I learned a new word this week. "Clinker!" Well, I learned a new definition for it. Related to the definition I already knew. "Clinker bricks" are the ones that messed up at the brick factory. The ones that exploded. Or stuck together. Or otherwise came out totally misshapen. And in the craftsman era of building bungalows, they were all the rage! This site describes the era and the use of these bricks wonderfully! Gone was the perfection of the Victorian age. And welcomed was the organic feel of "clinker bricks" and other natural elements. Also fun is to simply do a Google image search of "clinker bricks." SO silly! SO fun!
This lovely restored bungalow in the 200 S. block of 200 E. in Provo, is a wonderful example. Not a straight smooth rectangle can be found!
Just look at all the funny shapes! Bricks are laid helter-skelter. Puffy protrusions coming out like volcanic eruptions all over. And the shapes undefinable! How would you like to have been the bricklayer in charge of making sure everything ended up level!?
Look at these asymmetrical window panes peeking out of the roof of the house! Long on the bottom. Short on top!
Mix the crazy brick with some terribly uneven shingle siding and what do you get?
A perfect example of a craftsman era bungalow! Way to go homeowners of this one! And what a beautiful and warm restoration!!!
P. S. Here are some old photos from the Utah County land records online. Built in 1920, this house is listed as having 2392 sq. ft. 5 bedrooms. 2 baths. And supposedly the market value is only $165,000. I want one!
Look! The siding used to be painted. Two-tone.
And even in 2003, it was overgrown with bushes and still painted. I LOVE what the new owners have done! Don't you?
This lovely brown bungalow is located on 820 N. in Provo. It stands out from the other smaller houses around it and I don't know if it is a remodel or a completely new home. (There are seemingly NO county records for this address!) See end of post for new information!
The shingled exterior is rustic and lovely in it rich brown stain.
Instead of a traditional lawn, this house is surrounded by lovely gardens. The plants are just starting to come out for the spring, but in the summer, this yard is stunning!
There is detail work above the windows and on the various trim. It give the house a warm, craftsman feel.
But what REALLY sets this house apart is the chimney. It is a nice heavy shape and has an earthy feel to the battered brick. But look closer. There is a message inlaid in the brick. Something so important that the owners want the world to know it. Profound words of wisdom.....
What do you think? Would you inlay a message like this into the side of your house?
(All I could think of was the report a few years back that said more women in Utah were on anti-depressants than in any other state in the union....."cheerful 'til it kills you", I'm sure! If I were to inlay a message in my house, it would say, "Feel 'til you Heal." And forget the forced cheerfulness. But that is just me.)
P.S. Using a slightly different address than is on the front door, I found out more information for this home. Maybe it is divided into two residences and the original number is for the back door. I'm not sure. But this is how it used to look:
Just like all of its neighbors! A cute little box. In 2003, they remade the whole house into what it is today. 2646 sq ft. 3 bedrooms. 2.5 baths. And a whole different look!
Pretty amazing transformation! Good job "cheerful" owners!
