When I meet someone new, and tell them what I do, they invariably ask if I designed my own house. The answer is "Yes", I design my own house about once a year. But, no, I do not live in a home of my own design for a few reasons–most importantly being that I can't afford myself. Second, if I got to create something that was all mine, from scratch, I would drive myself, the builder, and everyone around me crazy striving to make it ab-sew-loot-lee perfect.
At any rate, here is one of the dream houses I drew for myself:
(http://thevinylvillage.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dreamhouseonefront.jpg?w=509&h=355)
Front exterior: all stone, slate roof, copper gutters, bronze windows.
(http://thevinylvillage.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/mainfloor.jpg?w=404&h=620)
The main floor...the primary design features are the large rotunda hallways, a built in breakfast "booth" and a master closet that has direct access to the laundry room.
(http://thevinylvillage.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dreamhouseupper.jpg?w=401&h=628)
The upper floor, the biggest mentionables there being the home office built for two, and a guest suite with morning kitchen (so overnight guests can make themselves a little snack if they wake before the homeowner.
is it "green" designed?...
What's the car next to the Carrera? :biggrin:
Quote from: Henry Hawk on May 14, 2009, 12:50:25 PM
is it "green" designed?...
In some ways it would be. There's a lot of "green washing" because its such a hot ticket item right now...Ill have to get in depth sometime on what makes a good green product....but the short version is (in my opinion) that using materials like brick and stone (quarried locally) is "green" because they last the life of the building, never needing to be replaced/repainted/etc.
One of the best green things anyone can do for minimal cost and fairly quick payback is to route all of their downspouts into a gray water tank that supplies the lawn and garden needs. Its free water that runs off the roof anyway, and in most areas can fully take care of lawn maintenance needs.
The floor system is engineered rather than nominal lumber. Engineered wood trusses CAN (though all don't) be made of younger trees, scraps from other wood products, etc. so there is some argument that not only do they provide a more solid floor, they are a greener product. Of course efficient windows and insulation, placing a house properly in relation to the sun, all reduce the amount of energy it takes to "work"
And the car next to the Porsche? Im not sure...about a 1984 Ford LTD I would guess/ :laugh:
Whatever it is...it's positioned for a quick getaway....wouldn't the Porsche be better suited for that? :wink:
Quote from: Gryphon on May 14, 2009, 01:53:42 PM
And the car next to the Porsche? Im not sure...about a 1984 Ford LTD I would guess/ :laugh:
I thought maybe it was the wife's Volvo. :biggrin:
(http://www.philly2hoboken.com/blog/archives/images/whatthe.jpg)
:laugh:
Quote from: Exterminator on May 14, 2009, 02:38:55 PM
I thought maybe it was the wife's Volvo. :biggrin:
(http://www.philly2hoboken.com/blog/archives/images/whatthe.jpg)
I'm not going to even ask ... WHO's print is that...
it demonstrates the wisdom of buying a well built automobile.
Most cars would have dented from the pressure.
They're boxy but they're good. :biggrin:
shines a whole new light on ...sleeping in the doghouse, huh?
Quote from: Henry Hawk on May 14, 2009, 03:39:13 PM
I'm not going to even ask ... WHO's print is that...
I actually thought the whole thing looked like ole' Jeebus. :razz: :rotfl:
BTW, nice house design Gryphon! :yes:
Quote from: Locutus on May 19, 2009, 10:58:15 PM
I actually thought the whole thing looked like ole' Jeebus. :razz: :rotfl:
And Mary! :biggrin:
Thanks Loc!
Speaking of seeing holy images....this weeks siting is Cheesus, a Savior shaped cheese snack: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/05/19/Couple-found-Cheesus-in-Cheetos-bag/UPI-49961242769431/
Quote from: Gryphon on May 20, 2009, 11:01:03 AM
Thanks Loc!
Speaking of seeing holy images....this weeks siting is Cheesus, a Savior shaped cheese snack: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/05/19/Couple-found-Cheesus-in-Cheetos-bag/UPI-49961242769431/
LOL! I think Ex made a post about that on the Jeebus in a seashell thread. ;D
Quote from: Gryphon on May 14, 2009, 01:53:42 PM
One of the best green things anyone can do for minimal cost and fairly quick payback is to route all of their downspouts into a gray water tank that supplies the lawn and garden needs. Its free water that runs off the roof anyway, and in most areas can fully take care of lawn maintenance needs.
I absolutely love that idea. :yes:
Is there an alternative that you know of for areas such as here in San Diego where the average annual waterfall is so low? I have a friend who catches her shower water and uses it for small water projects, but I'm wondering if there's another way to recycle it other than letting go back in the system.
What about solar panels? Is that a very expensive system to set up? maintain? and how long would it take for a system like that to pay for itself in energy costs?
If you know, I'm curious. :biggrin:
Sandy...you hit the nail on the head for low-rain areas. Catching shower water (and, I believe, even wastewater from washing machines, sinks) is an alternative for the lawn.
Solar panels are still expensive...I believe that like anything they would be lower in price if they were used more widely. I had a conversation with a provider recently who said that, at current energy prices, a full solar package would pay for itself in ten years in this area. Of course that would be less if energy prices climb, and less still if solar "caught on" and the equipment price dropped. Maintenance is next to nothing on the system.
One thing to note...many people still think of the big ole solar panels of the 70s. But today, there are a lot more choices. Velux makes a line of collectors that outwardly look identical to their skylights. Another company makes a solar collector that goes UNDER a metal roof, and so is invisible from the street.