by Architectural Observer | Mar 24, 2019 | Blog, Observations
The exterior of this c. 1880 twin house in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood does little to suggest the surprisingly intact mid-century makeover found inside. Late 1960’s aesthetic preferences popular with the masses abound: Fake masonry, fake...
by Architectural Observer | Feb 27, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Today we’ll look at two different types of alterations which can negatively impact how we perceive a structure. Sadly, the following examples are fairly tame… there are countless others which are far worse. The first category, Indifference, will highlight...
by Architectural Observer | Feb 24, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Have you ever thought that some older buildings seem to be oddly proportioned — perhaps a bit top-heavy? Often there is nothing wrong with their proportions; the problem may instead be with our modern perception of what a building’s exterior should look...
by Architectural Observer | Feb 18, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Door hardware, like other architectural details, can often help to guestimate the age of the house when its history is unknown. However, this method is only reliable when it is known with certainty that the hardware in question is original to the house. Hardware, like...
by Architectural Observer | Feb 10, 2019 | Blog, Observations
One of architect Charles Haertling’s many fascinating contributions to the city of Boulder, Colorado, is currently on the market allowing a peek inside this interesting house. Known for their frequent mix of modernism and organic architecture, his designs are...
by Architectural Observer | Jan 14, 2019 | Blog, Observations
The impact original window sash can have in an historic building in terms of enhancing and maintaining architectural integrity is enormous yet frequently undervalued. In addition to the shape and size of the window openings themselves,...
