Classical columns have been a cornerstone of architectural design for over two millennia, lending elegance, proportion, and timeless appeal to buildings both grand and modest. Whether you are restoring a historic home, adding architectural interest to a new construction, or completing a room divider as described in the classic Fine Homebuilding article by John S. […]
The Historical Significance of Period Moldings in Classical Architecture Period moldings are among the most distinctive features of classical and neo-classical architecture. These profiled transitions between structural elements embody centuries of architectural theory and craft tradition originating in ancient Greece and Rome, revived with enthusiasm during the Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival periods. For restoration
Stone walls have stood for centuries as testaments to both human craft and the enduring beauty of natural materials. From the rolling pastures of New England to the terraced hillsides of Tuscany, these structures define landscapes with a quiet dignity that manufactured materials rarely achieve. A well-built stone wall does more than mark a boundary
On the shores of Puget Sound, architect David Hall designed a summer residence that draws inspiration from Native American long houses. Explore the design, structural engineering, and coastal construction strategies that make this contemporary home a model for building on exposed sites.
As cities grow denser and available land becomes increasingly scarce, building on narrow urban lots has emerged as a practical solution for expanding housing options. These skinny lots, typically 25 feet wide by 100 feet deep, present unique challenges that demand creative architectural thinking. The key to success lies in embracing open flexible floor plans
Converting an underutilized attic into functional living space is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential renovation. When a San Francisco landscape designer approached architect Jonathan Feldman’s firm to transform his dark, dated attic, the goal was clear: create a bright master suite and workspace that maximized every square foot. The result demonstrates how
Learn how to design a home on a steeply sloped forested site using a stepped four-module footprint with soaring cathedral ceilings. Covers structural framing, siting, and material selection for hillside homes.
Designing a Home Addition for the View: Architecture That Captures the Outdoors When Doc bought his house in Jamestown, Rhode Island, the upside-down saltbox had solid bones and a generous open-plan upper level, but it lacked one crucial feature: windows aimed at the ocean view. The existing floor plan placed bedrooms downstairs and living spaces
The Adirondack Shingle style represents one of the most compelling marriages in American residential architecture. Born from the blending of two distinct but compatible traditions the Shingle style and the Adirondack camp tradition this hybrid approach produces homes that feel both grand and welcoming, rustic and refined. On a rolling Pennsylvania hillside, a retirement home
The Charm of a Built-In Breakfast Nook A well-designed breakfast nook transforms an ordinary corner of the kitchen into a warm, inviting space where family gatherings begin each morning. The built-in breakfast nook featured in a Martha’s Vineyard home by Hutker Architects exemplifies how simple design choices can create lasting impact. This elegant eating space
