Check this San Diego Craftsman Out

25 07 2011

I came across this little gem while searching for a client. I am a huge fan of Craftsman style homes. I love their elegance and attention to detail. Ideally if I can the fund I would go victorian but realistically a Craftsman is more in my immediate means. Click on the link below to check out these pictures there insane. This home have been kept in amazing condition.

The seller is a 5th generation San Diegan, whose respect for the heritage of this community is reflected in the careful preservation and upgrading of this Arts and Crafts 1921 home. 9-foot ceilings, extravagant premium wood trims and mouldings, hardwood floors, a broad-mantled fireplace which serves the living room, and a house-spanning front porch ideal for enjoying the gated garden and visiting with neighbors, lovely sunny South-facing backyard. Homes like these are amazing as they stand but if the buyer is so inclined add ons and upgrades can be done to help this home become more energy efficient. Solar voltaic roofing tiles, tanksless water heaters, new windows and energy star appliances are a few ideas that could really push this historic home to the next level.

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What is a Spanish Colonial Home

11 07 2011

 

A Spanish Colonial home is characteristically one with its environment The casual dwellings boast thick stuccoed walls, red tile roofs and enclosed courtyards that extend one’s living space.

As the style migrated throughout the then-Spanish territories, these homes began to veer away from the Spanish and Mexican originals. Today the term Spanish Colonial Revival is used to describe homes built in the early 20th century that incorporate various elements of Mediterranean architecture. But as with all true styles, these homes are linked by a set of common physical characteristics.

Key Features

  • Built from indigenous components. Spanish Colonial homes might be made of adobe in the Southwest and coquina rock in south east.
  • Thick, stucco-clad walls. Thick walls are ideally situated for a hot environment. “Thick walls absorb the day’s heat and gently radiate it back into the building during the cool evenings,” Stacholy says.
  • Small, open windows. Smaller windows, originally sealed by wrought iron grates rather than glass panes, are sited on the building to best capture breezes while avoiding the direct rays of the sun. Wooden shutters, when present, are traditionally mounted on the inside of the home.
  • One story. The Spanish Colonial is the ancestor of our ranch-style house.
  • Limited ornamentation. Ornamentation on these informal homes was often limited to arches on entranceways, principal windows and interior passageways. More elaborate homes might feature intricate stone or tile work, detailed chimney tops and square towers.
  • Wooden support beams. Wooden roof supports project out over the exterior walls in classic Spanish Colonials.
  • Inner courtyard. Historically, the courtyard let families move the cooking — and its accompanying heat and steam — outside. Today, these patios, porches and courtyards act as informal gathering spots for family, extended family and friends.

Practically Speaking: Hassles and Headaches

In hot, arid climates, stucco-clad adobe walls are remarkably long-lasting. However, when located in colder, wetter climates, adobe bricks can shrink and swell, causing the protective stucco to crack or pull away from the interior wall. These homes might require minor patches or complete resurfacing to prevent serious moisture problems. Cracked stucco can also be indicative of foundation issues.

Many Spanish Colonials were built with flat roofs, which, when not drained properly, can leak. Clay-tile roof shingles are durable lifetime materials that require only periodic maintenance. Check regularly for cracked, missing or out-of-place tiles.

Wooden timbers, both interior and exterior, should be inspected for moisture and insect damage.

Green Upgrades

With any old homes going green can sometimes be tricky. Trying to keep the authenticity of your home while bringing it up to date can cause some headaches. Here are some ideas that can help bring that Spanish Colonial Home up to todays green standards.

- Replace old windows with new high r value windows. This will allow you to enjoy the hot arid climates without sacrificing comfort.

- Replace terra cotta roofing shingles with solar voltaic shingles. These shingles are the same look and shape as terra cotta the only difference is that there is a thin solar layer on the top of the shingle allowing the shingle to produce energy.

- Replace exterior doors. Any door leading to the outside can potentially let in or out heat and cool air. The efficiency part come from the home keeping the treated air in the home and not leaking through cracks.

- Insulation always place a big role in being energy efficient. Adobe naturally insulated pretty well, so my only suggestion would be to make sure all cracks are patched and the roof is sealed.

 





Bungalow (Craftsman) Porch Styles

3 07 2011

Note that no matter the style of bungalow, they have one important feature in common – the bungalow porch. Because of the nature of design, the bungalow porch creates a sense of community.

You will find that most bungalows are built in specific sections of a town or city. Their owners would sit on the porch after a hard days work to rest and talk with neighbors and friends. Bungalows have great porches.

The American Craftsman bungalow typified the common styles of the American Arts and Crafts movement, with common features to include low-pitch roof lines on a gabled or hipped roof; deeply overhanging eaves; exposed rafters or decorative brackets under the eaves; and a front porch beneath an extension of the main roof.

Bungalow Porch

 

Chicago Bungalows are typically built of brick and have one and a half stories. The primary difference between a Chicago bungalow and others is that the roof gables are parallel rather than perpendicular to the street. Chicago bungalows are relatively narrow, an average of only 20 feet wide.

Chicago Bungalow Porch

 

The California Bungalow was a widely popular 1 1/2 story variation on the bungalow in America from 1910 to 1925.

California Bungalow Porch

California Bungalow

Milwaukee Bungalows: Many older houses in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are bungalows similar to those of the Arts and Crafts style like Chicago’s, but usually with the roof gables perpendicular to the street. Milwaukee bungalows tend to have white stucco on the lower portion of the exterior.

Detroit Bungalows: Also built during the Arts and Crafts movement, Detroit bungalows were constructed using local building materials.

Types of Arts and Crafts Bungalow Designs

Bungalow Porch

 

Ranch Bungalows: Ranch bungalows are designed with bedrooms on one side and the living areas on the other. The attached garage, if present, is located on the living area side.

Raised bungalows: Raised bungalows have a basement that is partially above ground allowing for natural lighting in the lower level. Foyers are usually located at ground level half-way between the floors. Garage entrances are normally at basement level.

Airplane Bungalows: Variations of craftsman style home plans include the “Airplane” bungalow which has a much smaller area on its second floor that appears to “pop out”. Centered on the structure with windows on all sides it has a view much like that of a cockpit of an airplane. An LA company introduced a Japanese-pagoda roof-line inspired style at one time and called it an “aeroplane bungalow.”

Airplane Bungalow Porch

You might note that bungalows do not have attics. This allows for the distinctive roof line which is normally quite low. Natural materials like wooden shingles and clapboard are used for siding. Cobblestones and brick are normally used for the exterior walls, porch columns and chimneys.

 





Craftsman Green Renovation

20 06 2011

From Signonsandiego.com

When seeing the exterior of artist Doug Kipperman’s 1917 bungalow in South Park, no one would guess the eco-friendly house to be a century old.

The inviting front porch, stained-glass pieces, well-furnished gumwood paneling and beautiful country-style backyard could be deceiving. However, the importance of sustaining the environment and its people is what led Kipperman to improve the old home.

After stumbling across its sale in 2004, Kipperman and his wife immediately fell in love with the original craftsmanship and felt the need to bring the charming details of the house back to life. Patience with the long renovating process has given him and his family a beautiful space to call home sweet home.

To find inspiration for your living space, view this sustainable house along with four other homes showcased at this year’s Old House Fair, now in its 13th year and presented by the South Park Business Group and the Greater Golden Hill Community Development Corp.

Q: How long did it take to refurbish the house?

A: The physical building took about seven to eight months, but the property is evolving. The gardening took a little over a year, but the overall yard took about over three years. It’s been on a project-by-project basis. Our next project is a “living wall” on the backyard deck. It will be a tapestry with real plants and backlit stained glass. However, we’re calling it an “eternal wall,” because my attitude is to make sure it lasts for the rest of my life.

Q: What led you to want to renovate the house?

A: The place was a diaster. It was neglected for a lot of years, but we just fell in love with the craftsmanship. We sat for six hours talking to the owner. There was this warmth, beauty and craftsmanship about the house that we don’t see anymore. Nowadays, we are in such a hurry we forget about before. We wanted to maintain the spirit of the craftsmanship, but put in our own personality.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect when fixing the house?

A: To make it safe. To make it a healthy environment. The construction and materials that are sustainable were not readily available, so it was hard, but it was important to make it safe. And accessible.

Q: Any advice for people who are interested in repairing their old homes?

A: Be patient and have deep pockets. Make sure people you work with know what you want. We’ve been blessed with the people we’ve worked with. Know the repertoire of the contractor. I talked to customers of contractors to know how they worked.

Q: Why did you feel it is important to show your house at the Old House Fair?

A: Pride. We’re proud of our house. As an artist, I look at a lot of different things, and I like to put my own signature on it. I look at everything and inspire to create my own art. Hopefully this will inspire others.

When seeing the exterior of artist Doug Kipperman’s 1917 bungalow in South Park, no one would guess the eco-friendly house to be a century old.

The inviting front porch, stained-glass pieces, well-furnished gumwood paneling and beautiful country-style backyard could be deceiving. However, the importance of sustaining the environment and its people is what led Kipperman to improve the old home.

After stumbling across its sale in 2004, Kipperman and his wife immediately fell in love with the original craftsmanship and felt the need to bring the charming details of the house back to life. Patience with the long renovating process has given him and his family a beautiful space to call home sweet home.

To find inspiration for your living space, view this sustainable house along with four other homes showcased at this year’s Old House Fair.

Q: How long did it take to refurbish the house?

A: The physical building took about seven to eight months, but the property is evolving. The gardening took a little over a year, but the overall yard took about over three years. It’s been on a project-by-project basis. Our next project is a “living wall” on the backyard deck. It will be a tapestry with real plants and backlit stained glass. However, we’re calling it an “eternal wall,” because my attitude is to make sure it lasts for the rest of my life.

Q: What led you to want to renovate the house?

A: The place was a disaster. It was neglected for a lot of years, but we just fell in love with the craftsmanship. We sat for six hours talking to the owner. There was this warmth, beauty and craftsmanship about the house that we don’t see anymore. Nowadays, we are in such a hurry we forget about before. We wanted to maintain the spirit of the craftsmanship, but put in our own personality.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect when fixing the house?

A: To make it safe. To make it a healthy environment. The construction and materials that are sustainable were not readily available, so it was hard, but it was important to make it safe. And accessible.

Q: Any advice for people who are interested in repairing their old homes?

A: Be patient and have deep pockets. Make sure people you work with know what you want. We’ve been blessed with the people we’ve worked with. Know the repertoire of the contractor. I talked to customers of contractors to know how they worked.

Q: Why did you feel it is important to show your house at the Old House Fair?

A: Pride. We’re proud of our house. As an artist, I look at a lot of different things, and I like to put my own signature on it. I look at everything and inspire to create my own art. Hopefully this will inspire others.

 





Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency

1 06 2011

LEED for Old Homes

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScRf8NV-aAU]

Preserving the Past by Todays Standards

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7TojvrYmB8]





Preserving San Diego’s Historic Homes

22 05 2011

Even as some San Diego property owners worry that their values will not rise in the near term, preservationists remain optimistic that they can turn an old house into a gem and enjoy the experience as well as make money.

“They are able to see the potential in things,” said Jaye MacAskill, president of the Save Our Heritage Organisation. “It’s not for someone who’s easily discouraged. And generally, people who do this type of thing are doing it for the right reasons. They don’t have ulterior motives or subversive motives. They’re doing it for the pure joy and pleasure of doing something like that.”

SOHO, a 42-year-old grass-roots organization that promotes historic preservation, will call a one-day truce in its numerous campaigns to stop demolitions and save historic sites and celebrate 10 victories at its annual People in Preservation awards program at 6 p.m. Monday at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, the Old Town landmark whose restoration champions are getting one of the awards.

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“I think that as a whole people are appreciating the virtues of historic preservation more than ever before,” MacAskill said. “But surprisingly, the battle isn’t getting any easier. That’s the ironic thing. I think more and more people at an individual level realize all the benefits of preservation, but we’re still having to fight Goliath all the time, meaning the political, economic and development forces, and the push always seems to be as strong as ever. MacAskill said preservation is gaining a younger and more diverse membership and following. As evidence, she cites the thousands who attend numerous historic neighborhood home tours. SOHO also draws to lectures, helps homeowners and businesses fix up their properties and leads grass-roots efforts to save and restore other local landmarks and landscapes.

“Preservation gets a lot of people who aren’t fans of preservation trying to say that it’s all sort of elite, white people protecting their personal property values,” she said. “I can tell you personally that I’m white but not wealthy, not a property owner. I’m there because I’m the little guy and want to see this stuff preserved for all of us.”

Read Whole Article

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