Reply #263: I can see where you're coming from a lot better here ...

[MXMLLN]

Your other approach was just a bit condescending ... whether you knew it or not.

That said ... don't you believe in evolution ?

Times have changed ... newly constructed homes are heated much more effectively and efficiently these days.

I would argue that the function of gables on a house has evolved from being largely functional ... to being largely aesthetic.

Now there's much less of a need to shutter your windows ... but shutters continue to provide an aesthetic enhancement to many houses.

Given that you will see it (a chosen house design) over and over ... day-in and day-out for any number of years ... how that house looks has significance.

As much as possible ... it's look should be one which pleases it's occupants.

As long as a house shelters the persons living in it ... and provides for their living comforts ... and gives them a place to call home, ... it is functioning as it should.

It may well be that the language of carpentry has changed ... but it is conversant with the society in which we now live.