Functional tradition
A plain building like this has such clarity of form it always look good in the landscape.
Spring house was tucked into the natural contours over cool water source. Its purpose was to store milk before taking it to market. Stone walls withstood dampness and helped insulate the building against summer heat.
This new barn was designed to appear as if it had been extended on both sides. The middle ("first") section is symmetrical while "later" additions are not. They developed "in response to" specific needs.
Arcade provides a covered path between house and garage and a place to keep the firewood dry. It also implies a third wall to define a courtyard.
Two tiny guest cottages are anchored to this spot by a mature oak tree and linked through a shared morning kitchen.
These simple king post trusses are pleasing to the eye put us at ease. Why? Because we can see the roof loads being carried into the walls and how the walls are secured.
Second floor was developed within gambrel roof with a new shed dormer. Collar ties are steel rods to retain roof shape inside.
In a world made mostly of 1/2 inch gypsum board we can appreciate seeing more durable materials wherever we find them.
Clever solution shows someone was paying attention and saw the crawl space below floor was tall enough to conceal trash cans. They are out of sight and weather but still accessible. Sliding door avoids blocking the path, or a hinged door caught by the wind.
These, ah, "picture hangers" remind us we can re-imagine uses for the stuff we already have, and especially things we throw away.
Why do the Swedes paint their cottages Falun red? The traditional paint made from linseed oil, iron oxide, and copper is a durable wood preservative. The iron from the Falun region gives it this unique color.
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