Julie Lasky is a design writer and critic.

A Charred Cedar Barn Replaces a Tumbledown Garage in Connecticut
Architect Aya Maceda designs a finely tuned space for a New England family to shelter cars, storage, and overnight guests.
Three Friends Join Forces to Build a Four-Gable Getaway on Shelter Island
The creek-front communal beach house is made of four structures connected by a glass hallway.
A Designer’s Catskills Home Wears a Shou Sugi Ban Skin
The light box also features well-placed windows that keep temperatures in check and views unobstructed.