New House Old Soul
S1E5 From Gaslight to Edison: How Electrical History Shapes Better Homes
Season 1, Episode 5
•
18m
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 this history matters when designing or restoring a home with architectural integrity. A visit to an architectural salvage yard reveals how historic lighting fixtures differ from modern counterparts—and how reclaimed pieces can be thoughtfully integrated into new construction. Through history, craft, and context, the episode shows how lighting choices can either weaken or strengthen a home’s architectural story.
Up Next in Season 1
-
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...
-
S1E7 Roofs That Tell a Story: Proport...
Brent Hull explores how roofs and dormers quietly define the character and credibility of American residential architecture. From early wood-shingled roofs used by settlers to modern advances like faux slate and fire-rated wood shingles, the episode traces how materials have evolved without chang...
-
S1E8 The Art of Authentic Exteriors: ...
Brent Hull examines cladding as the architectural skin of a house—and why material choice and execution matter more than trends. Focusing on historic brickwork, the episode traces the origins of handmade brick, traditional bonding patterns, and the subtle irregularities that give older buildings ...
