New Life for Old Houses (Landmark Reprints Series)

This book shows exactly what to do if you want to put new life back into your old house--whether it's 50 or 150 years of age. Architect George Stephen explains basic design principles and architectural styles, tells how to protect unique details during the restoration process, how to select an architect, choose appropriate materials and colors, revive windows, doors, porches and other details; restore interiors from ceiling to floor; and save energy through simple modifications. An updated edition of a classic handbook, this practical, easy-to-understand introduction to good design and rehabilitation contains 300 illustrations and an invaluable glossary of building terms. Unabridged republication of the edition originally published by The Preservation Press, Washington, D.C., 1972. New Preface. Introduction. Glossary of building terms. 300 illustrations.

This practical guide concerns the "sympathetic rehabilitation" of old houses. The stated goal, "how good rehabilitation should look and how it should work," reflects the belief that good design is good economics. It is addressed to the home owner or building contractor who wants to adapt, remodel, modemize, or preserve an older building without sacrificing the special features and qualities that distinguish it. The "three Rs" discussed are restoration, rehabilitation, and redesign using the elements of proportion, rhythm, balance, solid-void relationships, and the effects of light and shade. There is a long discussion of color and tone, and, though no color illustrations are included, numerous black-and-white sketches demonstrate the right-versus-wrong approach. This updated primer, first published in 1972, is in chatty, non-threatening layman language, a how-to guide that offers valuable advice on what to avoid and the appropriate use of synthetics. Additional new material includes a chapter on simple, effective means of energy conservation; a glossary; three appendixes briefly outlining the secretary of the interior's guidelines and standards; suggested further readings; a list of sources of information; and an index. Recommended for general libraries. -- From Independent Publisher