Efficient home design and construction can be achieved in a number of ways, but the two most efficient things you can do are to reuse existing buildings, and make homes useful for different generations. This new modern white farmhouse home by Whitten Architects does both, with subtlety and style. An original milking barn was restored, and attached to a new farmhouse … [Read more...]
Rustic Barn House in Napa Valley with a Modern Interior
What is it about the shape of a barn that calls to us? That whispers “come in…sit…you’re home”. That’s what we see in this little gem of a rustic barn house from Johnson Squared Architects. Outside, the board and batten siding, the corrugated steel roof, the board shutters and the dark paint combine to give this home a soothing and serene appeal. The big wrap-around deck, … [Read more...]
In Big Sky Country, a Craftsman Bungalow Home Filled with the Warmth of Wood and Stone
Karen and I each have one tiny connection to Bozeman, Montana, the site of this picture-perfect cottage by Locati Architects. She visited the city once, and for me, it was the site of the design problem on my Architectural Registration Exam. But neither of those experiences was as memorable as this modest craftsman bungalow home. From the street, it's as cute as can be, with … [Read more...]
A Modern Farmhouse in Vermont with a Unique and Interesting Interior
Taftsville is a tiny area in Woodstock Vermont, founded in 1793 with a sawmill and metal tool shop. Today it's a popular historic district, famous for a covered bridge built in 1836. Taftsville is also site of this new modern farmhouse, built to replace the original decrepit house on the site. … [Read more...]
Riverside Rustic Cabin – A Modest Mansion with Tons of Charm
1300 square feet is plenty of space for this two-bedroom, two bath rustic cabin the Swannanoa River, just west of Asheville, NC. As you'd expect, the interior is all wood and stone, with a few surprises thrown in (more on that later!). But this peaceful retreat isn't primitive - it's completely updated inside, with brand-new modern baths and new kitchen appliances. … [Read more...]