Old can be better than new

Here's a little story from the New York Times showing the smart use of old windows. Old windows

Newport is no new port

On our trip north we stopped into Newport, Rhode Island. We were there to see the property of friends in preparation to create a new garden. However, it didn't take us long to venture out to the 'Old Town' to see all the 18th century homes. Newport is one of those lovely New England towns composed of homes spanning four centuries. The town is of course known for the palatial 'cottages' built on Bellevue Avenue but there is a treasure trove of large and small wooden homes that have been well restored. Although the styles are many, the gambrel roofed, wood sided house is very prominent. Here are some examples.

A very small house at the waters edge. The inappropriate water side
deck can be overlooked simply because the views are spectacular.
The roof is another story. The present insensitive asphalt roof
glaringly stands out. A ceder shingle roof would be the right choice.

Here's a large duplex. Phenomenal restoration with a ceder shingle roof.
Notice the 'invisible storm panel' over the original twelve over twelve paned windows.
These invisible storms are the modern equivalent to the double hung storm window.
They are just as efficient, protect the original windows from winter weather
and are better looking. The real difference is that, come summer, the new storm
windows are removed, allowing the beautiful original windows
with their wavy glass to be shown off.

Another great restoration with a ceder shingle roof and window in their full glory.

Preservation is well received in Newport. There are good examples on
nearly every block. So many of the homes are right at the public right of
way, giving the town a great deal of charm.  For gardeners, the
challenge is to make a lot out of a little. Because gardens are so small
they must be well conceived. And they are.

Little details

It's odd in the way we sometimes focus on the big. Humans can take in so much, process and move on. We watch screen within screen within screen, and not bat an eye - clever. We'll stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon for fifteen minutes, scan and leave fulfilled - sad. We will also scrutinize the Heavens and contemplate all that we can and can't see - imaginative. Sometimes, however, we miss the micro in favor of the macro. This detail fits in the micro category, at least in terms of a house. Here are three photos of the ubiquitous drip edge, meant to shed rain water from the top of door and window trim. No it isn't the Heavens or the Grand Canyon, but it is a lot more tangible.

This drip edge, the over hanging lip, has protected this
window for 125 years. The proportions are in keeping
to the heavy window trim.  Very pleasing.

Here is a new drip edge milled to match the existing. It was
made from scrap pressure treated wood and took
approximately five minutes to complete.

This house was renovated using stock, off the shelf, material.
The drip edge, in comparison, appears anemic. 

 

Real vs Ersatz 2

Metaphorically speaking, the windows are the eyes of a building. For owners without a conviction for preservation the temptation is, especially here in hurricane alley, to replace the older, non-impact resistant wooden windows for new, stronger and more efficient models. The argument from the renovator is, "the newer windows look the same and no one will be able to tell the difference". My retort "can too". You be the judge.
  

This 1860's house in Key West has
it's original wooden windows. Thin muntins,
wavy glass and thick sills.

 

Imperfect cylinder glass at it's best.

 

Here is a newer wooden double hung window placed into a small cigar
makers cottage. Thick muntins, vinyl inserts and ripple free glass. In addition
to the bad proportions of the sill and trim, the carpentry is extremely poor.

 

A new double glazed window in an 1890's Key West eyebrow house. It is
energy efficient but lacks charm with it's large perfect reflections. Additionally,
between the two sheets of glass is a faux muntin insert. Although we can see
this is the wrong window for a house of this age, you might also have noticed
that at some point in time it appears to have been a doorway.



Real vs Ersatz 1

In new construction, more and more, contractors are using modern alternatives to traditional building materials. This is, for most cases, a good choice because in many respects plastics and composites hold up better to weather and time. However, I always encourage my clients (sometimes with success, sometimes not) to use traditional materials on historic buildings in order to have continuity and to keep the structure 'honest'. Here are some examples of clapboard siding. Many people claim that composite siding, also known as cementitious siding, is indistinguishable from wood siding. Not true, please take a little closer look.



On this 130 year old example you can see the thickness of each
clapboard, the shadow line, and the inherent imperfection of the wood surface.



The new cementitious clapboard is thin, wavy and void of character.
When this product is used to replace siding on an historic home,
personality and charm is sacrificed.