Sheds, Cabins and Houses
Sharon Davis House
Albany, USA
Sharon Davis bought the three‐acre site, which abuts the road on one side and 70 acres of nature preserve on another, to protect it from development. She ended up inspired to design and build a one‐bedroom house for herself that paid homage to the historic nature of the road and town. She was adamant that the house be small and have a light environmental touch, while still feeling comfortable, modern and luxurious..
The existing house on the site became the starting point for the design because of its elegant size. The new house was created using the original house’s footprint, but engages the surrounding environment in numerous ways
The south facing roof includes glazed, solar photovoltaic panels which also allow the roof space below to be naturally lit. Solar generation and battery storage are used to power heating, ventilation, hot water and electrical power systems which includes appliances, LED lighting and heat pump. A solar air system preheats ventilation air which is topped up from a thermal water store.
The house features high‐end millwork and finishes from recycled, reclaimed and local materials – all custom‐designed to maximize the use of space – such as salvaged pine and reclaimed oak on the exterior, bluestone slab on the exterior stairs, walkways and bathroom, a slate fireplace, a corten steel planter bed, blackened steel stairs and shelving and a poured‐in‐place concrete kitchen floor and island.
See original article.
The Socler House
Cardiff, Wales
The SOLCER house is based on the 'Buildings as Power Stations' concept developed by the SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre, but incorporates additional features developed by the LCRI's Low Carbon Buildings Research Programme.
It has high levels of thermal insulation and low air leakage and uses low-carbon cement, structural insulated panels (SIPS), external insulated render, transpired solar collectors and low-emissivity double glazed aluminium clad timber frame windows and doors.
The south facing roof includes glazed, solar photovoltaic panels which also allow the roof space below to be naturally lit. Solar generation and battery storage are used to power heating, ventilation, hot water and electrical power systems which includes appliances, LED lighting and heat pump. A solar air system preheats ventilation air which is topped up from a thermal water store.
Shipping Container Cabins
The Humble Container
It is possible to buy a second hand shipping container quite cheaply. Here are some ideas to whet your appetite.
My Favourite Container Cabin
This Sri Lankan "cabana" was built by architect Damith Premathilake, who used a spare shipping container along with some old wooden weapons boxes to make this idyllic retreat.
Photos courtesy of Logan Photography out of London.
Sheds
Here are a couple of interesting sheds and cabins
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