by Architectural Observer | Aug 19, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Just back from a road trip! Today, a collection of miscellaneous structures and details stretching from southwest Nebraska to central Kansas. There’s no particular theme; all just have something of interest: ...
by Architectural Observer | Aug 10, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Houses built of sod were once plentiful across the Great Plains where trees were scarce. Built of blocks of earth cut from the ground, the later and more refined versions also incorporated many purchased materials such as windows, doors and dimensioned lumber for the...
by Architectural Observer | Aug 9, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Last September I posted about a senior storage facility er, “senior apartments” which I found to be disturbing for several reasons. I recently ran across a similar project which gives the bleak and utilitarian exterior an additional synthetic...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 30, 2018 | Blog, Observations
House-flipping has been popular for a long while – and the trend has been made even more popular by television. Not all flips are created equal, however! Since I haven’t been able to take any road trips lately, I decided to sift through Zillow and find...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 16, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Among the numerous imaginative architects who practiced in Kansas City, Missouri, in the early twentieth century was Mary Rockwell Hook. Her style was reflective of her travels and education; the substantial houses she designed have contributed to the enduring...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 9, 2018 | Blog, Observations
In the previous post, we looked at the remains of an early twentieth century farm house. Today we’ll take a look at the role that concrete played on this farm: a barn, stock tank and cistern – all made from it. Bonus feature: a windmill tower made of...
