The block
The house design
The house design
While we were looking around for
a suitable bush block, we were also checking out kit home designs and displays
for ideas on the house we wanted to build. One of our main
concerns was cost, we were not keen to fork out too much money on a
week-ender. But on the other hand, it was important to us to build
something of quality and real value, that was comfortable to live in with
all the necessary mod cons, and would require the very minimum of
ongoing upkeep. We also wanted the house to incorporate the appropriate environmental and energy
saving equipment and facilities, and to be able to take
advantage of the latest building materials and techniques.
In the end we came up with our own design that we felt would suit the bush environment,
take
advantage of the position and outlook and be relatively cheap to build. In
general, the house will be positioned on the slope with a north-south aspect and
supported by steel piers. The construction will be cypress
timber frames
with corrugated steel walls and roof, along with full length verandahs across
the front and
back. While the design is quite basic, we have incorporated some key features
into the house, such as a high open living area with an internal loft, and a
good sized elevated back verandah overlooking the valley. Snug and
cosy in winter, open and cool in summer.
Next ....... the foundations.
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