Chris Reinhart Log

Wed Aug 7, 2013

Passive Solar - Direct Gain

Chosen as the best passive heating strategy because of the building size. Future designs should explore indirect gain systems, as well. The page of calculations is a starting point for determining apertures.

Notes, in addition to what is on drawings pages (should be added to drawing pages) -Aperatures must be within 15 degrees of true south (north, in southern hemisphere) for the building to receive 90% of optimal winter heat gains (Green Studio Handbook 107)

also note that the Green Studio Handbook states… “The first, and most important step in the design of a passive solar heating system is to minimize the rate of heat loss through non-south-facing envelope components (including infiltration losses).” (109)

The single-wythe version of the CEB building will have the potential for large heat losses. Although thermal mass can help, uninsulated earth walls, when they get cold, they take some time to warm up. My experience in the earthen section of my home is that if I am at home throughout the day or at least in the mornings and the evenings, the home will stay cosy. If gone for a couple days in the winter, it takes a half a day or better to make the home feel good again.

The double-whythe section offers greater potential to use the solar gain by being better insulated.

Roof Panels

Despite an enormous amount of information on prefabrication on the internet and at the library, it is clear that we are not working in the mainstream here. Every prefabbed roof panel I could find was a single, lifted-into-place-with-a-crane-type. We want something that four people can comfortably lift to a height of 8+ ft. Ideally, we want this technology replicable on two-story and greater buildings.

My explorations were based on the idea that four people could move a panel with a weight of about 200 pounds. The weight for the first iteration of the roof module is about 180 pounds without straw infill. (add weight calculations to drawings – also, final documents should include both English and metric units).

I think that the roof panel design can be improved as the details are explored. I think encasing the open side of the panel so that the straw cannot impede the panels coupling together would be slick. Something like luan plywood or masonite. Ideally, this thin piece is caulked into place, and the panels are caulked together when assembled.

The roof will have more linear feet of potential crack than any other component (assuming that the stucco is impermeable to moving air).

I would like to add to the schedule of events for the Labor Day visit that we build a full-scale test of a roof panel and track the process closely. It also makes sense to prebuild a jig for assembling the roof panels.

Construction Process

Numbers listed in contract add up to 28.

I think the mechanical unit might be best conceived as two units – one for plumbing, one for electrical – the idea of having critical connections of water and electricity and gas all next to each other is uncomfortable, indeed. This would break the team for the mechanical unit into two teams of 2.

What type of stucco is being used? Depending on the answer to that question, I think the stucco team of 4 could be smaller earlier in the day. We could go with 10 for bricks – 3 sliding and 5 laying. This could be one way of re-arranging if we are trying or needing to stay at exactly two dozen volunteers. If not, I think your numbers for adding up to 28 are comfortable.

House Layout

The two modules, separated by a courtyard, will create a wonderful outdoor space to be used for eating (cooking even, if desired), for relaxing, and for entertaining. However, two buildings separated require two separate MEP systems. Is it possible to arrange the building program so that functions are separated that have similar MEP needs? Could one space function without plumbing and gas?

One module with electricity, data, plumbing and gas: Kitchen Shower Toilet Dining

One module with electricity and data only: Bedroom (sleeping loft?) Living space Work Space

Concept drawing thoughts

reverse shed roof to allow for easier mounting of solar panels

look at option of upper windows for ventilation

add landscaping rain barrell viney plants

Thu Aug 1, 2013

• See Microhouse Build Planning and Chris Reinhart Contract
• Initial conversation on design with Marcin
• Planning first cut of design on Wed, Aug 7
• Water Glass for stone sealing or - [1]
• Stove - [[2]]
• Factor e Farm site plan - Factor e Farm Site Plan
• Beginning of brick courses - Brick Stacking Patterns
• Soil map - [3]

Sketchup File - File:Microhousev1.skp

Image of above: File:Mhv1.jpg