A new, heart-pine, timber-frame, barn-home
Here we are assembling a barn home that we made from antique heart pine timbers. The wood was a joy to work with and created a beautiful frame.
Originally posted 2015-02-10 11:33:41.
No crane needed
Men are interesting creatures.
When it comes time to lift a heavy log up onto a log cabin, and set the log into place, my crewmen all complain and moan. They ask me “where’s the crane?” and then they accuse me of being cheap.
Well, I admit I am frugal, but that’s not the point. I have found from experience that men bond when they share a strong physical challenge, that they take greater pride in what they are doing when it doesn’t come easy, and, they create memories that they will look back on fondly for the rest of their lives.
“No crane needed, thank you”.
Originally posted 2015-02-09 14:11:01.
Log cabin outbuilding
So, what do you do when you are building a log home and you have some logs left over in the end? Well, you make something cute out of them!
Originally posted 2015-02-08 23:22:09.
Re- Notching an antique log cabin
Often we find that we have to re-notch an antique cabin… here’s a close-up photo showing our workmanship on creating new half-dovetail joints.
It’s not uncommon to find that the corners of old log cabins have experienced tremendous weather exposure and eventually rot out. Other reasons to re-notch a cabin include the replacement of rotted logs (as you can see in this “before” photo and the “after” one with replacement vintage logs in place). Also sometimes people want taller ceilings or window and door openings to be changed.
Originally posted 2015-02-08 23:15:03.
Build your corners first
Whenever I build a log home I always have the stone masons build the corners first… for several reasons.
The first reason is that at the beginning phase of any stone project is the period when you have the best selection of stones. As a stone pile gets lower, the pickings become more challenging to lay. You will find that you are left with more “bowling balls” than “shoeboxes” (it is only human nature to pick the best stone you can find after each visit to the pile). You want the best stones used on your corners, for strength and beauty.
Another reason to build the corners first is that the rest of crew is “itching” to start laying logs and they need a stone foundation to work off of. Once the stone foundation corners are laid the carpenters can begin their work. (The masons can later fill in the stonework between the corners, after the logs are up).
When we build a cabin we generally pour a concrete foundation to support the first floor system. Once that floor system is built we lay a solid stone foundation using the floor system as guide. This stone foundation will bear the weight of the entire cabin, so it’s got to be built solid, and of course, attractive.
Originally posted 2015-02-08 15:50:31.
The Challenge… and the Solution… to Building on a Sloped Site
Today I wanted to share with you how I often handle building a home on a sloped parcel of land.
My technique is that I combine the creation of a flat, level area with… a walk-out basement!
If you aren’t familiar with a walk-out basement… it is a basement with windows and doors on the downhill side, and one that is buried into the ground on the uphill side. It is a wonderful way to work with a challenging site, while at the same time creating additional, light-filled, interior living space.
But… there is one huge mistake that I’ve seen so many folks make with regard to walk-out basements… it’s nearly impossible for me to put it into words without showing you some drawings at the same time… and that’s just what I did in this week’s video… Building a House on a Sloped Parcel of Land.
If you enjoy this video you really ought to check out all of the free Handmade House TV episodes!
And, if you want to I have THE BEST I have to offer!… please consider becoming a member of the The Handmade House Guild!
Originally posted 2017-06-27 18:38:31.
Porches should be a priority
Here’s another photo of the same mountaintop cabin, but this one is taken from the other end of the home, about a month before we finished it up. Even though you don’t see a lot of logs from this perspective, the view of the home screams “Porches!”… which is a good thing, don’t you think?
Originally posted 2015-02-08 15:07:58.
One man’s junk is another’s treasure
This is an old postcard that someone gave me once, likely from the 1960’s. I think the tone of the card was humorous, implying that to have a place like this was as bad as it gets. I must just be odd, because I would LOVE to have a place like this. I could fix this place up to be a dream home. Am I crazy?
Originally posted 2015-02-07 15:50:11.
Stone arches
Hi, my name is Noah Bradley and I am an “archoholic”. I can’t help myself, I love the things… I can’t get enough of them.
Wouldn’t you agree that a log bedroom just HAS to have a stone fireplace and that having an arched one would make it perfect? That’s what we built for this cabin.
I find vintage stone arches all over Virginia, and beyond. Masons didn’t stop using them in the Roman times, they were a part of American history. Arches are not just for the wealthy, or for elaborate Cathedrals, but for anyone who desires to build something that not only looks great, but lasts for centuries.
Take a look at this photo that I snapped of a little stone bridge that is spanning a small stream of an old homestead. Actually this “bridge” is no bigger than a culvert pipe that we see commonly used today, but yet it is soooo much more attractive. (This little bridge is over two hundred years old and still serving it’s purpose).
It’s just precious.
Have you ever wondered how a stone arch is built and put into place? The method hasn’t changed. You start by creating a form, then shape the stones, next set the stones in place using the form, and then remove the supporting structure.
I have always liked incorporating a “proud” keystone into our stonework… the top center stone is the keystone and by “proud” I mean a bit taller and larger than the rest of the stones in the arch.
Originally posted 2015-02-07 15:02:40.
A cabin instills calm… like nothing else can
Ask yourself how stressed to do feel after looking at this photo for a few moments? It’s much more evident when you are in this room. All is well, when you are in a cabin.
Originally posted 2015-02-06 19:51:27.