Brent Hull looks beneath the surface to examine the role foundations play in giving a new home lasting credibility. Tracing the evolution of American foundations—from stone and brick to poured concrete—the episode explains how structural needs, materials, and building practices have changed over time. Using an 1881 house as a case study, Brent shows how modern foundations can be detailed and disguised to honor historical precedent without sacrificing performance. By understanding what lies below, builders and designers can create homes that feel grounded, authentic, and true to the architectural story they aim to tell.
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S1E2 The Lost Art of Building: Craft,...
Brent Hull explores the principles of craftsmanship that once defined how homes were built—and why those principles are still essential today. The episode examines traditional skills such as hand carving, custom milling, and precise joinery, along with the education systems that preserve them thr...
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S1E6 Inside an Award-Winning Singapor...
This episode explores an award-winning private garden in Singapore where planting, art, and atmosphere are carefully layered into a compact space. Irene Chen walks through the garden she created with Ronnie, sharing how dense planting, sculptural elements, and water features work together to crea...
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S2E4 Fighting Groundwater
Excavation uncovers serious water problems, leading to a consultation with a geotech engineer. Key recommendations include adding six inches of stone for stability and elevating the house by six inches to avoid the water table. Foundation preparation focuses on compacting stone and proper footing...
