29 06, 2019

Vernacular roof

2019-06-29T09:44:19+00:00

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The cabin may be small.
But, the roof is tall.
The roof is dramatic isn’t it?
Here in Virginia this roof would appear odd, but over in Scandinavia, this roof would be perfect.
Building a home in an area so that it appears to belong there should be the goal of every builder.

Originally posted 2015-11-28 13:26:22.

Vernacular roof2019-06-29T09:44:19+00:00
29 06, 2019

Building a dream

2019-06-29T09:44:18+00:00

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One day you will have the home of your dreams (if you don’t already).
Perhaps next Thanksgiving having a home like this will be on your list of “things to be thankful for”.

Don’t be concerned if you don’t know where to begin… if you have found your way to this site… if you find yourself looking through the images here and have been reading my short commentaries on them… congratulations, you’ve already begun!

Originally posted 2015-11-26 16:25:01.

Building a dream2019-06-29T09:44:18+00:00
29 06, 2019

A house cannot be too tall

2019-06-29T09:44:11+00:00

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She is tall and trim, and pleasing to the eye.
This cabin is a full two-stories tall with a steep pitched roof and a towering chimney.
The porch roof on the front is also unusually steep pitched. This roof pitch sacrifices any windows that could have been installed on the second floor of this side of the cabin.
The “cat slide” roof on the back of the house aesthetically allows for a larger kitchen addition than what would be possible with a more typical roof design.
The second floor rooms are likely somewhat dark with little natural light coming in.
The extra wide wood shakes create quite a different look on the outside don’t they?
Bought from a sawmill, this form of siding would be an inexpensive, easy to install, alternative to board-and-batten.

Originally posted 2015-11-24 14:10:20.

A house cannot be too tall2019-06-29T09:44:11+00:00
29 06, 2019

A charming cottage

2019-06-29T09:44:08+00:00

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It’s hard to imagine a more attractive design for a small home than this one…

Originally posted 2015-11-22 19:37:01.

A charming cottage2019-06-29T09:44:08+00:00
29 06, 2019

Board and Batten construction

2019-06-29T09:44:03+00:00

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Board-and-batten is the best method for covering the exterior of a home IF… you want your home to blend into a wooded environment and if you desire a locally sourced material that is easy to apply and inexpensive to purchase.
Log and stone homes cost more, require more skill, and take much more labor, but they each will last for centuries, are more attractive, and any extra funds invested in them will be amply returned with lower maintenance expenses and upon the eventual sale of the home.

Originally posted 2015-11-21 14:50:22.

Board and Batten construction2019-06-29T09:44:03+00:00
29 06, 2019

A handmade shed

2019-06-29T09:43:55+00:00

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Even a handmade shed can be a joy to behold, when it’s well designed, makes use of local materials, and it’s located in just the right spot.

Now image this new shed in the same place…

sheds-page-1

Originally posted 2015-11-18 14:16:22.

A handmade shed2019-06-29T09:43:55+00:00
29 06, 2019

Classic farmhouse design

2019-06-29T09:43:47+00:00

HerIMG_1775

Here we have one of the appendages to George Washington’s home… Mt Vernon.

Amazing isn’t she?

So simple, yet perfection, found in simplicity.

Originally posted 2015-11-15 14:54:27.

Classic farmhouse design2019-06-29T09:43:47+00:00
29 06, 2019

Rough sawn siding and “barn tin”

2019-06-29T09:43:40+00:00

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There is not a lower priced siding material to be found than that of locally sawn lumber… nor is there a lower cost roofing choice than “barn tin”.  Isn’t it amazing that the cheapest option is also the most attractive material when building a barn?  Some would say those material options also holds true for being the best choice a house.

So, I have to wonder… why is it not more commonly used?

I wish I had the answer, but I’m afraid I don’t.

My dad used to say that sometimes a good question was worth more than the answer.

I don’t know if that’s true… but it does get me out of answering some tough questions. lol

Originally posted 2015-11-12 15:17:34.

Rough sawn siding and “barn tin”2019-06-29T09:43:40+00:00
29 06, 2019

A “fixer-upper” with a view.

2019-06-29T09:43:38+00:00

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Yes, indeed the view is gorgeous, perhaps even shocking. And the little cute house… fits the scene perfectly.

Pause for a minute of think of the houses you pass on the way to work and how they would look in this scene, or perhaps ponder what might be designed and built here by most architects and builders who practice their skills. It wouldn’t be same photo would it?

Originally posted 2015-11-12 14:35:41.

A “fixer-upper” with a view.2019-06-29T09:43:38+00:00
29 06, 2019

The downfall of good design

2019-06-29T09:42:50+00:00

off2a

Both of these modest home’s designs are considered “Colonial”.
The first one is two hundred years old.
And, the second one is relatively new.
Can you see how much architectural design has improved over the course of two centuries?

NOT!

01-colonial-redo

Originally posted 2015-10-27 20:31:57.

The downfall of good design2019-06-29T09:42:50+00:00
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