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porcelainseashore · 9 months ago

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Into the Ether (4)

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Vampire! Toreador! Leon Kennedy x Fem! Reader

Summary: At the all-night events cafe you run, you’ve become acquainted with an elusive patron, Leon, though you can never remember the last moments of your interactions together. After a harrowing encounter, a love-hate relationship develops between the two of you as you grapple with your newfound status in a world of darkness and investigate the reasons behind the untimely attacks.

Content & Warnings: 18+ Resident Evil x Vampire: The Masquerade crossover, horror, mystery, romance, slow burn, strangers to enemies to lovers, angst, fluff, eventual smut, swearing, smoking, alcohol, drug references, non consensual blood drinking, blood bond, vampire turning, violence, injury, mild gore, torture, religious themes, minor character death, RE ensemble, VtM concepts.

Author's Note: Lots of blood drinking (+ its underlying issues), suggestive themes, mention of bodily fluids, and at least dubious consent for vampire turning ahead.

Taglist: @admirxation @angelstargel @miss-oranje-disco-dancer ❤️‍🔥

AO3 Link

Chapter 4: Bury Me

Leon had reached a row of converted Victorian-style residential buildings in the Lower West Side of Uptown Raccoon City. Tall, stained glass windows lined their exterior, accented with a mixture of gabled and Mansard roofs. Pointed arches embellished with corbels and fretwork adorned the structures, detailing their rich architectural history. Despite them appearing frozen in time, harking back to the 19th century, everything else had been modernized for their inhabitants.

Scanning his keycard on the reader, he slipped in through the back entrance and hurried towards the rarely used service elevator that was stationed out of sight in a narrow corridor at the rear end of the building. He swiped his card again to gain access to his specific apartment floor, punching the button several times erratically, even though it had already lit up on the first try. Upon noticing that he had accidentally smudged blood from his hands onto it, he muttered a string of curses while using the cuff of his shirt to wipe it off.

Holding you close, he planted a desperate kiss against the crown of your head, as if by some miracle you would wake up from this nightmare, safe and sound in his arms. Your body temperature had dropped considerably, and with each passing second, he could feel your vitals waning as your life force ebbed into oblivion.

“Come on, stay with me,” he begged, his visage crumbling under the weight of grief, and out of habit, he thumbed at the gold cross pendant hanging from his necklace. If there was a god, he would let you live.

As soon as the elevator doors parted with a resonant ding, he sped out towards the only apartment door on the top floor. Feeling the side of the frame for a familiar indent, he pressed against it, and a matchbox sized cache slid out, containing a crescent shaped device. Attaching it to another metallic apparatus that he carried around in his pocket, he slotted it through the keyhole while simultaneously adjusting what looked like gears of an old-fashioned clock into place.

Despite all these years, he still had a penchant for puzzle solving, seeing as his former workplace, the Raccoon Police Station, had been a labyrinth in itself. And what better way to put his hobby to use than to invest into the security of his haven, by creating his own intricate lock mechanisms, complete with false walls and hidden passageways. It may seem a little over the top, but sometimes it was comforting to lose his nights designing and crafting the things that had made him human in the beginning.

With a satisfying click, the heavyset door creaked open on its hinges, revealing an immaculately kept and minimalist loft. He dashed in, shutting the door behind him before pushing the coffee table away and setting you down gently on the rug. You were the only blemish in the room, bleeding out from underneath him, staining the fabric in the pattern of angel’s wings.

He felt your pulse, weak and unsteady, and you were nearly gone. It crushed him to see you like this, your skin ashen and pale — the only shade of blue he never liked. As you lay there unresponsive like a corpse before him, he knew he needed to go through with what he had planned for you all long along. Even so, he had a hard time coming to terms with it. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be! He was meant to woo you, give you a taste of what the unlife had to offer, bring you over to his side and both of you would, what—? Live happily ever after?

Fucking hell, Leon. What the fuck were you thinking? he swore at himself internally. Ada’s words came back to haunt him. She was right, he had let his emotions get ahead of him again. Regardless, he had to fix this mess, and letting you die was out of the question, as was turning you into a mindless ghoul addicted to a blood bond. No, he would never do that to you.

“Forgive me,” he murmured, brushing the strands of your hair, which had clumped together in dried blood and sweat, out of your face. You were so deathly cold in your slumber…

Then, he broke the first of his promises and drained you dry. Images of you flooded his mind again as he latched his mouth onto your neck. He could feel your fears, your joys, and your sorrows. The first steps you had taken as a child, captured through the lens of an old home video; the family and friends you would leave behind; long, solitary walks in the woods; dancing your heart out in smoky nightclubs; ceiling-high shelves filled to the brim with musty books and DIY costumes you’d pieced together from scraps; every trinket and memento — all the signs of life that had made you happy.

There was no time for regrets. He could make you happier, he vowed. He will, he had to.

At the very last drop, he licked the bite marks close and let go, slashing his wrist against his teeth before placing it to your lips. His own sanguine fluid coated your lips in a cherry red stain, restoring a semblance of life to your otherwise waxen complexion, as it dripped down your throat. Slowly, your jaw began to move, lips puckering up as it suctioned against the open wound, the tip of your tongue licking across it over and over again like the sweetest nectar you’d ever savored.

“There you go, angel,” he panted, feeling the pressure grow taut around his wrist as he stroked your hair tenderly with his other hand. “Just a bit more.”

He concentrated on the act, investing the power of his vitae into you, passing on the curse of Caine which he had carried with him all this while. On top of that came the Bane and Compulsion of his clan, as well as its Disciplines and strengths.

You couldn’t explain why your body reacted so naturally to it, but your appetite for his vitae was insatiable, like an insurmountable tidal wave heading towards shore. Your eyes flew open and you caught his ocean blue gaze. Gasping for breath, you clamped down on his wrist even harder, earning you a gratifying moan that fell from his lips, as they twisted into an expression of excruciating euphoria.

Likewise, you felt the build up of sheer bliss with an underlying tinge of agony within you, as you continued drinking from him, unable to stop yourself, no matter how much you tried. Every fiber of your being burned like a warm, inviting flame. You were the epitome of a phoenix in a pyre, combusting and being reborn again, walking barefoot across searing hot coal unharmed, as the fire raged on. From ashes to ashes, dust to dust, into eternal life.

And then he appeared before you like an ethereal, ghostly apparition, kneeling in the pews of a cathedral you didn’t recognize, praying fervently to a crucified man on a wooden cross. Subsequently, the scene switched to a hectic office space, permeated with the shrill sound of phones ringing and papers flying in every direction. There he stood in the center of the room, like the eye of a storm, a handgun secured in his holster as he moved the pins around on a crime board. One vision blurred into the other and it felt as if you were seeing his past, present and future all at once.

An immense rush of ecstasy filled your senses at the final image of you riding him like a horse, as if you were experiencing it for yourself firsthand. Sweat poured down your naked bodies as you rolled your hips back and forth against his lasciviously. His calloused hands squeezed the sides of your thighs, encouraging you to move faster as he thrust up into you. In the throes of passion, you threw your head back and cried out in excess, but found it muffled against his wrist as you abruptly returned to reality. Your eyes went straight to his, and the knowing look on his face gave it away, confirming that you had partaken in the last vision together.

The Beast was gnawing at the cage in his chest again as you suckled more of his vitae. A hunger arose within him and he was aware that the deed had been done. The primary hurdle was getting you to stop.

“Angel, my love,” he called to you softly, “That’s all I can give you.”

You had heard every word he said; they were crystal clear, but your head remained fuzzy, as if it were wrapped in layers of cotton wool, dampening your thoughts. He could see it in your glazed eyes that you were unable to register what he had requested of you, but he couldn’t bear to tear himself away.

“Please, angel,” he whimpered. “Let go.”

At that point, something in you clicked. Perhaps it was the sight of a broken man, crouched in the middle of his living room, weary from all the bloodshed and the cruel hand fate had dealt him tonight. You wanted to do everything you could to soothe his pain. The same pain that had crept up in his voice the night he put you to bed, and when he had wondered out loud in the park if you could accept him for who he was.

Loosening your grip, you tilted back, allowing him to retract his hand as you ingested the rest of his vitae in your mouth. Nothing could ever come close to the intensity of what you had just felt. Gradually, you came down from the high and your ragged breathing evened out. A numbing weight pressed against your body as your eyes fluttered before closing. Was this it? Was this the end? All you could think of was what a peaceful way it was to die.

A shiver ran down his spine as Leon caressed your cheek, watching you fall back to sleep again. Even his own Embrace hadn’t gone this far. Of course it had been the best thing he had felt in the world, but this, with you? It was on a completely different plane. The memories, the shared sexual intimacy, how—? Did he hallucinate that? He still hadn’t figured it out. It was something for maybe the Tremere, unfortunately, to advise on.

But he had bigger things to worry about now. This was only a temporary respite before you would awake in torment, and he needed to find a way to ease that as quickly as possible, despite being so ill-prepared. It would be the first lesson he’d have to teach you and one of the worst.

━━━━━━━━━━━

A set of steely arms wrapped around you the moment your body jolted upright as you came to. Disoriented and unable to think straight, you struggled to break out of their hold as you heard Leon’s voice in your ear, “Shhh… it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s me.”

You tried to speak but only unintelligible growls escaped your mouth and you continued thrashing about wildly, as a gut-wrenching pain ripped through your flesh and bones. It felt like hundreds of rats were clawing their way out of your stomach as your eyes searched the room rabidly for the offending source that was driving you insane.

And then you saw him. A man in a fancy business suit, unconscious but propped up against the wall. His hands were bound with rope and a nasty bruise swelled at the side of his head. You let out a torturous wail when it finally dawned on you that the very substance you had been lusting after was his blood. It smelled incredible from where you were seated and you were frothing at the mouth like a deranged animal.

What the fuck was going on?! your mind screamed, while you made guttural noises in retaliation. Is this—? Oh god, no! What did he do to me?

There was a persistent throb in your corner teeth, as if they had been plucked out by force and something foreign had been put in its place. You ran your tongue over them, they were elongated and sharp. Just like-

Leon? He pulled you flush against his chest, trapping you in his iron grip, and with a sense of urgency, he spelled out, “Listen to me, you’re not gonna like this, but you need to feed on him.”

Shaking your head violently, your eyes rolled back as if you were possessed by a demonic entity, while you fought with all your might against him and your overzealous hunger. No, no, no, fuck that! I won’t—!

“If you don’t, you will lose control and murder everyone in your path,” he explained.

Noticing how you continued to resist him vehemently, he added, “You won’t have to kill him, I can show you how.”

You whined, scratching at his hands and crying like a hapless pup. There was no need for you to articulate it in words. He understood everything you were going through — the inner turmoil and mental dilemma at your first feed. Except, you had it worse off than him. At least back then, he knew what he was getting himself into and accepted it. You just didn’t have the privilege of time.

Shambling across the floorboards, he brought you closer to the man. “It’s not easy in this state, but you’re strong, and smart. I know you can.” He paused, shifting his grip on you so that he could point out an obscured trail along the man’s neck. “You need to hit one of the arteries or veins for a clean feed. Usually, you’d take it slow and be more careful, but we don’t really have an option tonight.”

Suppressing another painful whine, you tried your utmost to follow his instructions as a beast-like creature went berserk in your chest, bashing it way through your ribcage. Focusing on the area he had identified, you could more or less make out the veins protruding from his skin, like an ultrasound.

“Here, the jugular,” he indicated. “You can start with that, but don’t drain him fully. I’ll help you to stop, just remember to lick it close at the end, okay?”

Nodding, you sobbed out a vague agreement, though your feet were kicking out furiously, itching to be set free. It felt like your mind and body had been separated in two, and neither worked in tandem with each other. The scent of this man’s blood was overpowering, it was making you giddy.

As soon as he let you go, you lurched forward, grabbing the man’s neck roughly as you plunged your teeth into the vein you’d singled out. A viscous, intoxicating liquid enveloped your mouth as you had your fill. Raw energy flowed from one end to another, restoring function to your organs and limbs, as they began to come under your control again. The more you drank, the clearer your mind became, and the Beast within you quietened, satiated from the elixir that seemed to nourish your entire being and soul. Soul? Did you still have one, especially after this?

From a distance you heard your name, accompanied by an appeal to cut it short. Once again, you were thrown into the depths of a battlefield, where each side struggled for dominance as its victor. It felt too good to end it here. Why should you obey? a voice inside you sneered.

A pair of hands gripped your shoulders from behind. Leon’s tone was stern and resolute: “Stop, lick the wound now.”

His command reverberated through your hollow chest, rattling your bones as you submitted to him. Swabbing your tongue over the puncture site, you released your prey as Leon pulled you away. Splotches of bright crimson covered the man’s attire as well as your own. It had been a messy affair.

“I’ll clean it up, don’t worry.” His voice was tender again, as he turned your face to his. Dragging his fingertip along the spilled blood trickling down your throat, he scooped up the remains and sucked it into his mouth.

By now, he was an expert in cleaning up after his elders, having done his fair share of dirty errands. That’s what neonates like him were good for. At least it would come in handy tonight. The man was still alive, drowsy as hell, but his heart was beating. He had taught you well.

“You did this to me.” The accusation rang like the toll of a bell in his ears, as he watched your expression change into one of pure hatred and disgust.

But before you could continue on with the verbal onslaught you had been saving up for him, a debilitating pain struck, blinding you in the process as you clutched your abdomen and trembled turbulently. What—? When will this ever end?

You were physically dealing with the bitter aftermath of being snatched from the hands of death and flung into rebirth through abnormal means. Anything within you that didn’t need to be there anymore would be cleansed in the next few hours, as your body was dying and disposing of the needless waste. It was not like this in the movies. You wanted to laugh at the outright ridiculousness of it, but all you managed were terrified shrieks.

It was humiliating to be brought down this low in front of him — the man who went from someone you had started to fall for to the last person in the world you wanted to be in the same room with. You hated him for what he had done to you. The fire came back, but this time it was like being burnt at the stake; it was harrowing.

To Leon, you could never degrade yourself in his eyes. He stayed with you the whole time, rubbing reassuring circles on your back as you writhed in agony, dirtying his rug with vomit and piss.

Though she had cared in her own way, Ada never did this for him. He remembered his transformation like it was just yesterday. The serene peach walls of her bathroom, equipped with fluffy towels, aromatic diffusers, and soft music playing in the background, like a spa he couldn’t enjoy. He had been tucked away safely in the bathtub, the door locked on him, as he shivered uncontrollably like a junkie. She couldn’t bear to see him like this — his face covered in snot, stinking up the place with a vacant look in his eyes. It was a mess, but a controlled one.

With you, he wanted it all — the good and the bad. He couldn’t offer you the luxuries that Ada had with him, but he would be there beside you, taking care of you like the sire he desired to be.

━━━━━━━━━━━

There was a sense of déjà vu when you awakened for the second time that night. Or was it morning? You couldn’t be sure anymore. Somehow, you had ended up on a double bed that wasn’t your own and in clothes that you’d never wear — not unless you were a lingerie model on the cover of a magazine spread, or one of those rich housewives looking to spice things up in the bedroom. In your last conscious moments, you thought you had soiled yourself, but now you were squeaky clean. Did Leon—?

“Hey.”

Speak of the devil.

You whipped your head in his direction, and saw him leaning against the banister of the stairs that connected the partially open, mezzanine-like level to the main floor below, which it overlooked. Out of a sense of self-preservation and modesty, you crossed your arms over your chest, hugging yourself tightly.

Stifling a laugh, he smiled at you bashfully like a teenage boy in front of his first crush. “It’s, um, my sire’s.” He gestured towards your outfit. “I hope you don’t mind, I didn’t have anything else.”

Sire? Letting yourself go, you peered down at the fitting lace chemise that clung to your body, still feeling vulnerable and naked under his gaze, as you speculated over what he meant.

“It suits you,” he complimented, either oblivious to your bemusement or attempting not broach the subject at this point.

The remark he had made, even if with good intentions, made your blood boil. “Does turning me into a monster suit me?” you spat, getting up from the bed as you strode towards him in fury.

A flicker of remorse flashed across his eyes and his breath hitched. He thought he could stall for time and reconcile with you before having the talk, but he had been blindsided by your astuteness. Despite that, he tried to pacify you. “Angel…”

But you weren’t having any of it. “Shut up!” you hollered, slapping him hard across the face. The blow was harsh enough to send his head snapping to the side, leaving a vivid red handprint marked on his cheek. “I’m not your angel, and never will be!”

He could’ve punished you for your insolence, but chose to suck it up and tolerate it. You were clearly struggling to accept your new circumstances.

“Okay, I deserve that,” he conceded, gingerly rubbing the side of his face where it stung.

You didn’t seem to care though, in fact, you were absolutely livid to the point where you couldn’t speak. Casting him a venomous look of disdain, you drew in labored breaths, your chest rising and falling in rapid, heaving motions.

His watery eyes met yours, and you saw the pain and hurt brimming in them. “You would’ve died back there,” he whispered. “I couldn’t let that happen to you.”

Shaking your head in disbelief, you withdrew from him, gripping the edge of the bedpost so intensely that a huge chunk of it broke off. Wait, just how strong were you now?

He glanced over at the damage and winced. Dammit, I liked that bed, he sighed to himself.

“I wish I did,” you muttered, eyeing the piece of metal in your hand skeptically before chucking it to the side. “You could’ve done your job and buried me.”

That was when he lost his cool. “Don’t say that,” he hissed sharply, his gaze smoldering like dying embers, as he marched forward, seizing your wrist to prevent you from backing away. “I just wanted to help—”

“Help?” you questioned testily, challenging him head on with a fierce glare. “You forced me to drink some guy’s blood!”

“You would’ve died,” he reiterated, using the same excuse in a loop as if he never heard you.

“He could’ve died!” you retorted, with the same stupid line of argument that Leon had been falling back on each time.

“Well, he didn’t, and he’s fine!” He threw his hands up in the air in frustration and huffed as he pivoted to one side, before turning back to shoot daggers at you. “A little anemic, but fine!” he expounded for good measure.

There was a slight pause until you fired back, “Go fuck yourself, Leon S. Kennedy,” letting every syllable of his full name roll off your tongue mockingly.

A low growl erupted from his sternum. He wanted to yank you roughly by the hair, throw you onto the bed and teach you a lesson. Jesus Christ, Leon, don’t go there. Get a hold of yourself!

Instead, he bottled up his anger and composed himself. Releasing a deep, slow breath, he evened out his tone, reasoning with you. “Look, like it or not, you need to come to terms with… what you are.”

You hadn’t backtalked him yet; that was a good sign.

“If you want to survive these nights, then I’m the best shot you got.”

Even though you held nothing but contempt towards him in your heart at that very moment, you realized that ultimately, he had a point. And so, you grudgingly raised the white flag. “Fine,” you relented. “But I will never forgive you.”

Another compromise. He could work with that, for now.

#leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy #leon kennedy smut #leon kennedy angst #leon kennedy fluff #resident evil #vampire au #vampire the masquerade #vtm #crossover #fic: into the ether #porcelainscribbles

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 1 month ago

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The Hotel Chelsea (also known as the Chelsea Hotel and the Chelsea) is a hotel at 222 West 23rd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Built between 1883 and 1884, the hotel was designed by Philip Hubert in a style described variously as Queen Anne Revival and Victorian Gothic. The 12-story Chelsea, originally a housing cooperative, has been the home of numerous writers, musicians, artists, and entertainers, some of whom still lived there in the 21st century. As of 2022, most of the Chelsea is a luxury hotel. The building is a New York City designated landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

The front facade of the Hotel Chelsea is 11 stories high, while the rear of the hotel rises 12 stories. The facade is divided vertically into five sections and is made of brick, with some flower-ornamented iron balconies; the hotel is capped by a high mansard roof. The Hotel Chelsea has thick load-bearing walls made of masonry, as well as wrought iron floor beams and large, column-free spaces. When the hotel opened, the ground floor was divided into an entrance hall, four storefronts, and a restaurant; this has been rearranged over the years, with a bar and the El Quijote restaurant occupying part of the ground floor. The Chelsea was among the first buildings in the city with duplex and penthouse apartments, and there is also a rooftop terrace. The hotel originally had no more than 100 apartments; it was subdivided into 400 units during the 20th century and has 155 units as of 2022. The idea for the Chelsea arose after Hubert & Pirsson had developed several housing cooperatives in New York City. Developed by the Chelsea Association, the structure quickly attracted authors and artists after opening. Several factors, including financial hardships and tenant relocations, prompted the Chelsea's conversion into an apartment hotel in 1905. Knott Hotels took over the hotel in 1921 and managed it until about 1942, when David Bard bought it out of bankruptcy. Julius Krauss and Joseph Gross joined Bard as owners in 1947. After David Bard died in 1964, his son Stanley operated it for 43 years, forming close relationships with many tenants. The hotel underwent numerous minor changes in the late 20th century after falling into a state of disrepair. The Krauss and Gross families took over the hotel in 2007 and were involved in numerous tenant disputes before the Chelsea closed for a major renovation in 2011. The hotel changed ownership twice in the 2010s before BD Hotels took over in 2016, and the Chelsea reopened in 2022.

Over the years, the Chelsea has housed many notables such as Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan, Arthur C. Clarke, Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Virgil Thomson. The Chelsea received much commentary for the creative culture that Bard helped create within the hotel. Critics also appraised the hotel's interior—which was reputed for its uncleanliness in the mid- and late 20th century—and the quality of the hotel rooms themselves. The Chelsea has been the setting or inspiration for many works of popular media, and it has been used as an event venue and filming location.

Over the years, the Chelsea has become particularly well-known for its residents, who have come from all social classes. The New York Times described the hotel in 2001 as a "roof for creative heads", given the large number of such personalities who have stayed at the Chelsea; the previous year, the same newspaper had characterized the list of tenants as "living history". The journalist Pete Hamill characterized the hotel's clientele as "radicals in the 1930s, British sailors in the 40s, Beats in the 50s, hippies in the 60s, decadent poseurs in the 70s". Although early tenants were wealthy, the Chelsea attracted less well-off tenants by the mid-20th century, and many writers, musicians, and artists lived at the Hotel Chelsea when they were short on money. Accordingly, the Chelsea's guest list had almost zero overlap with that of the more fashionable Plaza Hotel crosstown. New York magazine wrote that "people who lived in the hotel slept together as often as they celebrated holidays together", particularly under Stanley Bard's tenure. Despite the high number of notable people associated with the Chelsea, its residents typically desired privacy and frowned upon those who used their relationships with their neighbors to further their own careers.

The Hotel Chelsea has housed numerous literary figures, some of whom wrote their books there. Arthur C. Clarke wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey while staying at the Chelsea, calling the hotel his "spiritual home" despite its condition. Thomas Wolfe lived in the hotel before his death in 1938, writing several books such as You Can't Go Home Again; he often walked around the halls to gain inspiration for his writing. William S. Burroughs also lived at the Chelsea. While living at the Chelsea, Edgar Lee Masters wrote 18 poetry books, often wandering the hotel for hours. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (who lived with his wife Caitlin Thomas) was staying in room 205 when he became ill and died in 1953, while American poet Delmore Schwartz spent the last few years of his life in seclusion at the Chelsea before he died in 1966. Irish poet Brendan Behan, a severe alcoholic who had been ejected from the Algonquin Hotel, lived at the hotel for several months before his death in 1964. Many poets of the Beat poetry movement also lived at the Chelsea before the Beat Hotel in Paris became popular.

Other authors, writers, and journalists who stayed or lived at the hotel have included: Henry Abbey, poet Nelson Algren, writer Léonie Adams, poet; lived with husband William Troy Sherwood Anderson, writer Ben Lucien Burman, writer Henri Chopin, poet and musician Ira Cohen, poet and filmmaker Gregory Corso, poet Hart Crane, poet Quentin Crisp, writer and actor Jane Cunningham Croly, journalist Katherine Dunn, novelist and journalist Edward Eggleston, writer James T. Farrell, novelist Allen Ginsberg, poet John Giorno, poet Maurice Girodias, publisher Pete Hamill, journalist Bernard Heidsieck, poet O. Henry, writer Herbert Huncke, poet Clifford Irving, novelist and reporter Charles R. Jackson, author Theodora Keogh, novelist Jack Kerouac, writer Suzanne La Follette, journalist John La Touche, lyricist Jakov Lind, novelist Mary McCarthy, novelist and political activist Arthur Miller, playwright Jessica Mitford, author Vladimir Nabokov, novelist Eugene O'Neill, playwright Joseph O'Neill, novelist Claude Pélieu, poet and artist Rene Ricard, poet James Schuyler, poet Sam Shepard, playwright and actor Valerie Solanas, writer Benjamin Stolberg, publicist and author Richard Suskind, children's writer William Troy, critic; lived with wife Léonie Adams Mark Twain, writer Gore Vidal, writer Arnold Weinstein, librettist Tennessee Williams, playwright Yevgeny Yevtushenko, poet

The Chelsea was particularly popular among rock musicians and rock and roll musicians in the 1970s. These included Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen to death at the hotel in 1978; after Vicious's death, their room was split into two units to prevent the room from being turned into a shrine. Numerous rock bands frequented the Chelsea as well, including the Allman Brothers, the Band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Byrds, Country Joe and the Fish, Jefferson Airplane, Lovin' Spoonful, Moby Grape, the Mothers of Invention, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Stooges. The Kills wrote much of their album No Wow at the Chelsea prior to its release in 2005. The Grateful Dead once performed on the roof.

[Chris Stein]

#NYC #New York landmarks #the Chelsea Hotel #Leonard Cohen #famous places #stories

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crownedstoat · 6 months ago

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The Dorilton, Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York, New York, United States by Billy Wilson Via Flickr: "The Dorilton is a luxury residential housing cooperative on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, built from 1900 to 1902. The building was designed by Janes & Leo, the New York City-based architectural firm of Elisha Harris Janes and Richard Leopold Leo, for real estate developer Hamilton M. Weed. It is located at 171 West 71st Street, at Broadway. The building is noted for its opulent Beaux-Arts style limestone and brick exterior, featuring monumental sculptures, richly balustraded balconies, and a three-story, copper and slate mansard roof. The exterior masonry, decorative terra-cotta work and chimneys and roof were expertly restored in 1998 by the Walter B. Melvin architectural firm. Architecture historian Andrew Dolkart regarded the Dorilton as "the most flamboyant apartment house in New York," with its striking, "French-inspired" sculpted figures and an enormous iron gate "reminiscent of those that guard French palaces.

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lordkryze · 8 months ago

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I like collecting random things like postcards, librettos, and etc. I like building Lego. I like doing puzzles. I like playing board games. I hope one day I’ll settle down somewhere (because now I’m god knows where) and get many cats. I will have a small apartment in the attic (mansard sounds better) with piles of books and posters on the walls. Fresh cut flowers every two weeks and many magnets from different cities on the fridge. No stress. No red tape.

#star wars #annotated books #university student #student life #mental health #dark acadamia aesthetic #dark moodboard #dark academia #romantic academia #study aesthetic #studyblr #cats #random #my moodboards #moodboard aesthetic

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thebrickinbrick · 9 months ago

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History of the Corinthe from its Foundations, Part 2

A room on the ground-floor, where the bar was situated, one on the first floor containing a billiard-table, a wooden spiral staircase piercing the ceiling, wine on the tables, smoke on the walls, candles in broad daylight, this was the style of this cabaret. A staircase with a trap-door in the lower room led to the cellar. On the second floor were the lodgings of the Hucheloup family. They were reached by a staircase which was a ladder rather than a staircase, and had for their entrance only a private door in the large room on the first floor.

Under the roof, in two mansard attics, were the nests for the servants. The kitchen shared the ground-floor with the tap-room.

Father Hucheloup had, possibly, been born a chemist, but the fact is that he was a cook; people did not confine themselves to drinking alone in his wine-shop, they also ate there. Hucheloup had invented a capital thing which could be eaten nowhere but in his house, stuffed carps, which he called carpes au gras.

These were eaten by the light of a tallow candle or of a lamp of the time of Louis XVI., on tables to which were nailed waxed cloths in lieu of table-cloths. People came thither from a distance.

Hucheloup, one fine morning, had seen fit to notify passers-by of this "specialty"; he had dipped a brush in a pot of black paint, and as he was an orthographer on his own account, as well as a cook after his own fashion, he had improvised on his wall this remarkable inscription:

CARPES HO GRAS.

One winter, the rain-storms and the showers had taken a fancy to obliterate the S which terminated the first words, and the G which began the third; this is what remained:

CARPE HO RAS. Time and rain assisting, a humble gastronomical announcement had become a profound piece of advice.

[...] Corinthe was the meeting-place, if not the rallying-point, of Courfeyrac and his friends. It was Grantaire who had discovered Corinthe. He had entered it on account of the Carpe horas, and had returned thither on account of the Carpes au gras.

There they drank, there they ate, there they shouted; they did not pay much, they paid badly, they did not pay at all, but they were always welcome.

[...] About 1830, Father Hucheloup died. With him disappeared the secret of stuffed carps. His inconsolable widow continued to keep the wine-shop. But the cooking deteriorated, and became execrable; the wine, which had always been bad, became tearfully bad. Nevertheless, Courfeyrac and his friends con tinued to go to Corinthe--out of pity, as Bossuet said.

[...] The hall on the first floor, where "the restaurant" was situated, was a large and long apartment encumbered with stools, chairs, benches, and tables, and with a crippled, lame, old billiard-table. It was reached by a spiral staircase which terminated in the corner of the room at a square hole like the hatchway of a ship. This room, lighted by a single narrow window, and by a lamp that was always burning, had the air of a garret. All the four-footed furniture comported itself as though it had but three legs.

Two serving-maids, named Matelote and Gibelotte, and who had never been known by any other names, helped Mame Hucheloup to set on the tables the jugs of poor wine, and the various broths which were served to the hungry patrons in earthenware bowls. Matelote, large, plump, red-haired, and noisy, the favorite ex-sultana of the defunct Hucheloup, was homelier than any mythological monster, be it what it may; still, as it becomes the servant to always keep in the rear of the mistress, she was less homely than Mame Hucheloup. Gibelotte, tall, delicate, white with a lymphatic pallor, with circles round her eyes, and drooping lids, always languid and weary, afflicted with what may be called chronic lassitude, the first up in the house and the last in bed, waited on every one, even the other maid, silently and gently, smiling through her fatigue with a vague and sleepy smile.

Before entering the restaurant room, the visitor read on the door the following line written there in chalk by Courfeyrac: "Régale si tu peux et mange si tu l'oses.”

#lm 4.12.1 #history of corinthe from its foundations #the brick in brick

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glowyjellyfish · 2 months ago

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I was playing my Classic Megahood game tonight—my Just Play download set. I’m in Belladonna Cove in my carefully planned rotation (yeah yeah it’s technically an Uberhood, but the naming patterns are apparently confusing to me and I named it this several years ago when I started it so here we are).

First I concluded that I had moved too many families out of BDC—namely, I should move the Clevelands and the Baldwins back to BDC from Downtown. I moved them Downtown to populate it a bit, but I don’t know if that’s really working for me. (Downtown is also loaded up with broke graduate college sims roommating in apartments, and Dina Goth tried to live in the House of Fallen Leaves with her son Dorian for a while before I realized it could never be made over to her standards and moved them back to Pleasantview.)

Then I was thinking about moving the Gavigans and the Green/Stacks family to houses better suited for their large families, and then I remembered the other reason I moved those sims out of BDC. Too many damn apartment lots; too many awkward weird small houses with minimal room for growth. I added a few driveway houses in a row and two Victorian lots, but it feels like a mess. I want to reduce (but not eliminate) the number of apartment lots in BDC and work to give it more variety of house sizes with a coherent style.

And the style’s fairly clear in BDC, at least to me—San Francisco-esque with dense Victorian/Queen Anne/painted ladies housing, with an influx of shiny modern housing from the tech industry, as well as plenty of converted industrial lofts. I really struggled to find lots to download that matched what I needed, though—especially lots that were neither apartments nor BDC lot makeovers.

And THEN I realized that the neighborhood where I work has a very similar style with a density that feels about right for BDC to me—lots of Italianates and Queen Annes on narrow lots with small, fenced in backyards. A sprinkling of houses that lean a little more Second Empire style with mansard roofs; occasional turrets and larger houses; frequent stores with housing above, frequent large houses converted into apartments.

So… now I guess I may have to build some sort of Italianate mid-density residential lot collection. Especially given that style would also be highly useful to my Steampunk Strangetown game.

I’m already intimidated by the concept lol

#the sims 2 #simblr #sims 2 #ts2

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smallerplaces · 1 year ago

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He don't want a pickle...

... he just wants to ride his motorcycle. (Arlo Guthrie)

Arvin Lebec, being built on a generous scale, is a little large for his 1:12 motorcycle, but it's faster than walking.

We were bored on Sunday afternoon and went to the semi-nearby antique store, where one dealer had super-detailed motorcycles for $3 each.

Google Image Search tells me that this is a Harley Davidson 1997 FLSTS Heritage Springer. This is the kind of motorcycle where you tinker with it a lot and join a fan/owner group, which seems like something Arvin Lebec would do.

I got a second one because (a) they were only $3 and (b) Arvin will eventually have a friend, and they'll want to ride together. This one's a Honda Shadow Vt 1100 C2, the hot rod of Honda's cruiser line.

Having some cool motorcycles brings Arvin Lebec closer to having a personality.

Right now, he's living in the upstairs studio apartment of the gray mansard while he fixes up the rest. My efforts to give Britney a family and a scheme that would motivate fixing up the mansion were such a failure, so it's going to become a home for muscular and highly flexible men who prefer to live with other muscular and highly flexible men.

#dollhouse miniatures #dollhouse #motorcycle #arvin lebec

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meirimerens · 2 years ago

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Grace leaves dishes of cream out when she sleeps to attract ghost cats to chase off ghost mice otherwise they’ll run amuck and keep her up all night but she move in with Peter and Rubin asks him to talk to her about this because the freak is starting to attract real alive mice into the apartment

GOD FORBID GIRLS DO ANYTHING !!!!!!! thankfully i think at least one person in that mansard is enough of a freak to eat the cream themself

#i'm not saying who because regardless of who it's funny in its own way. so.#ring ring (answers)#thebestpartofwakingup

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architectural-sims · 1 year ago

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Hey, your posts are very inspiring!How did you manage to make such amazing mansard windows? post/658044366699610112/notre-dame-view-apartment-exterior

Awww thank you so much! ❤

So the windows are quite "simple" to do in fact. I made the room and then lowered the walls that fades to the street with CFE, take a look at this tutorial about making sloped ceilings. After that I used this windows and put a piece of roof in each side of the building.

Hope this helps even it's so late, sorry!

#ask

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latalpavolante · 18 days ago

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Honeydew Houses (furnished)

It's been 84 years, but I finally finished furnishing my Britechester apartment building(s). Yes, I can hardly believe it myself.

Honeydew Houses, in the heart of the old town, offer six units with different layouts, decorated in different styles. There's a small shared laundry room on the groundfloor, and the apts. include:

Seven Bedrooms - Six Bathrooms in total (so one bedroom - one bathroom per apartment, only the one on the first floor has two bedrooms)

Basement, left: Grungy Apt.

Basement, right: Musician's Apt.

Groundfloor: Caretaker's Apt.

First Floor: Single Mom's Apt.

Second Floor: Dark Academia Apt.

Third Floor/Attic: Painter's Mansard

If you prefer to furnish them yourself, you can download an (almost) empty version of this build from the gallery as well.

Lot Type: Residential

Lot: Honeydew Fields, 20x15, Gibbs Hill, Britechester

Lot Traits: (honestly I forgot to add them to the finished build, but considering the lore, I would have probably gone for) Homey, Study Spot, Great Acoustics

Price: § 294,594

noCC

MoveObjectsOn cheat required

Playtested (I found two minor issues which I decided to ignore for the sake of the backstory and/or aesthetics, and a bigger one that drives me insane but I don't know how to fix; more info under the cut)

Available on the Sims 4 gallery!

Tray Files: Google Drive

Heads-up: this build might be a little bit heavy on older pcs as it's very cluttered and detailed. The file size is ca. 503 KB, so pretty high for a 20x15 lot, and my laptop was taking ages to load when I placed the build in a new save for some last playtesting, so please keep that in mind and make sure to save your game before adding it (and bulldoze the lot before you do), just in case. Sorry for the inconvenience!

And I also made some sims for this build...

Gallery ID: LaTalpaVolante

You can find a playlist with the speed builds for all the six apartments on my Youtube channel:

More info and floorplans under the cut!

As you can tell from the list of packs, I haven't used For Rent for this as I don't have this expansion yet, so the apartments technically aren't separate units. I just added all the tenants as one household and assigned them their apts. by locking the other doors; or you could of course play around with the roommate system as well, or turn the apts. into proper rental units if you own For Rent.

Known Issues (I'm sorry, I know these explanations shouldn't be that long...)

In the grungy basement apt., the access to the right side of the bed is blocked by the punchbag. Sims can still get into the bed from the left side without problems. Because I had intended the apt. to be for one single sim anyway and it was more important for me to keep the punchbag, considering the hobbies and backstory of this sim, I decided to just go with it. But if you want to move two sims in, you'll either have to make one of them scoot over in the bed or delete the punchbag.

In the caretaker's apt. on the groundfloor, sims can't remove dirty dishes from the dining table. Otherwise sims can interact with that table perfectly fine (they can sit down and eat, do homework, read etc.), they just can't take dirty dishes from the table. This is apparently caused by the decorative shelf in the corner because its footprint slightly overlaps the one of the table. Easiest fix would be to either completely delete the shelf or just move the table away from it. However, because moving the table away from the wall looked a bit weird, and in my gameplay, I tend to just manually drag the dirty dishes into the sink anyway, I decided to ignore it.

The Interrupted Cooking Interaction in Basements Desaster Yeah. I basically made a whole post about this, but to sum it up, there seems to be a general issue where sims refuse to autonomously complete a cooking interaction in the basement when there are other cooking opportunities (=stoves, counters) available on the lot. If you play this build with the locked doors method, like me, and you want your sim to cook in one of the basement apts., they will take out the ingredients from the fridge, then behave as if the stove/counters were blocked (although I made sure they're accessible) and put the ingredients down. If you then click on the ingredients and choose to continue cooking, sims will however complete the interaction as if nothing happened. (If you don't lock the doors to the other apts., sims from the basement will automatically go upstairs to cook and ignore the basement kitchen.) I spent a ridiculous amount of time playtesting it over and over again and trying to figure out what exactly causes the problem, but I really couldn't find a solution and I'm extremely sorry for this. Maybe if you've got For Rent, turning the apts. into proper rental units might fix this issue? Please let me know in case you encounter any other problems (or if you know a way to fix the last one...)!

Floorplans

#sims 4 #ts4 #20x15 #britechester #no cc #residential lot #sims 4 residential #apartment building #sims 4 apartments #sims 4 no cc #sims 4 townhouses #sims 4 britechester #latalpavolante

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peaksport · 3 days ago

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Condominium sells for $3.9 million in Boston

A 2,650-square-foot condo built in 1880 has changed hands. The sprawling historic property located at 105 Marlborough Street in Boston sold on December 19, 2024. The purchase price of $3,850,000 equates to $1,453 per square foot. This apartment offers a spacious living environment with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The exterior design of the house shows a mansard roof frame, with roofing…

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fixizws · 4 months ago

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Transforming Your Home with a Loft Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide

In the quest for additional living space, a loft conversion is one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions. By utilizing the often-underused area under your roof, you can significantly increase your home’s functionality, value, and appeal without the need for an extensive extension or the hassle of moving. This guide will explore everything you need to know about loft conversions, from the benefits and types to planning considerations and potential challenges.

Why Consider a Loft Conversion?

A loft conversion offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to optimize their living space.

Maximizing Space: Converting your loft allows you to make the most of the existing space in your home. Whether you need an extra bedroom, a home office, or a playroom, a loft conversion can provide the additional room you need without expanding your property’s footprint.

Increasing Property Value: A well-executed loft conversion can significantly increase your home’s market value. Depending on the type of conversion and the location of your property, this added value can often outweigh the initial investment.

Avoiding the Stress of Moving: With a loft conversion, you can avoid the disruption, cost, and emotional strain of moving to a larger home. This is especially advantageous if you’re attached to your current neighborhood or have children settled in local schools.

Versatility: Loft spaces can be transformed into a variety of functional rooms, including guest bedrooms, home offices, gyms, or even self-contained apartments for rental income.

Types of Loft Conversions

There are several types of loft conversions, each suited to different property types and homeowner needs. The best option for you will depend on your budget, the structural characteristics of your home, and your intended use of the space.

Dormer Loft Conversion: One of the most common types, a dormer loft conversion involves extending the existing roof to create additional headroom and floor space. Dormers can be built on the side, rear, or front of the house and often include windows to allow natural light.

Mansard Loft Conversion: This type of conversion involves altering one or both sides of the roof’s structure to create a nearly vertical wall, maximizing space. Mansard conversions are typically more expensive but offer significant additional room, making them ideal for creating multiple rooms.

Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion: Suitable for homes with a hipped roof (a roof that slopes on all sides), this conversion involves extending the roof’s ridge line to form a vertical gable end. This alteration provides more internal space and is a popular choice for semi-detached or detached homes.

Velux (Rooflight) Loft Conversion: The most cost-effective option, a Velux loft conversion involves installing windows into the existing roofline without altering the structure. This is ideal for homes with sufficient headroom and those looking to add a functional space with minimal disruption.

L-Shaped Loft Conversion: Common in Victorian and Edwardian homes, this conversion creates an L-shape by extending both the rear roof and a rear extension. It provides a large, versatile space that can accommodate multiple rooms.

Planning and Design Considerations

A successful loft conversion requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the final result meets your needs and complies with regulations.

Assessing Feasibility: Before embarking on a loft conversion, assess whether your loft space is suitable for conversion. This includes checking the head height (ideally at least 2.2 meters), the roof structure, and the availability of natural light. Consulting with a professional architect or surveyor can help determine the best approach.

Planning Permission: In many cases, loft conversions fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning you may not need planning permission. However, if your property is in a conservation area, a listed building, or the conversion significantly alters the roof's appearance, you may need to apply for planning permission. Always check with your local planning authority.

Building Regulations: Regardless of planning permission, all loft conversions must comply with building regulations. These cover structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, and escape routes. Working with a qualified builder or architect can ensure your conversion meets all necessary standards.

Design and Layout: Consider how you intend to use the space and plan the layout accordingly. Think about factors such as natural light, ventilation, and the placement of stairs. Built-in storage solutions can help maximize space in areas with lower ceilings.

Staircase Design: The type and location of the staircase can significantly impact your loft conversion. A well-designed staircase should be functional, space-saving, and in keeping with the style of your home. Spiral staircases, for example, are a popular choice for their compact footprint.

Insulation and Ventilation: Proper insulation is crucial in a loft conversion to ensure the space is comfortable year-round. Additionally, good ventilation will prevent issues such as condensation and dampness, which are common in attic spaces.

Potential Challenges

While loft conversions offer numerous benefits, there are some challenges to be aware of:

Structural Considerations: Some roofs may require additional support or reinforcement to accommodate a loft conversion. This can add to the complexity and cost of the project.

Disruption: Like any home improvement project, a loft conversion can be disruptive. Depending on the scale of the work, you may need to vacate parts of your home or temporarily relocate.

Budget Overruns: Unexpected costs can arise, particularly if unforeseen structural issues are encountered. It's essential to have a contingency fund in place to cover any additional expenses.

Loss of Storage: Converting your loft may result in the loss of valuable storage space. Consider how you will compensate for this loss elsewhere in your home or incorporate clever storage solutions into the new space.

Final Thoughts

A loft conversion is a fantastic way to enhance your living space, increase your property’s value, and avoid the hassle of moving. By carefully planning your project, considering all design and structural factors, and working with experienced professionals, you can transform your loft into a functional and attractive part of your home. Whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom, create a private office, or design a luxurious master suite, a loft conversion offers endless possibilities for making the most of your home.

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vietnamoutsourcing · 1 year ago

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Roof System Framing: A Beginner's Guide

The roof system framework provides the necessary support and stability to shield a building from the elements. Understanding the fundamentals of roof system framing is crucial for beginners involved in construction, architecture, or even do-it-yourself roof projects. This thorough guide will take you through the fundamentals of roof system framing, from the various types of roof structures to the critical components of a solid and durable roof. Let's delve into roof system framing and discover its vital function in creating safe and dependable shelters. Roof System Framing Basics Roof Trusses vs. Rafters Roof system framing typically has two primary categories: trusses and rafters. Roof trusses are prefabricated triangular structures made of timber or steel that support and stabilize the roof's weight. They consist of interconnected members, such as top and bottom chords, webs, and vertical members, intended to distribute the burden evenly and efficiently. In contrast, rafters are traditional timbers that extend from the roof ridge to the eaves. They transmit the roof's weight to the walls and, in some cases, to purlins, which are additional support beams. In traditional roof designs, rafters are more commonly used, whereas roof trusses are favored for their cost-effectiveness and time-saving advantages. Common Roof Shapes The contours of the roof affect the framing of the roof system. There are a few different popular roof designs, and each one has specific framing requirements that must be met: A gable roof is a straightforward type of triangle roof that has two sloping sides that meet at the ridge. A roof that has slopes on all sides gives a pyramid appearance when viewed from above and is also known as a hip roof. A roof with two slopes on all sides provides a steep lower slope and an almost flat upper slope. Also known as a mansard roof. A roof resembling a barn roof with two different slopes on each side is called a gambrel roof. A shed roof is a type of roof with a single slope commonly utilized for lean-to constructions or expansions. Ridge Board or Ridge Beam The ridge board or ridge beam is a horizontal member located at the roof's peak, where the rafters or trusses connect. It gives the roof structure crucial support and stability, preventing it from sagging or expanding apart. Some roof designs may require a stronger ridge beam instead of a ridge board for larger spans or heavier loads. Rafters or Trusses As mentioned, rafters and trusses are the primary structural components that shape and support the roof. Rafters are individual timbers extending from the ridge to the eaves, whereas roof trusses are prefabricated triangles installed as a unit. Both timbers and trusses are essential to the stability and load-bearing capacity of the roof. Ceiling Joists Parallel to the rafters or trusses, ceiling joists are horizontal members that provide additional support to the roof system. They also serve as the foundation for the ceiling or mezzanine floor, contributing to the building's overall structural integrity. Purlins Purlins are used in roof designs, particularly for larger spans or to sustain heavy roofing materials. Purlins are horizontal timbers that run perpendicular to the rafters or trusses and support the roof covering intermediately. They distribute the roof covering's weight more evenly, reducing the strain on the primary framing members. Collar Ties and Collar Beams Collar ties or collar beams are horizontal members that connect opposing rafters to prevent their separation. They are typically situated above the ridge and contribute to the overall stability of the roof. In cathedral or vaulted ceilings, collar ties are commonly used to prevent the top from forcing the walls outward. Roof System Framing Materials The selection of structural materials for roof systems is influenced by factors such as roof design, budget, and local building codes. Common framing materials include: Wood is the traditional material for rafters, ridge boards, and purlins due to its availability and robustness. The steel framework is frequently used for roof trusses due to its high strength and durability. Synthetic Wood Products: Engineered wood, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), offers superior strength and permits extended spans. Metal is utilized in specific applications due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Conclusion The framework of the roof system provides the necessary support and stability for the structure as a whole. Understanding the fundamentals of roof trusses, timbers, purlins, and other key components is crucial for anyone engaged in construction, architecture, or do-it-yourself roof projects. Whether you are designing a simple gable roof or a more complex hip roof, the fundamentals of the roof system framework remain the same. By selecting the proper framing materials and comprehending the specific requirements of your roof design, you can ensure that your roof will protect your building for many years. As you delve deeper into roof system framing, consult with professionals and adhere to local building codes to ensure that your roofing endeavor yields the best results possible. Read the full article

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