Lifetime Design Housing
What elements constitute houses that can last hundreds of years?
Primary considerations are keeping moisture out, or safety from high winds. Rock, concrete, dirt, and steel last in general - but if we use wood or sheet metal, those lifetimes are limited.
Some measures to consider:
- Lifetime roof: membrane + living roof. Soil protects the roof for ever.
- CEBs - last 100s of years when protected from water. Stabilized with cement, can last like rocks. Using Basket Technique for seismic stabilization.
- Extruded polystyrene under gravel for low-cost foundations, on undisturbed ground. Floor surface - rammed earth, stabilized.
- Steel space frames - galvanized or painted. Would last 100s of years with 1/2" welded rebar.
Not Easy
- Rock - great idea - but hard to move rock. Castles are made of rock, though.
Links
- Construction Physics - [1]
