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This one of a kind design lends itself to coastal, flood prone, high wind and seismic areas. The unique construction technic’s are described below:
1) Planning
Shape a golden rectangle meaning 1:167 or in this case 24’ x 40’ is desirable. Don’t build on the top or near angular rocks. Front door facing energy, i.e., stream or road (see Feng Shui chart on back of Northwest Design & Restoration, Inc.’s brochure at www.northwestdesign.us)
2) Balloon Framing
This type of 19th century full-length stud framing construction makes it nearly impossible for floors to be detached from each other. The 2” x 6” x 20’ long studs walls may be assembled on the heated concrete slab and lifted in place. In flood prone areas, concrete walls (insulated concrete forms) or CMU (concrete masonry units) or cedar or water resistant material should be used to 1’ above base flood elevation. (BFC)
3) Hydronically Heated Slab
Heated floors are the cat’s meow. They deter mold and are quiet and comfortable. Keep the 5 _” thick re-enforced concrete slab isolated from the earth with a double bubble insulation or equivalent. Horizontal rebar is placed 12” on center each way and held up off the double white insulation or equivalent with cradles. _” pex pipe is zip tied to the top of the #3 (3/8”) rebar @ 12” on center. A maximum length of 300’ for each loop (zone) is recommended. Each loop is “homerunned” into a manifold where the supply or return can be adjusted with flow valves. The heated slab may be finished with stamped concrete, tile, vinyl, acid wash, polished concrete or a number of other floor coverings. The heating source for the water or glycol may be from a domestic water heater or boiler, fired by natural gas, LP gas, oil, electricity, coal or wood. An expansion tank installed above the water heater. Solar may augment any of the above. A timed thermostat that fires up the system an hour or two before heat is desired aids in the efficiency of the system. Approximately a 1/35 HP pump or 3-way valve is what the thermostat activates.
4) Cooling
In hot climates, a separate central air conditioning system or swamp cooler may be necessary. The cooling tower or cupola with (2) motorized casement windows and (4) manually operated windows help keep the home cooler. Cross ventilation in all areas is desirable. Trees or other types of landscape materials may also help cool.
5) Floor System (Main Floor)
Full 40’ long 11 7/8” deep I joists supported by (2) Glulam beams on 6 x 6 posts (cedar in flood prone areas) splitting the load makes for good support. Sub floor such as _” thick plywood OSB or tongue and groove flooring is glued and ring-shanked nailed to the top chord of the I joists. Hydronic heating is installed for wood floors the following way:
a) A double white reflective foil is stapled down to the sub floor and taped. 1” x 4” cedar sleepers at 24” on center are galvanized nailed perpendicular to I joists. The 1” x 4” cedar sleepers are stopped a couple of inches short of the wall. _” pex pipe is stapled to the sub floor (many suppliers of pex pipe will rent the pneumatic staple gun with an extension) at 12” on center again with a total maximum length of 300’ per loop. A concrete self-leveling slurry is poured between the sleepers (hydronic heating pipe works best in mass) level with the top of the sleepers. Most manufacturers recommend 1 _” thick gypcrete. We’ve found a _” thick slurry works good and is less expensive. Then craftpaper is stapled down to the sleepers. A narrow plank tongue and groove wood floor is then blind nailed into the sleepers. It is advantageous to have the wood floor end matched (tongue and groove) to eliminate waste. Although the wood floor may be butted together on the sleepers. A Douglas fir floor is not a hardwood but turns a nice shade of red as it ages. Tile is installed on wonder board or hardbacker in a similar way. Most owners have their guests remove their shoes at the door so they can experience the wonderful warm floors.
6) Roof System
A most unique framing system is done in the following manner:
a) 3 ply parallel chord scissor trusses are installed onto beam pocket at 1/3 intervals. A Simpson HGT-3 is used to hold down the trusses.
b) Beams to support cupola are installed perpendicular to girder trusses on hangers. Purlins parallel with the ridge are hung from the top chord of girder at 24” on center. Another 3 ply dropped top parallel chord girder truss is used at the gable end. This allows the 2 x 10 purlins to be notched into the gable end trusses. A maximum cantilever for a prow can be 1/3 the purlin length. The roof is then sheathed (follow proper fastening procedures for your area). A reflective foil (like Super R Plus) is installed on the sheathing then felt and roofing material is installed on top of it. Hurricane roof straps connect the notched purlins to the end wall.
7) Wall Framing
As mentioned earlier, full height studs or balloon framing is preferred. Required bracewall panels are installed per code. A 3/8 or 7/16 oriented strand board or plywood panel is used only in these areas by ripping the studs, plates and sills the 3/8 or 7/16 thickness. Follow the nail pattern per code. This nailing may need to be inspected depending on your jurisdiction. A perforated reflective foil and tyvek or sim is then installed on the open studs and brace panels. Corners and trim ( azek, smarttrim, secomilam.) Concrete fiber lap siding is then installed per their ICBO report. It is butted and caulked to the trim.
8) Loft
Attic/coffer ceiling trusses are used in. The loft is above the bedroom and bath. Skylights or dormers are used in the loft area.
9) Non-formaldehyde gyp board is used after the formaldehyde free blow-in-batts (B.I.B.) system is done.
10) Wiring
MC cable is used instead of Romex. The twisted shielded wire along with the ground metal boxes illuminates those electro magnetic fields.
11) Duct Work
Flexible duct work can be hard if not impossible to clean at times. Sometimes the strapping used to support the plastic duct work is not wide enough and causes ripples where dust and moisture can form then and with 75-85, degree mold can grow and spoors can become air borne. It is best to use rigid duct- work for easier cleaning. Non-fiberglass filters are easier.
12) Bad Earth energy such as grid lines, underground water veins, vortexes and 60 cycle harmonics can be eliminated by using a royal blue color visqueen. (code calls for black). There are also other means to eliminate that energy from your home. (see another article in our website).
13) Microwave Ovens
We don’t recommend using a microwave for anything. We have found that microwaves plugged in but turned off produce a 6’ field in front of the door. Unplug your microwave! Additionally, any good the food had before one nuked it is gone.
14) Additional Heating and Cooking Source
It is always good to have an alternate source of heat. A wood stove (such as Vermont Castings) with a flat top and glass door can be used for an additional heating and cooking source if utilities are interrupted. It also adds ambiance to your home.
15) Plumbing
Copper pipe could be a cause for Alzheimers. Use aqua pex pipe.
In summary
This type of construction:
1) Seismic, high wind and flood resistant
2) Eliminates electro magnetic fields
3) Eliminates bad Earth energies
4) Eliminates cell phone wave radiation
5) It’s light, airy and comfortable
6) Eye appealing
7) It is a healthy home or office environment to live or work
Northwest Design's beliefs:
1) About 50% of breast cancer is caused by electro magnetic fields generated in the bedroom and kitchen.
2) Parkinson’s disease could be caused by underground water veins.
3) If one is subjected to four bad energies for the majority of the day, it can cause serious mental and physical health problems.
In high wind or hurricane areas shutters are recommended. By David Fisse, Certified Professional Building Designer and Dowser
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