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 Kumming China, intricately carved doors from the Ching dynasty are salvaged from buildings slated for demolition. These architectural elements both await rebirth as a part of a new support structure called the "new old house."

New Old House: Designing with Reclaimed Materials is a blueprint for blending in home and business design , emphasizing the use of vintage materials.

The old water-powered Millmont Grist Mill, circa 1840, was the hub of all trade and farm activity in the township of Millmont, Pennsylvania. Farmers brought their crops and goods to be milled, paying the mill owners with a portion of their milled goods in lieu of monetary recompense. The mill was five stories tall, approximately 100 feet wide and 300 feet long, and the timbers were all of red and white oak. In true recycled form, this incredible structure-- steeped in history-- was transformed into a beautiful home. All of the large structural oak timbers were installed in the lower level of the main house and many were placed back into their original fits and joinery. Original oak was used in the ceilings of both the interior and exterior areas of the home. The master bedroom has a trellis system built from white birch that was harvested from standing dead timber in the Adirondacks. The great room has a nautical theme, with timber trusses made of resawn pine timber and numerous carved corbels and braces; the balcony is carved from cherry. Distressed and reclaimed cherry is used extensively throughout the living room, dining room, stairwells, and hallways, and some of the bedrooms were appointed with antique log siding and chestnut flooring.

The front elevation of the house shows it highly unusual blend of antique knotty shutters and entry, as well as a flared, shingled wall design and stone foundation. Photo courtesy of Harrison Design Associates, Inc.

Another example of the ability to transcend rustic materials for a more elegant old-world feel is seen in this river-rock fireplace with its antique timber mantel. The timber truss above is made of antique pine and traditional joinery. The finials and curved beam ends were all made by Vintage Beams & Timbers. Photo by Gil Stose.

The dining room table at the Gold Tree Cottage is made from an antique plank door. Notice the contrasting reclaimed ceiling beams and the fieldstone kitchen hearth into which the commercial range top and hood are recessed.

The owners of this home have made excellent use of both built-in modern convenience and hand-hewn cabinetry; on the far side of the kitchen is a small wine cooler underneath the cabinetry, alongside a wet sink. Photo by Gil Stose.

The master bedroom features a unique, white birch tree trellis set off by gray penling. The storm-damaged trees, approximately five years dead and still standing in the forest, were hand-logged. All parts of the trees were utilized in this design. Photo by Gil Stose.

Antique floor timbers were sawn in half and applied to the walls of one of the children's bedrooms, creating the look of an authentic cabin. The chinking is a light gray color, and the floors and trim are antique chestnut lumber. Photo by Gil Stose.

The covered porch is enhanced by exposed hand-hewn timber, reclaimed from the Barker barn in Ohio. The timber was pressure-washed and sealed with clear finish. Notice the exposed mortise holes. Local stone was used on the floor and the arches. Photo by Gil Stose.

Color variations, knots, old nail holes, checks, and cracks lend personality and a sense of history to this children's checker table and chairs, built from antique lumber. Photo by Gil Stose.

Seen from the main house, the boathouse features a similar gambrel roof line and a terraced walk that is cantilevered over the water. The lower floor was constructed at water level and is used for storage; the two upper levels serve as a studio and guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Harrison Design Associates, Inc.

By Ed Knapp