unusual out-of-the-norm things turn out really well. Go figure.
So, why is this cabin so darn cute?
Yes, of course, small things are often cute… kittens, puppies, children… and tiny houses. Got that.
And, this cabin has some nice logs, along with other natural materials and tasteful decorative touches.
But, it turns out that the “rule-breakers” are what adds to the charm of the home.
I believe a porch that would have been built any larger than this would have been distracting… perhaps overwhelming. This porch works thanks to it being so low to the ground, it’s almost as if it is part of a much larger patio that is the woods with a small sheltered roof above the rocking chairs.
And, how about that porch roof that goes all the way up the cabin roof? It actually looks good, whereas a shorter, more typical one over that tiny porch would have looked stubby. Who likes “stubby”?… no one, that’s who.
The paneled siding on the front of the cabin eliminated the need for more logs (sometimes in short supply), and it provides more visual interest. It blends with the logs rather than contrasts… unlike say painted paneling or stone facade that wouldn’t.
By putting vertical siding on the gable end of the cabin the cottage now looks… well, taller… a nice enhancement. Tiny houses shouldn’t be squatty, tiny houses should be tall. (There I go with making rules again. lol… but I’m right on this one, probably)
I have found that the gable-end of a cabin, the one that has a chimney on it, is often the most attractive side of a cabin… but the end opposing the chimney is often plain and boring in comparison. By adding a door on this end the cabin has more visual interest. It’s as if the home now has two front profiles.
I learn so much from looking at the work of others. My work gets better… and it keeps me humble.
Artists often learn their trade by first studying the works of those that come before them and from their peers. Builders should too.
Originally posted 2016-03-05 15:36:36.
Stone, it’s what our planet is made of.
There is an endless supply of it.
It lasts forever.
It’s incredibly strong.
And it’s pleasing to the eye.
Amazing stone.
Originally posted 2016-03-04 14:14:22.
A timber framed attic space can create such a charming room.
It’s a shame that so many timber frame companies focus on “grand… on huge… on sweeping… massive… and barn like” and ignore the potential of creating intimate spaces.
(BTW… I designed and built this one)
Originally posted 2016-03-04 14:00:03.
Originally posted 2016-03-04 13:53:10.
