Hello, my partner and I are considering building an eco-friendly house. We plan to buy a fairly large plot as we want ample gardening opportunities and to get as much timber included in the price as possible.
Since I've never built a house myself, many questions arise. Hence this thread, where we hope to get as much help, thoughts, and ideas from people who have built as possible.
The idea with the entire build is to keep the cost as low as possible, do as much ourselves as we can, and build ecologically to protect the environment. (also energy-efficient).
We plan to build the framework from harvested trees from the plot, construct the walls from clay, and insulate with straw. Ideally, the house will be built slightly into a slope so that it is insulated by the ground from the north, and we plan to build a greenhouse along the entire south side to save energy.
Worth mentioning, we plan to be a family of four and have plenty of space.
Our initial questions are then: (if we initially skip everything related to plot purchase and building permits)
* What is a suitable foundation for such a house, understanding that moisture might be an issue?
(would like the house to be 1/3 below ground).
* How do you treat the trees you have harvested, other than debarking them before use, which tree species are suitable for building with?
* We have considered a turf roof for this house, what do you think? Suggestions?
Looking forward to answers and creative solutions
More questions will likely arise along the way...
Best regards, Tim
Since I've never built a house myself, many questions arise. Hence this thread, where we hope to get as much help, thoughts, and ideas from people who have built as possible.
The idea with the entire build is to keep the cost as low as possible, do as much ourselves as we can, and build ecologically to protect the environment. (also energy-efficient).
We plan to build the framework from harvested trees from the plot, construct the walls from clay, and insulate with straw. Ideally, the house will be built slightly into a slope so that it is insulated by the ground from the north, and we plan to build a greenhouse along the entire south side to save energy.
Worth mentioning, we plan to be a family of four and have plenty of space.
Our initial questions are then: (if we initially skip everything related to plot purchase and building permits)
* What is a suitable foundation for such a house, understanding that moisture might be an issue?
(would like the house to be 1/3 below ground).
* How do you treat the trees you have harvested, other than debarking them before use, which tree species are suitable for building with?
* We have considered a turf roof for this house, what do you think? Suggestions?
Looking forward to answers and creative solutions
More questions will likely arise along the way...
Best regards, Tim
Why do you want to bury the house? Don't you think it insulates enough with straw/clay and few windows facing north? Otherwise, it would probably be a kind of masonry basement that is required if you're going for a split-level as you explain? It seems like a rather expensive option... Depending on what kind of sewage solution you have, you may also need different types of foundations (compare a WC with a composting toilet, for example). One solution might be to make an edge beam (like when you pour a slab) but fill with hasopor, for example. A type of warm/filled crawl space or interior air-ventilated crawl space.
Some inspiration regarding straw houses:
http://www.halmhuset.se/
Some inspiration regarding straw houses:
http://www.halmhuset.se/
Have you heard of kubbhus? In this construction, the framework is built from logs and the gaps are filled with firewood pieces obtained from the tree branches.
Exactly, the reason for digging down was mostly to insulate as much as possible, but if straw and clay are enough, then that's great. Yes, I've also read that hasopor can be a good alternative. Since we haven't bought a plot yet, I still don't know what kind of sewage solution we plan to have...
Yes, I have heard about this and would have loved to build chicken coops and smaller structures on the property in this way, but we want the main house in "clay structure" however maybe one can cover the logs with clay? The question then is what insulates best? Straw or logs?
Yes, you cover the logs if you've used clay between the logs, it's only if you use concrete that you can leave them completely exposed.
This is what it looks like on the outside with clay: http://www.stockholmslansmuseum.se/visa_bild/2195/
It's possible to combine logs and insulation, but the walls will be 90 cm thick. https://attlevadetlevandelivet.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/kubbhus-med-dubbla-vaggar/
I would definitely choose logs over straw, it becomes a bit more difficult for pests to settle in the wall then.
This is what it looks like on the outside with clay: http://www.stockholmslansmuseum.se/visa_bild/2195/
It's possible to combine logs and insulation, but the walls will be 90 cm thick. https://attlevadetlevandelivet.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/kubbhus-med-dubbla-vaggar/
I would definitely choose logs over straw, it becomes a bit more difficult for pests to settle in the wall then.
Yes, that looks just as nice! The thickness of the walls doesn't matter, I was planning to have solid arches which are so beautiful!MissAnpassad said:
I just thought of something, if you buy a plot that you clear, how long must the wood dry before it's safe to build with?
When planning house constructions, especially if planning a bit "outside the box"/unconventionally, it's essential to have a thorough understanding of the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's building regulations (e.g., regarding accessibility) + specific area rules (cultural environment, etc.). This is to even be able to obtain a building permit for your dream. Check this out and if you want to search for information about materials, look at Sunda huset - they have almost EVERYTHING! She has gone through most of the materials before making her decision...
