Overview
A century-old dilapidated barn on the side of the road in Pennsylvania may appear to be an eyesore to some, but beneath its weathered exterior hides a wealth of timbered beams and craftsmanship that have survived the test of time. A world away in Kunming, China, intricately carved doors from the Ching dynasty are salvaged from buildings slated for demolition. These architectural elements both await rebirth as part of a new support structure called the "new old house."
New Old House: Designing with Reclaimed Materials is a blueprint for blending the past and present in home and business design, emphasizing the use of vintage materials. The examples within provide tips on utilizing these elements to add character to a new home, and offer a natural and creative way to incorporate the patina of age-old materials into any design style.
Ed Knapp is the owner/operator of Vintage Beams & Timbers an import/export company specializing in reclaiming vintage building materials and incorporating them into new building design. He has been a supplier of fine recycled and antique lumber, including custom truss package fabrication, decorative corbel ends, floorings, and paneling materials, for more than ten years.
Knapp also works internationally, with a particular emphasis on architectural reclamation in China. Three-hundred-year-old brick pavers from the Yunnan Province of China are a staple of his operation, providing beautiful flooring that has an incredible history to be enjoyed and shared with future generations. Recent product expansion also includes teak timbers and flooring materials, also from China, and exotic antique materials.
Knapp works out of a renovated barn in Sylva, North Carolina, and more about his work can be found at www.vintagebeamsandtimbers.com.