Inspiration

Inspiration

Throughout this blog I've highlighted and created links to exceptional individuals and organizations who design thoughtful homes, environmentally responsible communities and historically based building products. Some of them are local to me, while others I've yet to meet. They are exceptional because at some point in their careers, be it a moment in time or countless hours spent around a conference room table, they decided to do what was right...even though their wallets might be fatter if they just followed the crowd. Their hard work and dedication to their chosen craft is now paying dividends in the form of homes and communities that will age gracefully and be admired for generations to come...and maybe even be an inspiration to others, like they were to me.

Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. - Architect

Like most of the internet, blogs read from newest to oldest entry...this one works best by reading the first three posts in chronological order, starting with the Welcome! post. Just scroll down on the right side of this page until you see the Blog Archive list...click on 2011, then scroll down to the bottom after the new page appears. Please email me with any comments and thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Shutter details...sizes


Here is a photograph I took in San Antonio.  Look at how the shutters on the bay fit the windows...what a great example...closed for privacy on the second floor and opened on the first for light.



Shutter details...


Before windows, there were shutters...basically to keep things out...rain, wind, animals, people, prying eyes, etc.  Windows came along next...widely used in England starting in the early 17th century.  Still used to keep things out, but with one major advantage...natural light during daytime hours. 

Shutters were now used for protective purposes on the first floor and privacy purposes if a second floor was present.  Sometimes you'll see, on the same house, paneled or board and batten shutters on the lower level (for better protection) and louvered shutters on the upper level (for better ventilation).

This week I'll review shutter details in order of importance the way I see it...first, get the size right...second, use hinges...third, use tiebacks and locks...and fourth, tilt louvers so they would shed rain away from the interior when closed.