Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | May 26, 2003 06:32am | #1

   So, what's the question?  Do you want advice on how to build something in modular sections?  Do you want advice on size and layout?  Maybe materials?  Sound like an interesting project, but you're a little short on details.  First thing that comes to mind is a hunting cabin that grows with time and funds.  How long between phases?  What skills do you have?  You realize that we charge extra for giving advice to our northern friends...in US funds of course.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   poorsh | May 27, 2003 09:19pm | #5

   Hi ELCID72

   Questions, Questions. Coming close to giving myself the golden handshake and retiring. Want to buy a country property and over the next two or three years build a retreat, starting with basic module- kitchen, maybe bathroom. Had a cabin 10 X 15 for starters with built in furniture. I would like to prebuild units to take to the property preferably in a pick-up truck for faster on site erection. I would also like the full design beforehand so that it doesn' look like add-ons. Skill level is medium. As to price it depends on how many days you book in to catch some big ones!

   POORSH

2. 
   rez | May 26, 2003 05:09pm | #2

   View Image

   Hiya mac, if you were interested in pursuing this I might be able to help you out.

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 5/26/2003 10:11:37 AM ET by rez

1. 
   poorsh | May 29, 2003 04:52am | #8

   Hi

    From the photo's it looks like a "Bucky Fuller" geodesic dome project. Large volume for B.C. winters and heating etc and finishing. It is not quite what I am looking for. Thanks for your response

   Poorsh

3. 
   DavidxDoud | May 26, 2003 05:27pm | #3

   I suggest you research the native solutions - here,  a teepee or wiciup (sp?) come to mind - not too hard to haul in the canvas prt of a teepee,  cut poles on site,  and erect -  -

   wilderness devote - suggest you leave the wilderness without the scars that white construction leaves - regards,  DOUD

1. 
   FrankB89 | May 27, 2003 04:27am | #4

   Or a Yurt.   The State Parks Dept in Oregon, a few years ago, erected some nice Yurts in a beach campground and they rent them out to tourists and bicyclists, etc.

   There was a bit of controversy when they first tried  them, but the things have been functional with a low visual impact, and durable in a sometimes harsh climate, not to mention, very popular. 

1. 
   poorsh | May 29, 2003 04:55am | #9

   Hi

   Thanks for your response but my significant other wants a little more comfort in BC winter.

   Thanks

4. 
   billyg83440 | May 28, 2003 12:32am | #6

   http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/wolfe76.html

   If the Yurt idea interests you, they are incredibly portable. More of a glorified tent then a real building in my view.

   Backwoodshome is a good magazine. Lots of interesting articles.

   I'd probably buy a large flatbed trailer, with a rig to pull it, then design and build interconnecting building modules. Build one at a time, then pull them to site and install onto a foundation and connect them. Do it yourself manufactured housing, but sized for your needs and capabilities. Also, lets you do the construction as you have time in your own backyard.

   I'd build double wide style, with the center wall closed in and sided. When the other side is done this wall is removed and the two sections connected, and the siding reused. Build in 4-6 sections, say 12' x 16'. 4 sections would get you about 800 sq. ft. It'd work out well, if designed right. All depends on your access to the site.

   There was a recent article about building your own log home from timber cut down from your own land. A bit labor intensive, but you don't have to haul a lot of materials to the site.

   http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/clay72.html

1. 
   OregonBob | May 28, 2003 02:05am | #7

   Yurts come in two flavors - temporary and semi-permanent.  The temporary kind are canvas and can be put up over some type of decking.  They wear very well.  That's the kind the Oregon Parks use.

   for the more permanent version, try http://www.yurtworks.com   A yurt is (usually) a panelized round building with a lot of open span.  You then can add on rooms to the perimeter as needed.  They look much more at home in the woods than a typical cabin (at least to me), and can be purchased in kit form.

   Check it out.

1. 
   poorsh | May 29, 2003 05:04am | #11

   Hi OG-BOB

   Close to a similar climate but want something that is also capable of sustaining life in the winter. The last ice age came from the north-LOL

   Cheers

   Poorsh

1. 
   aimless | May 29, 2003 11:35pm | #13

   You know that yurts originated in the high Himalayas right? They are very comfortable in cold weather, that's what they are made for. Real yurts are made of a sort of flannel made from the yaks fur, so I suggest you buy a yak, clippers and a hammer and get out there. Grow your own shelter right on the spot. The colder the weather the better your yak fur will be.

2. 
   poorsh | May 29, 2003 05:01am | #10

   Hi Billy

   Thanks for your input. Probably will go this way. There are very few designs to study that integrate this idea into practable modules. I am hoping to start a contest of ideas!

   Thanks

   Poorsh

1. 
   billyg83440 | May 29, 2003 05:08pm | #12

   Well, if you go this way, the main thing is to get each module size the same, so things hook up accurately.

   I think the key to that would be to use story sticks to remember measurements. That way you'd have an exact wall height, roof height, width ect. I'd also use one to lay out any connecting points you design in.

   Good designs is a totally different matter. There are many many many ways you could design these. The key I think would be to plan for all mechanicals (electrical, plumbing, ducting) so that it was pre-installed. If you'd like super insulated, you could plan to build it out of SIP's. Some of these would be temporary and would be pulled out to use in the new module coming up. Say, your center wall SIP would be pulled out to use as the outside wall of module 2.

   It'd take a good deal of planning, and accurate construction. Plus careful planning to be able to get the modules off the trailer and onto the foundation and attatched. Wish I knew someplace that had some ideas, but don't. The only similar thing I've seen is plans for building housing on the moon or such. But, those were all bubble shaped, kind of hard to build.

   I'd assume at first you won't have any power up there, so a good set of heavy-duty cordless tools with a vehicle charger would be a good investment.

   Have fun with it.