New House Old Soul
S1E3 Beneath It All: Foundations That Give a House Its Old Soul
Season 1, Episode 3
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19m
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.
Up Next in Season 1
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S1E4 From Timber to Engineered: How F...
Brent Hull examines the evolution of residential framing—from early timber construction and balloon framing to the engineered systems used in modern homes. The episode explains how traditional timber framing relied on large sections and joinery to create durable structures, while balloon framing ...
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S1E5 From Gaslight to Edison: How Ele...
Brent Hull traces the evolution of residential lighting from 19th-century gas lamps to early electrical systems and the lasting impact those transitions have on how houses are built today. The episode explores the rivalry between AC and DC power, changes in wiring methods, and why understanding t...
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S1E6 Flowing Through History: How Plu...
Brent Hull traces the evolution of residential plumbing, from outdoor privies and early indoor fixtures to the fully integrated systems found in modern homes. The episode examines how bathroom design and materials shifted from the 1920s through the 1950s, reflecting changing attitudes toward hygi...
