What we are aiming for would be stuctures that can be built by the builder-owner. They should be reasonably affordable, require minimal maintanence and upkeep, require minimal energy for heating and cooling. They should also use as little as possible of toxic materials (see materials). We really don't want cookie cutter structures, so decoration and creativity will be needed to make these building attractive.
The best choice appears to be an earth-bermed building open to the south for passive solar heating. Air tubes would be buried in the ground so incoming air would be "conditioned" by the temperture of the earth. Cooling in the summer, warming in the winter. A solar chimney may be necessary on the building to create a draft to pull air through these tubes. A front overhang would be needed to help shield the glass on the southern exposure from summer sun angle, while allowing winter sun angles to penetrate into the structure. Deciduous trees may be planted to help shade the building in summer, but allow sunlight through in the winter months.
HOME BUILDING can be an expensive proposition for most. Fortunately there are many inexpensive alternatives available today to the traditional methods of structure building and design. Some of these methods are new and some have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, although they have been refined and improved upon over time. Have a look at some of these alternatives below and follow the links to get more information!
ADOBE STRUCTURES are inexpensive and an excellent method to consider when choosing an alternative building method. These structures are popular in the southwest. Adobe has been in use as a building material for a thousand years and modern adobe structures improve upon the design. click here for more information.
LOG CABINS You've seen them before. President Lincoln was born in one and they've come a long way since then. Log structures range in price greatly depending on the square footage and design. click here for more information.
Alternative Home Plans
Environmental Design and Construction
Starter Cabins YOU can build!
The Cob Cottage Company