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Houses Awards Winners

Shingle-Style Remodel: Photo Gallery

A cramped cottage rises to the occasion: Traditional materials and steeply sloped rooflines transform a boxy cabin into a modern farmhouse with a flexible floor plan.

By Patrick McCombe Issue 275 – HOUSES 2018
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A propane fireplace in the first-floor living space provides ambiance, plus it can provide heat during routine power outages caused by winter storms. The windows have divided-lite sashes, consistent with a farmhouse look, but because the divided lights are mostly limited to the upper sash, they don’t obstruct the view.

The 2018 Best Remodel Award goes to Matthew Swett of Taproot Architects in Langley, Washington. The existing structure on the property was a one-story cabin with an uncovered outdoor living space that went unused much of the time. The remodeled house is everything the old structure was not. Designed in the farmhouse style, it has a covered porch, soaring gables, and an all-wood exterior that glows with inviting warmth. The wood’s natural finish is complemented by the dark tones of the windows and roof, giving the exterior a simple yet striking appearance. The windows have traditional divided lites, but in most cases they’re limited to the top sash for uninterrupted views of the Puget Sound.

Click the Launch Gallery button below for a slideshow of photos, and check out the full article, “Sound Design,” in FHB issue #275.

Before photos courtesy of the homeowners. After photographs by Michael Stadler, courtesy of the homeowners.

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Musings of an Energy Nerd: Toward an Energy-Efficient Home

Fine Homebuilding readers know Martin Holladay well and love his practical, cost-effective approach to energy-efficiency and green building. In this book, he walks you through every step of planning an energy-smart home that is healthy, durable, and comfortable.
Buy at Amazon

Code Check 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House

It would be great if this book didn’t need to exist, but it's definitely a must-have. It's a one-size-fits-all code book that's easy to understand and will help you sail through your inspections.
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Pretty Good House

For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).
Buy at Amazon

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