by Architectural Observer | Nov 17, 2016 | Blog, Observations
Looking like something straight out of a television program about house flipping, this former authentic Craftsman-style house has been reduced to a caricature of itself as the following “before” and “after” photos illustrate. In the...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 15, 2016 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture
Some remodelings are more exhaustive than others. This structure, for example, was re-imagined somewhere in the past, likely the early 1970’s. The then-popular mansard roof was used as a device to completely conceal the second story while stucco, diamond-paned...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 11, 2016 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
Old houses have long been subject to changing architectual trends and fashion. Since its beginning, the United States has been a place of change and experimentation; the fact is just one reason why we have not done so well at preserving our architectural history...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 10, 2016 | Blog, Observations
Indigenous to the Ozark region of Missouri and Arkansas, the stone veneers known as “Ozark Giraffe” are a highly memorable vernacular construction technique. Examples of structures clad in this manner are also commonly found in adjacent areas of Oklahoma...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 9, 2016 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture
Although this house is clearly struggling with its identity, it’s quite obvious that the house was originally styled in the Craftsman manner; it probably dates to around 1915. Surviving original defining details include the projecting eaves with exposed rafter...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 8, 2016 | Blog, Observations
A common justification for building anew (as opposed to renovating an existing building) is the claim that the client can get “exactly what is wanted” or that new construction will be a “fresh start” – a chance to “do...
