House of the future

[Chris Stewart]

I have compacted the area quite a bit so here are the latest floorplans

[Chris Stewart]

Considering the pros and cons of one story vs. two story:

Two story has smaller foot print which should allow greater density per acre. This means land, utilities and roads cost less and services are closer.

One story is easier for people with physical limitations to get around in.

Roofs and foundations are expensive and two story houses would minimize these elements.

Two story could have a better surface area to volume ratio.

One story floor area can be more efficient since stairs don't take up space and walkways are less.

It is more difficult to build and harder to maintain two story walls.

Two stories have less exposure to direct sun which would be an advantage in a hot climate.

Two stories makes it easier to get solar collectors above trees.


Here is the latest cross section:

[Chris Stewart]

Here is a one story version of the same plan. 1257 sq. ft.

[Chris Stewart]

I've been working on this one story model some. Added a porch and a little clerestory.

[Chris Stewart]

I think this house still represents quite a bit of energy luxury so I am working on a smaller version.

This is a bit smaller and I think the arrangement is better. Also I changed the garage to reflect the much smaller vehicles we will be driving when the oil runs out.

[Chris Stewart]

This could be a very cute house:

[Chris Stewart]

Using this new bendable concrete may allow the foundation to be substantially lighter.

Maybe only needing exterior beams which can be inverted so that the beam becomes part of the wall and then that part of the wall is bermed with earth to provide thermal mass

[Chris Stewart]

The roof would use SIP's



Water tubes would be placed on top of this on the South side and that entire side of the roof would become the solar water heater which would provide all of the hot water and heat for the house.

[Chris Stewart]

Looking at the sun exposure:

june and december

[Chris Stewart]

Here is a cross section going front to back.

Solar tube lights would provide additional day lighting. Perhaps they could even be constructed in a way which would allow them to be opened for natural ventilation.

Or they could be plugged with a foam "cork" when no light is needed or available to cut down on unwanted energy transfer.