build, design a house

I met M. Reynolds, the designer and inventor of earthships, a few days ago on the streets of Amsterdam. It was a chance encounter. I expressed interest in building an earthship, and his wife mentioned the website. I applied. But I won’t be free from traveling until June 2006.

I’ve seen the movie. I’ve purchased one of M. Reynold’s books. And I want to live in one of his homes, even if it means building it myself.

I’m looking forward to seeing the documentary “Garbage Warrior” all about Mike Reynolds who pioneered “Earthships”, which incorporate many of the ideas I want in a home.

[Edit: I’ve seen it multiple times, and bought one of Reynold’s books from Amazon. It’s on its way. Just need land.]

http://www.eaglesnesthomes.com/

The dream is complete self-sufficiency and durability. Dome homes are efficient to heat and resistant to damage from the elements. The floor plans I’ve drawn are based upon the Oregon Dome, Inc. system and plans.

The perimeter walls will be made of durable materials. [Cob? Concrete? Steel?] They are fire, insect and rodent proof. There will be conduits for wires. The basement and art studio will be window-less as it’s easier to regulate temperature, that way. The basement and art studio, with tall ceilings, will be water tight enough to float in the event of a flood, too. [The art studio will be weighted to balance the weight of the rest of the house. Additional lower floors in art studio are a possibility.]

The south end of the geodesic dome-surface roof will be skylighted to capture sun during the day, and the stars at night. Any part of the roof not skylighted will have triangular solar electrical panels. Each of its five corners will have wind mills to generate additional electricity.

The main floor bedroom will have an en-suite sliding door entrance to the main floor bathroom. The bathroom on the loft level will include a bidet. The mechanical room in the basement will include a water distiller, as there will be a grey and rain water system.

The basement mechanical room will also host a water heater and washer/dryer. And the main floor utility room, will be mainly for information and internet-based technology including a wireless router, and home automation touch screen or system.

Each perimeter main-floor window will have roll shutters, for increased security, privacy and comfort. They will provide better insulation and protection from extreme weather. They will control shade better. And they will reduce outside noise. Even the doggy doors will have roll shutters.

The outside of the house will be a covered skylighted walk-way to a four car garage. There will be a rock-sculpted pool and hot tub with waterfalls, between the house and garage, which the walk-way goes past. Ideally, the four car garage will be on a lower level and hidden from view.

To review:

• Sustainable water and electricity (off the grid) with solar and wind power
• Ability to float in event of flood, and survive a natural disaster
• Fire, insect and rodent proof
• Separate entrance to underground art studio (possibly multiple floors)
• Rock-sculpted hot tub, pool, water fall
• Four car garage (preferably below ground)
• Geodesic-domed half-skylighted roof
• Roll shutters, even on built-in doggy doors

[Engineer may be required for floatation plans.]

because I haven’t set any dates, this is more of a wish than a goal.