Definition: “Eyebrow or eyelid dormer [and window]: A low dormer on the slope of a roof. It has no sides, the roofing being carried over it in a wavy line. The bottom of an eyebrow dormer is flat and the top is curved. Like skylights, dormer windows are a source of light and ventilation for top floors, but unlike skylights (which are parallel to the roof surface) they also increase the amount of headroom in the room and allow for more usable space.”
Month: April 2012
Not So Big House
The Not So Big House book description:
“Sarah Susanka contends that people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don’t work. In The Not So Big House, she proposes clear guidelines for creating homes that serve spiritual needs as well as material requirements. Topics covered include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs as well as floor plans, the book is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. “Susanka says to evaluate what makes you feel at home and let your activities define your rooms.” — San Francisco Chronicle
Traditional Post and Beam Barn Home Kits
“Pole barn dwellings are much different than post and beam barn homes. The only similarity between a pole barn and a post and beam barn is that they both have upright posts that support the frame of the barn.
Jon Jondai – Life is Easy
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a while. Jon Jondai does an excellent job of weaving together the importance of natural building and creating a happy life. It’s well worth turning up the volume a little and listening carefully.
Wholewoods Natural Buildings
“A celebration of wood, art, and craftsmanship. See us on Channel 4 this summer working with Kevin McCloud on his latest project and at Grand Designs Live in London May 5th.
Wholewoods is an ethical business supporting traditional woodland crafts and sustainable woodland management.
Creating natural buildings is a skill we have passionately honed over many years. We take regular commissions but also specialise in using the building process as a way of bringing people together to learn. Whether this be a local community group, school children, members of staff or volunteers, all can have a chance to get their hands dirty by working with us.
Roundwood Open Web Joists
Inspired by projects such as William Castle’s house, featured on our blog yesterday, I set out to design an open web joist using small diameter poles for non-code areas. It’s not as shiny and elegant as manufactured brands, but hey, who can argue with the cost? These trusses would cost just a few dollars apiece if you have a good source of poles. In parts of the U.S., and probably other countries, the poles you would need are practically free. Small trees like this are thinned out to reduce fires and help larger trees reach marketable size. You could use scrap metal for tie plates and cut the cost in half. Barter for a can of screws and you’re talking really dirt cheap.