Set on Cape Cod in Eastham, Massachusetts, the 2020 This Old House Idea House known as the Cottage on the Cape stands as a masterclass in blending traditional New England architecture with modern livability. This shingle-style residence, designed by Union Studio Architecture & Community Design and built by Cape Associates, reimagines the coastal cottage for […]
Modern House Framing Materials and Techniques for Residential Construction Residential construction has evolved dramatically in recent decades. While the outward appearance of homes continues to change with architectural tastes, the most significant transformations have taken place inside the walls, floors, and roofs. Traditional sawn lumber now shares the structural stage with engineered wood products, advanced
The use of bold, saturated color in residential interior design represents a significant shift from the neutral-dominated palettes that have defined home decor for the past decade. High-energy color, when applied thoughtfully, transforms ordinary rooms into immersive experiences that shape mood, define function, and express personality. The 2016 Farmhouse at Emerson Green Idea House, featured
The way we design bedrooms and bathrooms has changed significantly in recent years. These spaces are no longer purely functional rooms for sleep and hygiene. They have become personal sanctuaries where comfort, technology, and thoughtful design improve daily life. A close look at a well-executed project reveals how much planning goes into each decision, from
For homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who want more than what airs on television, the This Old House Insider program offers a deeper connection to the beloved home improvement brand. Members gain exclusive access to live expert Q&As, behind-the-scenes content from active renovation projects, and a community of fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for quality
After a major natural disaster, homeowners face a decision that carries immense emotional weight: rebuild on the same land or start over somewhere new. The Clearstory podcast series from This Old House explores this question through the lens of survivors from Superstorm Sandy and the Paradise, California fires. In episode ten, host John Tomlin speaks
Windows are among the most paradoxical elements in building construction. Builders go to great lengths to create walls that are airtight and well-insulated, only to cut large openings in them and install windows. As architect Don Powers explains, windows may look simple, but they are highly engineered machines. Understanding the technology behind them — from
The way we frame houses today bears little resemblance to the methods used just two centuries ago. Modern builders reach for dimensional lumber, nail guns, and engineered sheathing, assembling walls on the subfloor and tilting them into place in a matter of hours. But this speed is the result of a long evolution driven by
Water flows through every aspect of our daily lives, yet most of us barely think about where it comes from or where it goes after it disappears down the drain. In the debut episode of Clearstory, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor sits down with author Charles Fishman, whose book “The Big Thirst” challenges everything
Every construction project, whether a small home renovation or a large commercial build, produces a significant amount of waste. Walk past any active job site and you will see a dumpster filled with scraps, packaging, lumber offcuts, drywall pieces, and roofing materials. The question few people stop to ask is where that material actually goes.
