Great room

I think I would like the great room to have a possibly free flowing floor plan. Maybe a couch and two recliner love seats that can be easily rearrainged - make way for Christmas tree, all face TV for family movie night, gathered in a circle for book club, or pushed against the walls for wild dancing! 

Alaska house

Just measured our Alaska home. The south side is 35 feet. The west side is 49 feet. Exterior measurements. 

So. 

I'm thinking that 

For lakedell drive, 

for the first floor, 

35 feet along the road - that faces west. 

And 49+ feet facing south. 

Bathroom

When a 6'6" man is sick...

Sick enough to lay on the bathroom floor, 

For easy access to the toilet, the guy should fit on the floor. 

awesome article!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/business/energy-environment/26smart.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3&

neat-o idea!

Maybe use it to make pizza too???

ter some serious research and with help from the best adobe-oven-making book ever, Kiko Denzer’s Build Your Own Earth Oven: A Low-Cost Wood-Fired Mud Oven, we gave it a try. (The book is available at www.Grit.com.) Using Denzer’s thorough, friendly instructions, I built an oven in our yard,

Read more: http://www.grit.com/departments/backyard-bread-oven.aspx#ixzz2lEUC2vpF

5 reasons to live off grid

Copied and pasted from an online article: Not my original thoughts, just thoughts I feel in harmony with.


1. Self Sufficiency: Living off the grid in a self sufficient manner brings with it a certain independence which cannot be found in modern living. Modern living (i.e. city living) is a dependent system. Each block or “grid” square of a city depends on the next for support.
If there were a collapse of the financial system -which is the most likely “doomsday” scenario- then the grocery stores, hardware stores, and the big box home improvement stores would be the first to be wiped out of supplies.
In the biggest cities in the world, this leaves millions of people without the supplies needed to survive. Self-sufficiency, at a fundamental level, is all about survival. But it also goes far beyond survival, into the realm of independence.
People like the feeling they get when they don’t have to depend on others, and they can support their families and enjoy their lives with their friends on their own land, in their own home.
2.: Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a certain satisfaction on a job well done. Whether you build your own log cabin, tiny house, or cottage in the hills, the sense of accomplishment you feel must be astounding.


3. Survival: Surviving the world off grid may not be the easiest way to live, but it arguably gives you a better chance of survival in a disaster/collapse scenario. It’s all about being prepared.
4. Freedom: Becoming “Debt Free”. The freedom to provide for your family without the burden of crushing debt. The freedom to spend quality time with your family instead of making money for your boss. The freedom to live life the way you see fit. With true freedom, comes happiness.
5. Happiness: Ultimately it comes down to happiness. We all strive for happiness in our own way. Some folks are materialistic, some seek power or money. Some seek the simpler life. A life without stress, or as stress-free as possible. Removing the burden of mortgages, utility bills, car payments, and living the simpler, easier life appeals to millions of people around the world. Happiness is at the core.
They call it “The American Dream“, but I think that’s a rather narrow-minded and selfish way of phrasing it, since most people in the world want the same things. They want to be happy. Living off the grid seems like the perfect way to achieve it.
It’s all about being happy.

Net zero metering and other notes FHB summer 2012 issue

Because the price of a kW hour generated is different from a kW hour consumed, two different meters are installed. This is unlike net metering which uses only meter that runs both forward and back. (Fine home building - summer 2012 pg 57) 

A house for all ages- pg 62

4 ft wide circulation path around kitchen island. 

Cabinet hardware allowing 4finger grip

To create a home that would be functional now and in the future, design principals in accordance with Americans With Disabilities Act were inter grated into the first floor plan. 

Pg 77

Fiberglass thermo-tech windows that met the passive house design. 

Pg 82

A home that allows for a person with massive allergies (and possibly some chemical sensitivities) to live in peace and good health. 

Eliminate mold, biological irritants, and chemical toxins 

Walls preplumbed for mini split ductless air conditioners. 

Sealed conditioned crawl space outfitted with dehumidifier and radon exhaust fan. With no connection to the homes interior. A small exterior door provides service access (Not sure if I like that or not!) 

They used an architect firm called "zero energy" 

Ventilation and heat recovery systems were sealed until all construction work was complete. 

Energy recovery ventilator (ultimate air recoup aerator www.ultimateair.com) 

Paired with energy recovery ventilator an air filter (Pure Air Systems 600 Hs plus www.pureairsystems.com) uses a HEPA FILTER 

Window seat photo - sturdy and in an alcove. Pg 93

Definition

Homes should be able to shelter occupants safely during severe storms or other disasters and keep them comfortable during the aftermath. 

Miami fade county hurricane code - tie down hurricane straps 

Build w materials that - if they get wet are still usable. 

Safe room /tornado room in basement or garage to provide shelter in the most intense winds. 

Surviving in extended power outages

Building science corp r-5 windows, r-10 under slabs, r-20 foundation walls, r-40 walls, r-60 attic

Air tight blower door tested 

To 1.5 AC/H

Proper orientation of homes

Passive house planning package 

South facing windows could have "solar screens" installed in summer months? Need to have a fully "shut it off" system that still allows the outside feeling in. 

Www.sungagelle.com

Window variety

You can use a variety of window lengths but have all the headers at the same height. 

Hidden door book shelf

Jeremy schrock - in finehomebuildung oct 2010

Built in book case with hidden door. Would be sweet to have library and master connect w this! 

Deep energy retrofit

Fine home building - oct 2010- 

A home that has undergone a deep energy retrofit typically ends up with

R-20 basement walls

R-40 above grade walls

R-60 roofs

And U-0.20 windows 

And a typical air tightness - determined by blower door test - is 1.2 ACH (Air Changes per Hour) 

Me: That's a good benchmark indication of minimums for a new house eh? 

Nice feel. Warm inviting.

Roofing

Double lock standing seam metal roofing. 

C.o. Beck and sons

Maine

Outside

In Florida we had hot and cold running water for hoses. That was cool. An outside shower would be sweet for rinsing off after the beach or yard work. Also helps make life easier for when rinsing sand off a dog. Old dogs dread a cold water rinse. Not going to get a dog, but we are not building just for us. But for generations of family or residents for years to come. Someone will have a dog! 

Back up power

If I were to loose power for 8 days the following things I would like to have operational via a back up power source:

An instant hot water heater (electric) for the master bathroom's shower. Located right above the shower.
A small light above the shower.
A small light above one sink in the master bath.
One light in the Master Bedroom.
One light in the upstairs hall.
A kitchen light
An instant hot water heater for the kitchen sink.
A power for the stove / oven - even a propane oven will not operate without an electric starter ~ its a safety feature.
Kitchen Fridge / Freezer
Garage fridge / freezer
One outlet to charge phones and such
Radiant floor heater
Passive House homes have a forced ventilation system. That is essential to indoor air quality to keep on.



These items would have to be wired separate from the other items. With their own feed in. Would they be powered by a solar panel? A place where a generator could be plugged in and run to this set of items?
"Yeah, go ahead and plug the generator in right here and that will feed our emergency energy needs."

Passive house

Google "passive house planning package"

Landscape Architecture

A cute little search engine (link at bottom) that is rather limited. But ... Would like to see a layered effect with small to medium
emphisis on ornamental and bird attracting
Probably need to live in the house a year before I could really design the yard.
I don't want to plant a tree that grows to 25ft if it would block the winter sun. How do you "know" how low it gets? Can that be calculated?

Some ideas that require more research:
Mountain Ash
Nyssa Sylvatica (Black Tupelo)
Wild grapes
Eastern White Pine
Red Cedar
Apple
Pear
Hawthorn
Honeysuckle
Wild Honey Locust - WITH thorns
Fire Thorn
Winterberry
Aristocrat Pear
Purple Beech
Purple Fountain Beech
Dove Tree - Daviolia Involcrata
Ruby Lace Honey Locust
Wisteria
Black Locust - or Black Locust "Purple Robe"
Canadian Sevice Berry
Fringe Tree
Japanese Snowbell
Katsura
Linden Basswood
Sassafras Tree
Silk Tree
Red Buckeye
Rowan Tree ?? (Kitty's front yard)
Bougainvillea
Golden chain
Scented Viburnum
Gingko
Juneberry
Sargent Cherry
Japanese Red Maple
sugar Maple
Burr Oak
Douglas Fir
Lilac
Magnolia
Crab Apple
Holly (3 of them)
Boxwood
A patch of raspberry bushes
a crab apple
mistletoe
cedar trees with berries
arrow wood
bridal wreath
pee gee hydrangia
smoke tree - like at our Milwaukee house. They come in green in and purple. the one in milwaukee was green. Purple might be neat to try too!


When do they bloom? How big do they get? Evergreen or decidous? two points for each one that has a stage of "stunning beauty" AND attracts birds. (winter roost? summer nesting tree? seeds or berries?)


Low growing dediduous shrubs
Medium growing deciduous shrubs
Small Ornamental Trees (15 to 25 ft)

http://www.mortonarb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=628&Itemid=6

Kitchen lighting

1) work spaces well lit without being shadowed. 

2) ambient light for a glow 

K.I.S.S. = aquapondics - keep it simple stupid!

Party house. Private space vs public space.

We had a party at our house last night. 

I was cleaning the half bath that is off the kitchen area. It also is where our laundry is located. We also store stuff on the shelves in there. 

This house is 10 years old. We are the 4th residents. At some point there were doors that hid the laundry area. They were taken down. And I agree that the doors get in the way - totally impractical ...

But moments before the party started, ... I wished I could offer my guests a more soothing experience. 

So, the bathroom in the new house ... 

Just a nice toilet and sink. Wheelchair access sized. (Hold off on the actual grab bars). And then that pocket door we have mentioned, that goes into the master bath, and that is where the laundry will be. 

Should be able to dash from the main living area, through that bathroom, into master bath. Sink on one side. Toilet on the other.  A obstacle free dash. 

Pod cast

I like a pod cast. It's entitled "Green architects' lounge."

It's by an architect firm out of Maine 

Green Design Studios

261 main st

Yarmouth Me 

Architectureforlife.com

207.847.3788 

I like some of the homes in the photos on their web site.

He does "PassivHaus certified homes" 

Something to look up - is this the same company that unity college used? I know that was "of Maine" also. 

Unity house - the college presidents residence- was built by bensonwood homes. 

 Terra haus hot water system designed through ReVision Energy. 

Terrahaus was designed with architect "Go logic LLC" 

From Belfast Maine 

Fireplace

Fire places are horrid heat suckers. 

But maybe a wood stove that LOOKS like a fire place? 

A mantle is just the thing. 

I want a mantle. 

I want a mantle more than a fire place. 

Is that even logical??? 

A welcoming home

Came across a book. Dave ordered it. It's such a sweet book! And what a great guy for making this a priority... It a book about how to design a home that has a welcoming and inviting feel to it. A place where people come in and say..  "Ahhhhhh...." And just melt a bit. 

How awesome is it that my hubby wants that for us??? 

landscaping with fire pits

I like the idea of a fire pit. About in the middle of the property.
I googled
landscaping with fire pit photos.

I liked the ones where the pit was raised.
I liked the round ones
I liked the ones that did NOT have a built in bench - so chairs around the fire can be adjusted based on how hot it is.

But then...
What about an outdoor wood brick / bread oven?

Or a spot to grill over the flame?

Need to work on getting away from the uni-tasker.
But keeping the "form" of being something appealing to gather around.
Because, being a gathering place, is a function too.
And in the end, having folks gather is more important than bread.
(but hey, lets go for both while we are at it eh?)

Lingering nagging bits

Still don't have "google sketch up" up and running yet. Would like to punch in some ideas. 

Heights- need to make sure that the lowest point is a tad higher that the ceiling in our living room. Funny story - hubby reads the paper, then stands up and stretches. Leaves finger prints on the ceiling! Probably won't be able to change his habit, but will for sure plan on the lowest point being calculated! Carefully! 

Solar - still won't know if it is possible till all the trees are down... 

But hypothetically a possibility. 

It sounds like we have to choose between 

A) a solar unit that feeds a battery bank

Or 

B) a solar unit tied to a grid (net zero)

The grid connected is good. But when the power goes down (not if) it won't work. What's the point if you still have to live for 6 days without heat, boiling water to wash dishes, and no hot showers???? 

There must be a way to say "oh?? Grid is down?? Okay. Lets have the solar energy feed batteries while this gets worked out. " 

Or maybe two separate systems? 

Essential basic stuff should be able to run on back up solar power 

Heat in the floors

Master bath hot water heater - warm shower

Kitchen sink hot water heater - washing dishes

Clothes washer (not dryer) - and not for hot water but for running the machine. 

Kitchen lights

Fridge in kitchen

Freezer in garage 

One outlet for charging gadgets...

.....

And the TV... Maybe... That's a tough one... 

The other issue is my strong desire to have a garbage disposal. I know I'm being pig headed wanting it. 

So ... Would it be possible to have a tank system? 

The garbage disposal to have its own drain? It would grind up the waste. And the Ort would go to the tank. About every three years we would switch over to the other tank. 

Confused? 

Lemme explain..

Once sat on an outhouse toilet. 

After making a deposit, you were to toss on a handful of saw dust. 

After three years of "deposits" they used the other toilet (toilet b).

While they used toilet B, the pile under toilet A turned into compost. At the end of 3 years, they emptied the tank under toilet a, started using toilet A again, and then toilet b got to have a three years break while its pile turned to compost. 

Surely,,, there must be a way to do this, septic tank style, in the yard, with two small tanks that service JUST the garbage disposal. I mean really?!? You should, at this point, be breathing a sigh of relief that Im only talking about food waste! Ha ha! 

Stones

So the diagrams I have seen about passive solar talk about increasing your heat storage by having some sort of thermal mass.

Sure - concrete floors are awesome. But I will - in all likely hood - have furniture on the floors too. This would prevent the floors from absorbing all they can. 

They also suggest a wall of some sort. 

What if....

We do the stone in the kitchen around the stove - so it looks like a giant hearth -  then use that SAME STONE  in the living room on a wall between the living room and library or bedroom. That would be our heat sink wall. 

Would maybe need to plan the foundation to have a slab there to bear the weight? 

And about that hearth stove arch idea - lets make CERTAIN it's HUGE! So no tall folks have anything to bang their heads on! It's very possible that the next generation will be even taller! 

Beams. Big beams look great with stone.  Lets see what we come up with...

Mmmm.... 

Goals reviewed

I do not think it is possible to build a home, in that location, that is fully off the grid. I believe there are limitations - out of my control, that limit the practicality of solar or wind. 

I still think it is worth trying to achieve an off grid home. 

When the almost annual blizzards and hurricanes wipe out power for days on end, I want to be a bit prepared. 

When we get done clearing the land, we will have a better idea of what is possible for solar. The best way would be net zero. But when the net is down, are you fully STUCK with no power? From all I have read it seems you must choose one or the other?  There must be a way to switch over to battery charging. Maybe one smaller unit that powers a limited number of things via battery, and the rest it net zero grid tied ... And maybe can be switch over when needed. Mmm... Won't know till the trees are down. 

When we are fully retired and living on a fixed income - there will always be taxes... But avoiding the paralyzing affects of rising oil prices... Being able to have hot water, and heat, without worrying if there will be any money left to buy food. 

Food prices will rise. 

I hope to have a garden. And maybe some chickens / rabbits. I could trade eggs, rabbit fur/meat, for fish, clams, any number of things. I like the barter system.

I have on my reading list a book about designing a home for people of all ages and needs - old, wheelchair, ....

I still think this is important. 

 

Reading list - book gift suggestions???

I would like these books ...for Christmas???

Maybe from amazon?

 Used is perfect! 

The cheaper the better! 

"Green from the ground up" by David Johnston 

"Building with Structural Insulated Panels" by Michael Morley 

"

Prefabulous & sustainable

Building and customizing an affordable energy efficient home"

By Sheri koones

"Towards a zero energy home"

By David Johnston 

"Living off the grid

A simple guide to creating and maintaining a self reliant supply of energy, water, shelter, and more "

By David black

"The Accessable Home 

Designing for all ages and abilities"

By Deborah pierce and Michael graves

And then a few books on passive solar heating and cooling: 

Perhaps a few titles to cull from?

"Passive solar house "by kachadorian

"The solar house" by chiras

 

A bit off topic but maybe worth a read- 

"Design like you give a damn" by stohr

"Magic machines in a magic house : get off the grid" by saville

"Taking on water" by pabich

more sage advice from Mother Earth News

Jan 2013 issue
page 35

A guide to DIY Kit Homes

gives a link I want to follow up on sometime:
www.B4UBuild.com
which answers questions about home contruction.
and it says a new home will cost $80 to $200 per square foot.

Taking Shape on the outside

This house is being designed .. kind of... from the outside ... in!

I saw a house ... in our neighborhood here in Alaska that is a boring version of what I think we want.

So first I will upload the boring photo.

I like it because the house is on the right. Then the garage, then the car port are on the left.

Then I am going to post photos of the type of "ZING" it needs.

Then... if you refer back to the Unity College Terra House ...
They posted this:

So, We need to block the summer afternoon sun. That is that lower right hand corner of the diagram - so this is a great place for a jutting out spacious porch. The South West Corner of the house is the first bit of the house you see as you pull up. This is the focal point of the home's exterior. It is a form, with a specific function... yet is as awesome as all hell! (here after referred to as "the FOCAL POINT PORCH"

Then, Across the South side you have to have an overhang or awning to block out the summer sun. Check out this diagram...

So across the South side of the house (from the street view this would be down the right side of the house) will be an overhang. I am thinking that visually it would look good if it came off the "focal point porch. - just a skinnier version. Actual math with be required to figure out the best size. Basically I want the heat "off" from May to October. So that is 5 months. We need to calculate the angle of the sun at the half way mark of those 5 months (not summer solstice since its hotter in August than on June 20th.)

So then, along that south side -
where the overhang is functioning to block unwanted sun,
there is also an opportunity to do this outdoor porch patio (see very left side of photo):

It would be a giant thick concrete slab - much like the one UNDER the addition at June's house.
The function would be to reflect winter sun up onto the windows. It also helps the windows lose less heat by being a heat source outside the windows.

Then, visual effect, it would have a railing like the one on the "focal point porch."

The roof line from the "focal Point Porch" would also continue across in front of the garage, and then over to the car port. The whole house would GIVE A FEEL of a wrap around porch. I will see if I can grab a photo of that roof line continuation as an example.
There are some around here.
(after a drive, here is the photo. Just see how the roof line continues from the front porch, across the big garage, and smaller garage. Now picture it going across the front porch, across the garage, and over the car port.
MMM.... and I am thinking the car port will be the length of 2 cars. maybe 2.5. Plenty of storage for Kayaks, bikes, Lawn Mowers, wheel Barrow, all that STUFF.