New Orleans is one of America’s most architecturally distinctive cities, with a built environment that reflects nearly 300 years of cultural influences. From the French colonial roots of Creole cottages to the ornate flourishes of Victorian-era shotgun houses, the city’s residential architecture offers a rich vocabulary of design elements for builders, architects, and homeowners. This […]
In residential architecture, the most compelling homes are those that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The marriage of Arts and Crafts principles with modernist forms represents a powerful design approach that produces houses with both soul and performance. One exemplary project is the Fine Homebuilding House: California 2018, also known as the “Good Haus,” a
Modern architecture that responds to its natural surroundings creates some of the most memorable residential spaces. The Canadian Modern house, perched on a rocky granite ledge in New Brunswick overlooking the Bay of Fundy, is a prime example of how minimalist architecture can amplify rather than compete with the landscape. Designed by Minneapolis-based architect Julie
In an era when skilled trades face a widening labor gap, the story of a master welding foreman offers a powerful window into the art and science of metal fabrication. Luke Thomas Gaffney, a welding foreman profiled in Fine Homebuilding’s Keep Craft Alive series, represents the hands-on expertise that holds together modern construction. From structural
Learn everything about traditional clapboard siding installation, from material selection and wall preparation to blind nailing techniques and long term maintenance. Covers wood, fiber cement, and modern polymer composite options.
Mortar is the binding agent that holds masonry construction together, yet it is often the most misunderstood component of brick and stone work. While many builders order mortar based solely on compressive strength, the most important properties for long-term performance are actually bond strength and flexibility. These two characteristics work together, holding masonry units securely
Mid-century modern design has captivated homeowners and designers for decades with its clean lines, integration with nature, and timeless appeal. When applied to kitchen renovation, this style transforms a purely functional space into the heart of a home – a light-filled gathering spot that balances aesthetic purity with everyday practicality. The renovating mid-century modern homes
The Shingle Style stands as one of the most distinctly American contributions to residential architecture. Emerging in the late nineteenth century, this architectural movement blended the informal charm of Queen Anne cottages with the grand massing of Colonial Revival homes, all unified under a seamless skin of wooden shingles. As the Fine Homebuilding article “Houses
The tiny house movement has evolved far beyond its minimalist origins. Today, tiny homes represent a sophisticated approach to residential architecture where every square inch is deliberately designed for function, beauty, and comfort. As explored in the recent feature on New Frontier Tiny Homes by David Latimer, the challenge of fitting luxury amenities into a
Discover the fascinating story of two identical model homes built 160 miles apart from the same mid-century plans, and learn about post-war residential architecture. A look at standardized house plans, 1960s design features, and lessons for modern builders and homeowners.
