The National Trust's Sustainability Initiative

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently launched a website devoted to providing “green building” resources to home and business owners. The site includes: Tips for homeowners*10 green things for under $10*wood window facts (to educate yourself when the replacement window salesperson knocks on the door)*energy efficiency tips There is also information for businesses, about …

The National Trust's Sustainability Initiative Read More »

Building History Day at the Ephrata Cloister

On Saturday, June 6, 2009 the Ephrata Cloister hosted their Building History Day. This was a day with traditional crafts being demonstrated, speakers on the topic of historic building and the evolution of domestic architecture, and tours of the unrestored floors of the Sisters’ House. We were invited over the winter to host a seminar …

Building History Day at the Ephrata Cloister Read More »

Maintenance is Preservation

Preservation is retaining what is existing – this can be achieved through regular maintenance activities – saving thousands in potential cost. Once something is lost it is very expensive to recreate it. The Business Section of the May 20th Intelligencer Journal had an article titled ‘Five home repairs not to postpone’ under the Investors Guide …

Maintenance is Preservation Read More »

Encouragement Award

Last Saturday, Chuck and Lois went to lunch at the Preservation League of Staten Island to receive an ‘Encouragement Award’. Recognizing the work underway (but not yet completed) at the George W. Curtis house – we have completed the front facade restoration including the front porch, missing architectural details (aluminum siding installers love straight edges …

Encouragement Award Read More »

Webinar – Traditional Durable/ Sustainable Products

Tuesday afternoon I sat in on a webinar focused on what traditional products teach us about durability and sustainability (essentially green building). I am going to pass some the information from the webinar along during this post – next week I will be back to sharing information from the Traditional Building Conference. *In order to …

Webinar – Traditional Durable/ Sustainable Products Read More »

Sympathetic Additions to Historic Buildings

Some thoughts about Sympathetic Additions from the Traditional Building Show:-The Secretary of Interiors Standards advise against any addition to a historic building-Protect the historic integrity of the building by making any changes reversible-Avoid construction in front of building-Minimize the loss of historic material-Make a definite separation between new and old construction-Avoid radical change in form …

Sympathetic Additions to Historic Buildings Read More »

Preservation is Green Building

Some thoughts from the Traditional Building Conference:-Existing buildings are inherently green (embodied energy) tearing down to make a new green building uses more energy than it saves-Changes made to “modernize” a building have contributed to the perception of the poor energy performance-An important part of green building should be the materials should both be durable …

Preservation is Green Building Read More »

Improving Energy Efficiency of Your Older Building

We exhibited at the 2009 Old House Fair sponsored by The Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia this weekend – this is the last of our home shows for the spring season. It is always affirming to meet so many people dedicated to caring for their older buildings. As promised some energy conservation tips from the …

Improving Energy Efficiency of Your Older Building Read More »

Traditional Building Show

Last weekend Chuck, Lois, Jonathan, and Danielle traveled to Boston for the Traditional Building Show. The Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference is sponsored by Restore Media and features a trade show with traditional building products and seminars featuring traditional building topics (both theory and practical). The focus of most of this spring’s seminars where the …

Traditional Building Show Read More »

Historic Home Show at York

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we exhibited at the Historic Home Show at York. As part of the Historic Home section of the Mid-Atlantic Garden Show at the York Expo Center. We enjoyed connecting with people that are interested in maintaining and restoring their vintage properties. The availability of regional “historic” home shows helps building …

Historic Home Show at York Read More »