New Email and Blog Addresses

Sorry for the delay in responding. I’ve been blocked for quite a while and just figured out how to log back in to the site.

My new email address is: naturalhousesAT gmail dotcom

Our main blog is now called Natural Building Blog and the new address is http://naturalbuildingblog.com/

Solar Cabin

Solar Cabin (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 622 sq. ft. interior plus 273 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 loft, Footprint: 25′ x 35.5′

Description: Have you been dreaming of a getaway in the mountains or off in the country? Here’s your chance to live your dream. This design is small and simple, yet it has ample size and all the comforts for off-grid living. Features include passive solar design (roof overhang modified for your area at no charge), large loft, grow bed and modern kitchen.

Solar Cabin (click to enlarge)

Pod Houses

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Main pod = 372 sq. ft., double bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., master bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., connecting spaces = 220 sq. ft., total = 1,336 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 42′ x 87′

Description: This design connects hexagonal pods or modules that can be arranged in various configurations using more or fewer pods. This enables the home to be built one stage at a time. The bonus room in the double bedroom pod can be used as a study, etc. The bonus room in the master bedroom pod can serve as a home office, guest room, etc.

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Here’s another configuration using two pods.

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

Green House

Green House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 315 sq. ft. interior plus 90 sq. ft. loft, Footprint: 18′ x 24′

Description: A play on words, this tiny house has ‘green’ walls and optional living roof (not shown). Plant covered buildings are very practical, because they can save materials and finish work, reduce heating and cooling loads, oxygenate air around the building, as well as provide habitat for wildlife, buffer noise, etc. This house was designed for two university students who are concerned about the environment. Vines work well, or you could use the living wall system I am currently developing.

There are two main options: Loadbearing design (no posts), and post and beam. The loadbearing option requires dense ‘builder quality’ bales to prevent settling.

Green House (click to enlarge)

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 18′ interior diameter roundhouse = 254 sq. ft., roundhouse loft = 248 sq. ft., 20.5′ hexagon = 372 sq. ft., total = 874 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 28′ x 44′

Description: In this unique design, a two story roundhouse adjoins a hexagon. Features include a large bedroom in the round, a wood stove insert built into a central stone column, and a large loft above the bedroom for use as a home office, etc.

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

Mediterranean

Mediterranean (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 832 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 27′ x 41′

Description: This Mediterranean house has curved walls, a common plumbing wall, large closets and wood stove.

Mediterranean (click to enlarge)

Sweet Spot

Sweet Spot (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 792 sq. ft. interior, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 25′ x 39′

Description: Sweet Spot is an attractive and very efficient three bedroom home. Two roof options are available: 1. clerestory roof (shown); 2. gable roof with optional porch roof.

Sweet Spot Floorplan (click to enlarge)

33′ (10m) Roundhouse

33' (10m) Roundhouse: One Bedroom (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 33’ (10 meters) interior diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This spacious design features a large kitchen and south-facing window wall for excellent solar gain.

33' (10m) Roundhouse: One Bedroom (click to enlarge)

AutoCAD generated drawings of this plan are now available at no extra cost through Dream Green Homes.

33′ (10m) Roundhouse – 2 Bedroom

33′ (10m) Roundhouse - 2 Bedroom (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This spacious design features a large master bedroom with desk and walk-in closet, efficient kitchen and south-facing window wall for excellent solar gain.

33′ (10m) Roundhouse - 2 Bedroom (click to enlarge)

Wilderness Cabin

Wilderness Cabin (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 283 sq. ft. interior, sleeping loft, 1 bath, Footprint: 17′ x 24′ plus porch

Description: Just like the name implies, this cabin design is for remote fishing, hiking and hunting camps where it is difficult to transport building materials. It is compact, efficient and easy to build. A sleeping loft is under the high side of a shed roof.

Wilderness Cabin Floorplan

I’m reposting this plan to illustrate how the 30 most popular house designs will look once finished. AutoCAD plans are complete. The goal now is to produce the SketchUp perspectives at about one every 10 days and hopefully put them in a house plan book next year. There will be no added charge for upgraded plans (computer renderings) once they’re available. Thanks for your patience.