Hi Eric,
In a message dated 3/29/99 1:14:05 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<<I get the impression that you are pushing the limits (time, money, skills,
knowledge, etc.) with this project. >> LOL! Bingo...I feel like a yo-
yo...constantly changing, adjusting. Trying to save $$$ and yet wind up with a
low maintenance, affordable home that takes advantage of passve solar, low
tech solutions and good old fashioned changes in your habits to make do with
less(BG)
<<A 12:12 pitch means the roof rises 12 inches (or
feet, or whatever unit you want) for every 12 inches (or feet, etc.) of
run.>> I knew that. But I wasn't sure of the angle of slope ...I believe it
is 45 degrees...but I have forgotten a lot of geometry:)
<<Yes, it's hard to compromise on a pair of dates for shading. As I said in
my last message, the pair of dates must be the same number of days from the
summer solstice, so that they will be the same angle.>> Eric I just went to
one of those sites that calculate the sun angles. Geez they don't make it easy
on a guy...there were three different bearings/angles that they gave azimuth
was one. I'll have to re-check the others listed . It's on my other computer.
Sorry...I'll get back to you later on the exact info after I calculate on
solar noon?? Does solar noon vary from plain old noon. I know we are a few
degrees east or west of magnetic south?? But am not sure how this effects the
calculations, or if it's really that important:)
<<I assumed you would have rafters so that the roof could stick out beyond
the wall.>> Yes...that will probably be so.
<< It is a lot easier
to build when all of the roof overhangs are the same,>> Agreed.
<<so I would recommend
minimizing the glass on the east and west and not worry too much about the
overhangs there.>> Hmm...I plan to minimize glass on north. But I like lots
of daylighting . So I'll probably eventually have screened in porches on east
and west and will have not a whole lot butsufficient windows for cross
ventilation, air circulation etc. Probably overhead trellis on the east to
shade some of the glass in summer.
<<It sounds like you are
planning to have a hip roof. Is that true?>> No...it's more complicated to
construct, probably more prone to problems in valleys etc. Or is there a good
reason/advantages for me to consider same?
<<We are heating the floors of our down stairs (880 s.f.) and not
heating the upstairs (so far this seems okay, never getting more than a
couple degrees cooler than down stairs).>> Ah, that's good to hear. Perhaps I
too can get away with just putting radiant flooring in basement and first
floor.
Not so sure I'd tackle all this installation myself. I'm one of those that
normally like to do most things myself...but the learnuing curve/dangers/$$$
are too great to screw it up out of ignorance. he he
<<I designed my own system (and house) after doing
much research, but still took my design to a professional radiant heat
company for their advice. >> Yes, when time is right I plan to do just that,
and to hopefully have an architect critique the plan at minimal fixed cost per
hour etc
As you can tell I certainly agree with your vision for the future:
<< I don't see distant factories using complicated
systems of machines and energy to make complicted gadgets from matierials
gathered from around the world. >>
But right now due to time constraints I'll settle for a well designed, well
sited, efficient home that blends low tech, and high tech solutions that are
affordable.
I'll sacrifice fancy , schmancy stuff like curved walls, angles and complex
constructions and ornament and keep construction simple, and straightforward.
Materials , hopefully locally available, low cost, and from sustainable
sources.
It's been great boucing a lot of these ideas on the list. Because to me it is
obvious there area good many of us who have spent quite a bit of time
researching alternative building, energy efficient housing, design etc.
Thanks. Look forward to your replies. Best to all. Frank
