I was hoping for some advice on a plan I’m working on, for what I hope to be my new house, but I’m not an Architect.
Currently I’m in discussion with a Manufacturer of pre-engineered / fabricated homes in my area (South Western Ontario, Canada) that tells me that there is no problem “we can build whatever you want”. However I’m concerned that any “real” Architect would see design issues that need to be addressed in the very early design proposal.
My desire is to build a home that would use green technologies and include passive elements that would naturally make it more efficient while working on a budget. These things could be as simple as the way my home is facing, which walls should include extra insulation etc.
Any thoughts / help / advice would be greatly appreciated.
the Front of the house is facing East, and the left side is facing South. The back of the home is where we get most of our cold winds since it’s facing North West and backs onto wide open fields. One more pic to come.
I suspect that in you area all building plans must be approved by either an Architect or an Engineer
so better check before with local authority then you can ask Archi/Engin to add certain features for Green house or Lead house design I guess.
Number, age, gender of occupants? Location, orientation, infrastructural plans of the site area? Surrounding area? Vicinity of neighbors? Local administration? Applicable laws? Weather reports? Do you have a personal style, culture, preferences? Local properties, materials…
Already the chimney is making an energy loss…
^ And it’s just a scratch on the surface.
House is a home, a human habitat where one within community feels at least at peace.
You wanna build cheap, you will loose everything invested.
At least consult with an architect.
For low energy housing look for inspirations in vernacular architecture.
Passive house is merely a modern hype and not that pleasant or enjoyable to live in.
‘Passive house is merely a modern hype and not that pleasant or enjoyable to live in.’
Most of the so-called green technologies are a joke and waste of money.
It is better to find a balance what gives you the possibility to improve later when technology evolves.
Thanks very much for you input, I was afraid once it got moved to here that no one would see it.
This is exactly what I hoped for, things that would immediately stand out to anyone with even a limited knowledge of Architecural Practices.
Passive solar houses have to keep sun out in the summer as well as let sun in in the winter. With almost no roof overhang yours looks like it might let the midday summer sun in.
@jandress, this is exactly what I’m concerned with when I speak to a manufacturer. The issue I’m having is the the Architectural costs are insane!! especially when you consider “Green Architects” it’s just a money grab. I’m going to investigate whether I can find a good place for a consultant since the design is close but likely needs tweaks to make it work.
The viewport screenshot of roof etc is not accurate only an approximation. Currently the manufacturer says the roof will be R50 and the walls R30 approx.
I’m considering using Solar Hot Water heating (vaccuum tubes) on the roof and wondered if this could be used for in-floor heating (to supplement of course, not the principle source).
Also I would like to make it Solar Ready, meaning all the necessary connections, conduit etc are built into the house for when I add panels in the future as you mentioned.
I’ll looking for ideas to investigate on my own, but currently I only know what I know
heat pumps? Geo Thermal? waste water heat recovery? any ideas?
Lastly I’m aware that Europe and probably the US are miles / kilometres ahead of what we have available in Canada and I feel like most builders only do the Status Quo and wouldn’t even think of doing things differently because it’s a hassle… or they’re just used to the same old thing.
House is a home, a human habitat where one within community feels at least at peace.
You wanna build cheap, you will loose everything invested.
At least consult with an architect.
For low energy housing look for inspirations in vernacular architecture.
Passive house is merely a modern hype and not that pleasant or enjoyable to live in.
I do want to keep on a reasonable budget, not cheap… just trying to be smart:) When I use the term “passive” I use it loosely, more like will I get adequate air flow to remove the need for A/C with my window placement? Will operable skylights be a help to allow hot air to escape in the summer or will it allow sunlight/heat to enter more readily? as “Jandress” mentioned should I have increased overhang to help keep the home cooler? Is a green roof a good idea?
Placement is an issue as well, the current home is facing east (towards the river a few hundred meters away). In winter we experience extremely cold winds from the North West but they’re partially blocked by a Barn/shop behind the house.
Why do you want to design the house yourself? It is quite demanding task which requires quite excessive amount of knowladge and experience. Thats why there are architects - specialists in buildings design. I guess you don’t want to spend all those money for badly designed house, why don’t you better spend some money for an architect which will very likely make much better design than you can ever make yourself?
A few points to your design:
You want an energy efficient house but you have unused space everywhere - every m3 of building costs money to build and cost money to heat and cool.
You have quite big windows on the south facade and still you put skylights on the roof - what will you do when the sun begins to shine through that area?
How are you going to wash the windows that you cant reach? How are you going to open them?
What are the dimensions of the house? Do you really need so much (unused) space inside?
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I believe you’re correct on many points regarding this design. To answer your question regarding the Architect, it is a cost issue, I’m not looking for something that’s never been seen before, simply an adaptation of an existing design.
Over the weekend my wife and I went to visit a manufacturer of prefabricated homes and they informed us that according to local laws they can only transport 16’ wide sections so it got me thinking about working with only boxes… since we’d prefer a modern design anyway.
Much lower ceilings, less wasted space (I think) and easier build since the modules are more straight forward. Any comments / ideas are greatly appreciated.
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