Show Off The Guts
Why? Because I hate to see all of that hard-earned infrastructure covered up.
(Sorry about the funky graphic. This was a whole copy of Peninsula Lifestyle magazine at one time. Then Grace started crawling and got into the pile of magazines that I used to keep on the floor under my nightstand and, well, you can guess what happened.)
When we replaced some of the plumbing in the house with brand new copper piping, it was displayed for many months while we waited for the right time to put up the new drywall. I kind of liked it. It was all shiny and coppery and represented the "good bones" that we were putting back into the house. It represented successful progress.
Eventually, we had to close up the wall and I lost sight of all of that lovely progress until the next project. Then, as I was browsing through a copy of Peninsula Lifestyle magazine last summer, I came across the story of Erik and Mara Lindbergh (yes, related to those Lindberghs) and their eco-friendly strawbale house in the Pacific Northwest, as executed by Bruce Glenn of Terra-Sol. It was a cool article and a cool house.
We don't have a strawbale house (Chicago would never allow one to be built here), but what caught my eye was the photo at the front of the article. It's a little retro-fitted frame with glass doors. Set into the wall. TO SHOW THE STUFF THE HOUSE IS MADE OF!
I thought this was one of the coolest things I had ever seen.
So, before Miss Grace shreds this magazine even further, I needed to scan it and tuck it into my idea guide. Because what could be more attractive than celebrating the lathe behind the plaster? Or the copper pipe within the wall?
This means I am beyond hopeless in the house geek department, doesn't it?
p.s. Tip of the hat, by the way, to a couple of the newest houseblog members who a building a strawbale home in Arizona...StrawbaleRedux.
(3)
Looking for More?
Cabinet Refacing:
Face Your Kitchen | Your Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Sponsored Links |
Comments
As I'm sure other straw bale house enthusiasts will point out, it's a common misconception that straw bale houses are highly flammable. When tightly baled, straw tends to smolder rather than burn, and once it's plastered, it's quite difficult to start it on fire.
See the link attached to my name.
Posted by: Amy | January 23, 2007 1:09 AM
Amy--I've been told that. I just happen to have met someone who was trying to get approval in the City of Chicago for building strawbale and they're having a tough time. I hope they get approved because I think strawbale would be a really terrific option!
Posted by: jm | January 23, 2007 9:08 AM
the same idea was in a home in one of the prarie provinces featured in an issue of Canadian House and Home, i believe last summer or spring. the frame was less ornate, but got the same idea across, and looked unbelievably cool.
Posted by: deb | January 23, 2007 2:54 PM