Hobbit house
I think this was on DU2--deserves a replay IMO
http://simondale.net/house/index.htm
Some key points of the design and construction:
--Dug into hillside for low visual impact and shelter
--Stone and mud from diggings used for retaining walls, foundations etc.
--Frame of oak thinnings (spare wood) from surrounding woodland
--Reciprocal roof rafters are structurally and aesthaetically fantastic and very easy to do
--Straw bales in floor, walls and roof for super-insulation and easy building
--Plastic sheet and mud/turf roof for low impact and ease
--Lime plaster on walls is breathable and low energy to manufacture (compared to cement)
--Reclaimed (scrap) wood for floors and fittings
--Anything you could possibly want is in a rubbish pile somewhere (windows, burner, plumbing, wiring...)
--Woodburner for heating - renewable and locally plentiful
--Flue goes through big stone/plaster lump to retain and slowly release heat
--Fridge is cooled by air coming underground through foundations
--Skylight in roof lets in natural feeling light
--Solar panels for lighting, music and computing
--Water by gravity from nearby spring
--Compost toilet
--Roof water collects in pond for garden etc. ;
Main tools used: chainsaw, hammer and 1 inch chisel, little else really. Oh and by the way I am not a builder or carpenter, my experience is only having a go at one similar house 2yrs before and a bit of mucking around inbetween. This kind of building is accessible to anyone. My main relevant skills were being able bodied, having self belief and perseverence and a mate or two to give a lift now and again.
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This is my dream home. If only I could convince the rest of my family to embrace the Hobbit life. 