RE: GBlist: Residential concrete questions
Jim Newman (jnewman@user1.channel1.com)
Thu, 20 Feb 1997 14:23:51 -0500
Jim Newman here. Just a couple of thoughts on your questions. The first thing that comes to mind is the concept of living lightly on the land. In general, a concrete house doesn't really fit that ideal...but what are you after? Probably the first things to do would be for you to define a set of goals that you hope to achieve with your building, and then start looking at ways to get there. Not the other way around. High building mass has some nice qualities for your neck of the woods. But you better want those qualities.
1) Do you think that the idea of building "solid" houses which are
designed to last is a viable alternative?
Sure, a fine idea...but let's look at some "old" houses. A nice start here is probably Stewart Brand's "How Buildings Learn". What is your goal?...what will happen in 75 years? And what makes for longevity?
3) Also, I am looking for "case study" houses that are built in NC, SC,
GA, or VA. Do you have any suggestions of houses that are in the
800-1200 sq. ft. range, with good solar orientation, in any of these
states?
Unfortunately, no. But try looking at places that have been around for at least 150 years to get an idea of the qualities to persue.
4) Oh, also do you know any resources for finding out more about the
environmental ramifications of these systems?
Environmental Building News, of course, is a fine start.
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