Construction Methods and Materials

he normal reaction having observed  this type of building is 'barn' or shop.  A local Mennonite man even thought it was a bakery. 

We don't want our lifestyle to be conspicuous.  This is our home and it has ample space for us to enjoy our life of peace and quiet. If you look in the upper left/center of this photo you will see another building. It's an old barn. That barn has been there before my time. I played in that barn with old Guy Clark when I was 6.  That was back in the middle 40's just after the war. Mr. Clark did not own or drive a car. He farmed his fields with a team of horses and shucked corn by hand.  I was able to see just how that was done.  What a privilege. 

Between that barn and our building is a paved road that is the local bus route to the high school. There is quite a bit of traffic in the mornings where buses and cars are going to and from that school.  I can't hear the traffic unless I step outside to watch.  By traffic I mean around 30 cars, farm trucks, and busses each way. Out here that kind of traffic is a big deal. 

                                                                                            It is not enough to put up a building such as this and not predetermine the ceiling height and illumination.  This is our library, living and dining room to the left. It is 18 x 30 feet. The purpose of this room design is to provide a library of reference books, (in cabinets above the counters), in concert with a TV and  replay video recorder. This allows us the ability to record specific commercial free programs and to watch them later, during a meal, or at our convenience. There is a 200 amp (4) channel quadraphonic music unit coupled to the TV. which allows the sound of the movies to be transmitted through a 24 speaker system mounted on top of the library cabinets in (4) enclosures.  The wall counters do not impact the floor in any place but are extended out as part of the wall construction. They are  very strong. 

There is a custom designed 1/2" glass top dining table, (4 x 8 foot),  setting on a snap locked oak wood floor. The floor covering is designed to float above the concrete slab thus allowing for expansion and contraction without buckling. 

In the ceiling is a daylighting system that provides very adequate light during the day. Natural illumination from this device is sufficient to preclude any need for electric lighting when the sun is above 16 degrees solar altitude any time of the year.  The level of illumination is controlled by an illumination control modulator on top of the roof.  The light is transmitted down through a reflective light well system and is further dispersed throughout the room by a specially designed lens.  The walls, (above the eight foot level), attach to the ceiling by a canted surface which enhances the reflective qualities of the natural illumination, (as well as the quad sound system),  as they are broadcast throughout the room evenly. The ceiling height is 10.5 feet. 

The overall effect of this interior design provides a well lighted open outdoor market atmosphere while preventing excessive heat gain during summer months.  Sufficient natural light is transmitted into this room to prevent S.A.D, (seasonal affective disorder or winter blues), during winter months. This is accomplished without the use of typical vertical fenestration common in most commercial homes.

More Interior Views

This is a daylit environment with plenty of ceiling space and light walls and cabinets. Notice the package 10,000 btu air conditioner mounted in the wall above the plant on the shelf cabinet. This unit adequately takes care of our cooling needs for this room. The room is 18 x 30 feet with a 10.5 foot ceiling.

The kitchen is also daylit and has a 20 foot wall organizer for Irene's kitchen utensils on the West wall. The kitchen has adequate table and counter space to handle large cooking projects.

Several roll around carts are also installed to facilitate different set ups for specific occasions.

The photo to the right shows the North wall and various roll around stainless steel shelves and carts.  A host of antique steel signs are mounted on this wall. The daylighting lens is in the ceiling directly above this area. The stainless table ,center, and (3) legged stools are also used as a quick breakfast and snack location during the day.

Above you will see the North East view of my fabrication shop. this also includes a 100 amp 32 position power sub-panel, main lugs only. This is located on the North wall just above the red sand blaster. To the right of this is a very efficient propane furnace, (93%) which is powered by a 1000 gallon propane tank to the West of the building.  See the plan view, Contents page. To the right of the furnace is the pocket door opening leading to the bedroom. All rooms in the new addition have steel ceilings and OSB, (oriented strand board), walls.  No maintenance, ever. Above the painting on the East wall are (2) 2 tube F96T12 fluorescent strip fixtures mounted directly to the wall above the work bench area.