Linked from OSE Microhouse . Page edited by , design by Cohabitat Group with adherence to and . To be built with CEB Press IV supported by Prototype IV, Prototype I, Prototype III, Prototype V and VI, Prototype I, Prototype I, industry standard and industry standard .

Introduction

Factor e Farm is building a prototype Microhouse to demonstrate and document the efficiency of building CEB structures compared to stick-built methods. We are documenting the time of construction. Compared to stick-frame construction - we are designing for:

improved thermal performance (both heating and cooling)
lower cost
use of local material sourcing (block + insulation)
longer lifetime.

We will be building a minimalist 12'x12' structure to demonstrate the building techniques - while documenting the process in technical detail:

Step by step procedure with diagrams prior to build
Time for each step
Comprehensive cost and bill of materials
Step-by-step video instructional with technical script

Design Discussion

Notes:

Spread Footer: 1:50
Wall 14" wide - double wall with thermal breaks, see Earth Sheltered House and Double Wall Brick Laying with Thermal Break Video
2:30 - gravel base,
2:50 - pea gravel - 6" wider than footer

Design Rationale

Breakthrough cost to performance ratio by DIT Collaborative Production. Goal: $4/sf.
Breakthrough construction time: 2 days with 5 people for every 300 square feet of house space for modular structure
- Preframed door, window, roof. mechanical/kitchen units.
Modular structure, additions can be made on-demand
Wall-integrated Stove
CEB Floors
Double CEB Walls insulated with hammer-milled straw
Built-in winter-round greenhouse
Locally milled lumber

Design

Specifications and Build Plan

Phase 1: Build foundation for a single free-standing unit of 12'x12' size separated by 8 feet using a covered walkway- one for living unit and one for greenhouse unit.
Build 12'x12' living structure - CEB floor, build in wood stove, provision forwater line

Foundation

edit

Shallow insulated footer technique. Works for heated structures to prevent frost heave.
Inside - poly goes under footer
Outside - poly goes up footer and under insulation