classic log cabin design Archives - Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

29 06, 2019

A proper roof on a log cabin

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:57+00:00

Something is just “not right” about this cabin.
It’s clearly a new cabin, built using old logs salvaged from another source.
I try not to be critical of others work, but a discerning eye is important in trying to perfect a craft. I do the same of my own completed work. There is always another lesson to be learned it seems.
There are minor issues with the cabin… things that I would have done differently… the windows on the front appear to large, the porch staircase appears too modern, and I prefer stone piers under a porch rather than a solid foundation under it.
But there is a major visual problem on this most classic of log cabin designs… there is so much that is done very well with this cabin… but…
The roof appears too large for the little log cabin that sits under it. The eaves of the roof extend too far out for a classic cabin look and those extra few inches are distracting.
The unwritten rule on vintage homes with regard to eaves is to be extremely cautious in ever exceeding ten inches wide.
It is said that wide eaves protect a house, but I have seen many New England homes with no eaves that have fared well for centuries.

Originally posted 2015-10-13 14:19:15.

A proper roof on a log cabinNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:57+00:00

29 06, 2019

Log Home plans

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:46+00:00

This cabin is…
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
Oh my.

How is that a house was built a hundred and fifty years ago… it still stands straight and true… and that it is SO much more attractive than almost all of the houses that are built today?

Originally posted 2015-10-09 14:28:04.

Log Home plansNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:46+00:00

29 06, 2019

Classic log cabin design

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:40+00:00

Why is this cabin so visually appealing? You have to admit… she is a beauty.
But upon close inspection, her logs appear to be narrow and unimpressive, and the chinking that is applied between them is as rough as a stormy sea.
The chimney on this end is also a mess. It appears cobbled together… as if some mason came in to repair the original stone chimney and took it down to some random point and then rebuilt it with new brick.
And, don’t get me started on the satellite dish that is attached to the gable of the house… couldn’t they have put that out in the yard somewhere? lol
Clearly, there are some shortcomings in the details seen here on this cabin… but the fact remains… she is beautiful… and why is that?
I can come up with two reasons.
(Maybe, you can come up with more?)
First, her design is an enduring classic. For centuries this style has been proven to be appealing to the eyes. I would say it is “timeless”. Build a house like this and it will always be admired.
And secondly… she is handmade. Even though the house clearly has “detail issues”, she has lots of character. Perhaps, some minor visual flaws in a home make a house more human, more comfortable to be around than the sterile perfection of most new homes?
I encourage you to go ahead and imagine this house build of manufactured logs, or covered in vinyl siding, can you see what is lost by doing so?

Originally posted 2015-10-07 12:27:46.

Classic log cabin designNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:42:40+00:00

29 06, 2019

For every “rule” there is an exception

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:29:16+00:00

For decades now, many have praised the design work of the homes I have built.

For the record, I’m no artist (although the title is flattering).

I’ve always looked to the past for inspiration, that’s where I get my design ideas from. That’s when homes were built from natural materials and blended in with the landscape.

I’ve done my best to create “rules” or guidelines in what makes a home attractive. Why is it that these vintage treasures are so attractive? They looked good back when they were built a century or two ago and they look even better today. Who can say that of anything built in say the 1970’s (or now)?

I’ve managed to come up with quite a few characteristics in what makes a home attractive, but every time I think I’ve come up with something that is absolute… I find that there is an exception to the rule… which sort of makes it “not a rule” doesn’t it?

Anyway, just take a look at this beauty of a home… The door is off the end of the cabin, and not the front. The windows on the front are slid to one side, and just look at how big that second floor window is… it goes up into the roof! And the brick chimney top that’s poking through the roof… why, I never. lol

But she is precious isn’t she?

I can think of no new home built in my area that compares to the simple beauty of this place.

She breaks all the rules.

Originally posted 2016-09-12 15:55:21.

For every “rule” there is an exceptionNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:29:16+00:00

29 06, 2019

Rustic addition

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:53+00:00

For those who dream of having a cabin… but don’t want the whole house to be made of log… consider having one room of the home as your rustic retreat.

Originally posted 2016-05-10 14:17:20.

Rustic additionNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:53+00:00

29 06, 2019

Memories, both old and new

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:46+00:00

I do like building in such a way that it either stirs up old memories… or creates new ones.

Originally posted 2016-05-03 14:26:30.

Memories, both old and newNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:46+00:00

29 06, 2019

Three is better than one

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:01+00:00

This home is a great example of…

1) how a home can be designed and built to become more attractive as it ages… and …

2) how a combination of aesthetically pleasing materials (stone, log, lumber) is more appealing than any one of those options by itself.

Originally posted 2016-03-12 14:21:17.

Three is better than oneNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:28:01+00:00

29 06, 2019

Cabin art

Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:27:54+00:00

Can a home be built that would be considered “art”… would this cabin be one of those?

(Art, noun: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power).

Originally posted 2016-03-04 13:53:10.

Cabin artNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:27:54+00:00

29 06, 2019