Architect Sandra Vitzthum creates a new light-filled kitchen and family room for an old house in Vermont. New Old House Fall/Winter 2011
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Editor’s Note
This past summer I went to the historic Exchange Building on Boston’s waterfront to attend a conference on traditional design—the themes were sustainability, craft, and traditional building. During the lunch break, I was able to visit with some of these thoughtful architects who are creating new traditional houses or revamping historical buildings. They all shared the same objective: to create places that are built to last—making them inherently sustainable. If we reuse an existing building, we put less stress on the environment by limiting the amount of new resources harvested. And when we construct new buildings with integrity as well as sustainable practices, they will last for generations.
In this issue of New Old House—as with every issue—we feature beautiful homes built to last. Austin Patterson Disston Architects created a new old house in the English Arts & Crafts genre based on designs by 19th-century architect Edwin Lutyens. The home is a shining example of a carefully crafted house made of sturdy materials such as brick, stone, and heavy timbers. The design is timeless, appearing as if it has stood on the land for centuries—it is built so well, I have no doubt it will be standing for centuries to come.
Architect Sandra Vitzthum redesigned mid-20th-century additions to an 1820s Cape in Vermont. The original house was in pristine condition, but the 1950s and 1970s add-ons were poorly constructed and poorly designed. Vitzthum worked her magic to reinvent the spaces within the existing footprint. Taking cues from the historical structure, Sandy created a light-filled contemporary space with traditional sensibilities.
Barnes Vanze Architects designed a vernacular farmhouse in Virginia in the midst of a rolling vineyard. Informed by historical precedents in the area, the house sits quietly in its agricultural surroundings. Although its form is traditional the home’s open plan speaks to today’s way of living. The outcome is a solid structure that its inhabitants will enjoy for years to come.
So when renovating or building your own home, adhere to this simple rule: build well once. And following the tenets behind a new old house will help you achieve this goal.
Nancy E. Berry, Editor of New Old House
