Light-gauge steel framing has transformed residential and light commercial construction by offering a dependable alternative to traditional wood framing. Inexpensive, dimensionally stable, and easy to install, cold-formed steel studs and tracks are now widely used for interior partition walls, load-bearing exterior walls, and even entire structural systems. This guide covers everything you need to know […]
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
New England’s stone walls are historic structures that define the region’s landscape. Learn about their origins, dry stone construction methods, and how to preserve these centuries-old boundary markers.
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
Twenty years after synthetic decking boards first appeared on the market, wood remains the overwhelming choice for residential decks across the United States. Industry data from the Principia Group shows that wood still accounts for more than 60 percent of all decking sold, despite aggressive marketing by composite and PVC manufacturers. Builders and homeowners continue
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.
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.
When it comes to protecting a building from moisture intrusion, the debate over what constitutes an adequate weather barrier has never been more relevant. Drainable housewraps have emerged as a popular middle-ground solution, offering improved performance over traditional smooth-faced wraps without the complexity of full rain-screen assemblies. But the critical question remains: are drainable housewraps
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
