Design for self-build
The construction of the house designed for the site, which the architect owner had intended to build for himself if finances had allowed (can't sell our house in Ireland) is envisaged to be in four phases:
1 Earthworks and Foundations.
2 Bedroom Floor quickly constructed on the basis of 3 shipping containers (which should allow the self-builder to move into one of these early in the process).
3 Living Floor as a kit-built timber-framed unit supported partly on the containers and partly on a stepped platform constructed in phase 1.
4 Completion of external insulation and cladding works, roofing, and internal fitting out.
Phase 1:
The design which has Planning Permission has been arranged to allow building on the steeply sloping site with the minimum of earth moving. A drive is positioned at the top of the slope, parallel to the road. The turning space at the south end involves the only significant remodelling of the contours.
It is envisaged that this first phase of the project will be carried out by a specialised earthworks and foundation contractor, and will include the site clearance,and tree-felling, the drive and turning space, retaining walls and steps, plus a concrete block and pre-cast plank structure which will provide a stepped platform (indicated in pink on the drawing below) on which the house will be constructed. The west end of this platform will create an open-ended storage/workshop area, which can easily be enclosed if required. This initial contract could also include the on-site drainage, which will incorporate a pumping chamber to deal with the depth of the lowest drainage below the existing sewer in the road.
1 Earthworks and Foundations.
2 Bedroom Floor quickly constructed on the basis of 3 shipping containers (which should allow the self-builder to move into one of these early in the process).
3 Living Floor as a kit-built timber-framed unit supported partly on the containers and partly on a stepped platform constructed in phase 1.
4 Completion of external insulation and cladding works, roofing, and internal fitting out.
Phase 1:
The design which has Planning Permission has been arranged to allow building on the steeply sloping site with the minimum of earth moving. A drive is positioned at the top of the slope, parallel to the road. The turning space at the south end involves the only significant remodelling of the contours.
It is envisaged that this first phase of the project will be carried out by a specialised earthworks and foundation contractor, and will include the site clearance,and tree-felling, the drive and turning space, retaining walls and steps, plus a concrete block and pre-cast plank structure which will provide a stepped platform (indicated in pink on the drawing below) on which the house will be constructed. The west end of this platform will create an open-ended storage/workshop area, which can easily be enclosed if required. This initial contract could also include the on-site drainage, which will incorporate a pumping chamber to deal with the depth of the lowest drainage below the existing sewer in the road.
Phase 2:
For the second phase, three 20'x8' shipping containers (shown outlined in yellow above) would be craned in to sit in a U-shape on the concrete platform, so that a fourth area is created between them. The containers would have necessary window and door openings cut into them, plus the removal of sections of their sides where required, in order to form the required rooms. The container which will house the bathroom could provide temporary kitchen and sanitary facilities to enable it to be occupied during the rest of the construction. Windows for this floor will be provided as part of the timber kit package for the floor above.
For the second phase, three 20'x8' shipping containers (shown outlined in yellow above) would be craned in to sit in a U-shape on the concrete platform, so that a fourth area is created between them. The containers would have necessary window and door openings cut into them, plus the removal of sections of their sides where required, in order to form the required rooms. The container which will house the bathroom could provide temporary kitchen and sanitary facilities to enable it to be occupied during the rest of the construction. Windows for this floor will be provided as part of the timber kit package for the floor above.
Phase 3:
The final part of the main structure will be provided by a timber frame kit - essentially a timber-frame bungalow with a timber floor provided, which will span between the shipping containers, with its east end resting on the concrete platform. This kit (see costings section) will include virtually everything except the final roof and external wall finishes, the stair to the floor below, and internal services, fittings and fixtures.
The final part of the main structure will be provided by a timber frame kit - essentially a timber-frame bungalow with a timber floor provided, which will span between the shipping containers, with its east end resting on the concrete platform. This kit (see costings section) will include virtually everything except the final roof and external wall finishes, the stair to the floor below, and internal services, fittings and fixtures.