History of the A-frame

I was doing a little research on the history of the A-frame because I was curious when the oddly shaped structure came into vogue and why.  The triangular shape of the house has certainly been in use for years -- immediately coming to mind for me are of course the pyramids, and tents used on the battlefield during the Civil War.  Apparently what led to the sudden popularity for this shape structure, came after World War II (through the early 70's) as a result of an increase in disposable incomes which could be spent on second homes.  It was also popular at the time to gravitate toward modern design for a second home, and due to the affordability and adaptability of this particular shape, it easily found a following. 

In 1955, an architect by the name of Andrew Geller built an A-frame in Sagaponack, NY which went on to receive international attention, and subsequently where the love for the A-frame gained even greater traction.

Here's a few pictures of Reese House:

 

 

Stunning!

 

Several of the Roaring River Chalets were built during the early 1970's; ours being circa 1973, toward the end of the A-frame craze, if you will.  We know it was factory built, trucked in and placed on the foundation which comprises the lower level and crawl space.  We presume it was built not far from Blowing Rock, and despite some preliminary research still haven't identified where. 



A little winter nostalgia

 

 

Since I can only imagine what the chalet looks like with the recent snowfall up there, I thumbed through old photos and found this one, to remind me. 

 

I'm certainly thankful we had the dead river birch just across the river that was leaning ever so precariously toward the house taken down, a few weeks back.  I can rest easier knowing we won't find that tree in the bedroom when we arrive. 

 

Looking forward to getting back up there very soon... 

 

 

Riverwood Chalet - January, 2013

Small House is Beautiful

I discovered this video trailer for a documentary in the works called Small House is Beautiful, which explores the tiny house movement.  The folks behind the film appear to be actively raising funds to complete the project.  As the owner of a small house, that I plan to someday make my full time residence, I am captivated by the movement and look forward to seeing what becomes of this film. Perhaps some progressive city planners and elected officials would see value in encouraging the development of more small and affordable housing, especially given the demand that is clearly out there.  You only have to see what's happened in Ocean Springs, MS in the wake of Katrina to see the possibilities.   

Okay, now for some eye candy...I had to include this photo of a small house I found on the Tiny House Blog that I MUST see in person someday. It's precious!

A little small house envy is okay...Right?

Okay, so I've been oohing and aahing over several small houses tonight, and this one posted on Small House Bliss just takes my breath away...I really like the setting and the juxtaposition of the rooflines.  Like! Like! Like!

   

Tiny House Talk blog post

Thanks to Alex @tinyhousetalk for the post about the chalet.  See it here:

http://tinyhousetalk.com/riverwood-700-sq-ft-frame-inspired-tiny-cabin/

@adriantbrown

Solar-Power Envy

We're in Blowing Rock this weekend at our little A-Frame on the Middle Fork of the New River, and being a lazy Sunday morning I visited a favorite site: Tiny House Talk.  I saw this image of an A-Frame with a tiny PV panel that caught my attention:

I've been trying to figure out how we might make our A-Frame more energy-efficient, and would love to add a PV system, but given the house faces southwest and the pitch of the roof -- I've almost given up on the idea until I saw this application.  Now,  I will have to confer with my brother who runs a PV installation company in Check, VA, to pick his brain about the capacity of a panel system like the one above.  Since we have propane gas logs in the living room, which pretty much heats the entire main level without the need to use the AIR-CON unit, I only need enough power for everything else.  The only caveat I would add is that I'm finding the best heat source for the lower level is a space heater and one small wall heater.  Although there is an AIR-CON unit designated for each floor, I found last winter that enjoyment of the lower & main levels were impacted by the rumbling intermittent noise of operation.  [Useful for providing heat, just noisier than is ideal.]  Plus, I think they used just as much if not more power as the space heater.  So, that said, it would be great if a PV panel could provide enough energy to run a space heater on the lower level, some lights, refrigerator, hot water heater, and stove.   

So, I'll need to consult the expert in the family on what exactly a panel like this (above) could honestly be providing that particular house.  I'm not entirely sure where we could install it on the front of our A-Frame without impeding some of the light, but I'm definitely open to exploring this further and making the sacrifice in the name of energy-efficiency...

Middle Fork Greenway coming soon?

Last weekend we met with Anne & Bill from the Middle Fork Greenway Task Force.  This is the group actively working to connect Boone and Blowing Rock by a greenway/trail, that will allow people to enjoy nature and the outdoors along the Middle Fork River.  As outdoor enthusiasts, lovers of nature, and owners of a home that sits on the Middle Fork River, we are very interested in how this project proceeds.  Follow this link to learn more, and see the proposed plan to link the two communities. 

Here's an article that appeared in the Blowing Rocket newspaper in August, 2013 about the unveiling of the the master plan for the Greenway.

This image indicates how the trail might look in the area between the Tanger Outlets and Roaring River Road, as it winds behind the water treatment building on 321.

Random image, but how I assume it may look one day.

The proposed plan as it stands today, and options on where those involved think the trail might be positioned, should they receive the support of property owners along the way.