Replies

1. 
   VaTom | Feb 26, 2012 09:09am | #1

   Hi Cman,

   You don't seem to be getting much traction here.  I don't come around all that often.

   I'm a major fan of concrete houses.  I recommend ICFs to anyone unwilling to build with traditional concrete forms.  Any reason you don't want to do that?  Several years ago we had a long discussion here about where the insulation should go: outside the mass.  Confirmed by Oak Ridge Labs.  As for a roof, steel bar joists are a major cost saver.  You set anchor plates into your cast walls and weld the bar joists to them, powder actuated fasteners are a fast way to attach the steel decking, and then a thin layer of concrete on top.  Usually, no engineer required. 

   Bar joists are ubiquitous in commercial construction.  There's a good reason: economy and large spans.  A South Carolina  client found a deal on them: 3000 sqft for a 300 psf design load, 46' span, $10k delivered.  With a large span you have complete freedom to do whatever you want inside.

   You want severe weather event protection?  My small roof weighs 200 tons.  Mostly dirt.  My insurance company also loves the idea that it can't burn.  And that the large tree that fell on it did no damage.  The house also self heats/cools, but you have to go a little farther with your dirt use for that.  The South Carolina guy is.  

   Tom (20 yrs later, still satisfied with the house)

2. 
   Piffin | Feb 26, 2012 01:55pm | #2

   Howdy

   I have done several ICFs

   I am only vaguely familiar with Rastra, and not at all with Durisol.

   But I am very familiar with waterproofing.

   Are you planning this asan about ground structrue on slab, or in ground? The procedures can vary, but if things are done right, there would never be a fear of water penetration.

   Are you buildiong this yourself or having a contractor do it?

   PFN

3. 
   cliffordman | Mar 03, 2012 02:24pm | #3

   Thanks for the replies guys, sorry it took so long for my response, I gave up for a while due to no responses.  I'm a wildlife biologist by trade but grew up under a contractor Dad and built for a while during and after scholl but ti was always stick-frame construction on slabs.  I've never dealt with many other materials but looking at an alternative for a superdurable house.  I've built enough houses where I've finally gotten to the point of my equilty is high enough where my next build will be paid for, no mortgage, finally.  But I want to build a super durable house because it will be my last one.  Tom, I though of concrete walls and roof but the insulation value is the reason I swayed from that, how did you insulate the one in which you spoke of.  And Pffin, what products did you use for waterproofing.  And by the way, I really appreciate the replies.

   C

1. 
   VaTom | Mar 03, 2012 06:25pm | #4

   Hello Cman,

   Calvin was kind enough to send me a note that you'd returned, with questions.

   Everybody needs insulation in the US.  Mine is outside the concrete.  You have lots of choices there.  PAHS http://earthshelters.com/green-blog/umbrella-homes/ is mine.  Ignore the architecture, PAHS can look like almost anything.  The whole idea is passive heat storage for a whole year.  Works about anywhere.  Even in places that are primarily cooling climates, extremely few in the US.

   If you click on my name it should take you to a link to a page on my house.  It's more of a curved warehouse.  Originally designed as a future furniture shop, my profession.

   As you know, what you get from reinforced concrete construction is extreme strength.  Like any house, you still need insulation.  Costs for my type of construction typically are significantly less than stick-built.  Let me see if I can add a photo.  Inside, you get anything you want (and don't mind paying for).  Not everyone is as accepting as my wife about unfinished ceilings.  Easy to fix.  

   Tom

   
2. 
   Piffin | Mar 03, 2012 08:36pm | #5

   "And Pffin, what products did

   "And Pffin, what products did you use for waterproofing.  And by the way, I really appreciate the replies."

   Like I said, the answers and dtails will vary by ....see my previous post and if you can answer the questions I asked.....Those were not to satisfy my own personal curiousity or for discussion. I asked because I can't give accurate advice without knowing. You leave me out in limbo just a wondering and imagining.

   Above ground or below?

   Contractor or DIY?

   And what climate?

   I knw you said in the past you have stick built on slab and done your own, but that only implies same this time.....

1. 
   cliffordman | Mar 04, 2012 03:24pm | #6

   Thanks again fellas for the replies.

   Tom,

   The picture you provided is exactly what I had envisoned witht your trusses, that looks great.  On your dwelling you pictured, what type of exterior finish did you use?  And the desk looks great as well, is that multiples layers of ply, then shaped?  But thanks for the pics, I'm going to look at the website you provided as well. 

   Pfin,

   I'm located on the gulf coast in Alabama and I would be contractor on the job, still licensed.  And I'd like to know what products you utilize on both above and sub grade.  And also, in looking at the two products, ratra and durisol, they availability may be difficult so I may use concrete walls or concrete filled cmu's instead, so what would you suggest for waterproofing those two materials.  Thanks for the info.

   C

1. 
   VaTom | Mar 04, 2012 05:16pm | #7

   Outside the exposed (unburied) concrete walls is xps covered by sheet copper.  Original plan was stucco, copper was much cheaper.  The figured copper is what happens when you let it start to patina and arrest the development with automotive clear coat.  The larger door accommodates my loader tractor.  Designed to be my future shop.  The small door is 48" wide with a standard sliding door lite inset.  

   Not plywood, solid walnut.  Called stack-laminating, then you sculpt with hand tools.  Custom furniture, my profession.  Love wood, but don't think much of building a house with it.