Stonework Archives - Page 5 of 15 - Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

29 06, 2019

Quality vs Quantity

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:22:13+00:00

Oh my.
She is so fine.
When contemplating the design and construction of a home, the first decision to be made is “quality vs quantity”.
The owner of this small stone home chose the highest level of quality. They could have had a vinyl clad home, twice as large as this one, for the same price.
It’s a tough choice to make.
Living small is challenging, while living large is so tempting.
We naturally want both, quality and quantity, but few people have the financial resources for a large home built as well as it can be.
So, is quality worth the cost?

Originally posted 2015-10-04 16:55:45.

Quality vs QuantityNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:22:13+00:00

29 06, 2019

Chimneys

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:22:06+00:00

The only thing better than having a stone chimney is having two stone chimneys… uh… make that… three stone chimneys! wow!

Originally posted 2015-10-01 13:28:01.

ChimneysNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:22:06+00:00

29 06, 2019

If only more neighborhoods looked like this

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:59+00:00

Originally posted 2015-09-29 14:21:04.

If only more neighborhoods looked like thisNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:59+00:00

29 06, 2019

A stone cottage in Autumn

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:58+00:00

A painting like this speaks for itself.

There is little that I can add to describe the beauty and permanence of a stone cottage.

Originally posted 2015-09-28 14:16:45.

A stone cottage in AutumnNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:58+00:00

29 06, 2019

A stone roof

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:56+00:00

I know… nothing lasts forever.
But what is the life expectancy of a stone roof?
I would think it would certainly be hundreds of years… likely, thousands of years… and perhaps, even longer.
I haven’t heard anything on the evening news about there being a shortage of stone so why is it that this type of roof is so rare?
The average asphalt shingle roof needs to be replaced every 20 years. If a stone roof could last a millennia the occupants of this house over those years could avoid replacing the roof 50 times. (considering inflation I bet the 10th replacement would cost the same as the option of having originally installed a stone roof).
The builder of this home gave a great gift to the future occupants of this home, some of those homeowners may spend their entire lifetimes in this home, but none will ever pay for the cost of a roof replacement.

Originally posted 2015-09-28 13:44:12.

A stone roofNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:56+00:00

29 06, 2019

One classy stone home

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:36+00:00

I’m particularly fond of this house.
Most larger stone homes are too symmetrical… too rigid… for my tastes.
This gal though seems more “homey”, more comfortable and inviting.
I’m not certain why that is.
Is it that the windows are different from one side of the door as on the other?
Is it that the chimney’s are each unique?
Perhaps that’s partially the answer, but I think the main feature that I find appealing on this classy home is the gentle sag of her roof line.
What kind of builder appreciates a sagging roof-line? lol

Originally posted 2015-09-21 13:54:28.

One classy stone homeNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:36+00:00

29 06, 2019

Firebrick or stone?

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:30+00:00

There are a few things about this fireplace that I find very attractive.
One of those things is the stone backing of the fireplace.
So much work goes into building a nice fireplace and the surrounding mantelpiece, yet so often the fireplace box is built using new “firebrick”.
I admit that firebrick does a great job of holding up well under the harsh conditions of repeated hot fires, but unfortunately they look manufactured and out-of-place.
I find that looking at a fire more enjoyable with a natural or handmade material behind the flames.

Originally posted 2015-09-20 13:57:37.

Firebrick or stone?Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:30+00:00

29 06, 2019

It can be done…

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:27+00:00

We do have the ability to build in such way that it actually improves the landscape.

I am so thankful that vinyl siding was not an option for this builder.

Originally posted 2015-09-19 15:42:59.

It can be done…Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:27+00:00

29 06, 2019

The ruins of a handmade house

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:22+00:00

Even the ruins of an abandoned and neglected handmade home is attractive.
This is not a toxic waste site.
No need to haul everything off to a landfill.
The remains can be enjoyed by all, or the materials reused.. and even at this stage, the house could be restored, and once again occupied.

Originally posted 2015-09-17 16:10:05.

The ruins of a handmade houseNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:22+00:00

29 06, 2019

Two windows on the front

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:01+00:00

Now isn’t this a fine place to come upon. 🙂

I’ve always found that a stone home with three windows across it’s front presents a formal, grand, impression. But a home with only two windows seems to be more like a cottage, more inviting, more intimate.

Originally posted 2015-09-12 14:39:03.

Two windows on the frontNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:21:01+00:00