Origonal image by: Tony Christensen
- Complete with solar panels and wind turbines for power generation,
- 12" Thick R40 insulated walls,
- Triple paned, argon gas filled windows
- and R60 insulation in the attic
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Net-Zero Bunkhouse
Origonal image by: Tony Christensen
Abstract Outline
Net-Zero camp housing
How cost effective would it be to prefabricate net-zero housing for companies in remote parts of Northern BC? Would these companies go for the idea of having moveable, completely sustainable housing options at their disposal?
In order to be considered “net-zero” a structure must create just as much, or more energy than it uses. The concept of net zero is great, apart from one small problem… Money, the cost of creating a completely self sustaining building far surpasses the cost of building a regular structure. Although creating a net-zero building is much more expensive than other options and may seem undesirable to some, it could also be exactly what someone else is looking for.
The goal of this research appears to be quite an achievable one. Bigger companies such as logging and mining companies will have a much higher budget for things like housing than the general public. These buildings will become a necessity in the most remote parts of the world. Camps could be established within a few days and would leave almost no impact on the environment. These buildings would eliminate the need for generators which cost both the environment and the owner.
In order to achieve net-zero, especially in such an extreme climate, many different methods of energy conservation must be implemented into design. Solar panels will be installed on the roof of every building. Wind turbines will also be added for times of the year when there isn’t as much sun. The energy created from the panels and turbines must be stored since the power drain will, for the most part, be in the evening. The excess energy from all the buildings will be stored in a single building (most likely the cookhouse) and will be distributed to the rest of the buildings as required. Extra insulation must be added to the walls and roof in order to cut down on heat loss. Triple pane - argon gas filled windows will be installed since a significant amount of heat loss is through windows. Motion sensors will be used for all lights in order to prevent unnecessary power use.
Technical
· Solar panels on the roof of each building
· Wind turbines incorporated
· All excess power stored in one main battery building
· Motion sensor lights to ensure efficient use of energy
· Higher insulation value in the walls
· Smaller/fewer windows
How cost effective would it be to prefabricate net-zero housing for companies in remote parts of Northern BC? Would these companies go for the idea of having moveable, completely sustainable housing options at their disposal?
In order to be considered “net-zero” a structure must create just as much, or more energy than it uses. The concept of net zero is great, apart from one small problem… Money, the cost of creating a completely self sustaining building far surpasses the cost of building a regular structure. Although creating a net-zero building is much more expensive than other options and may seem undesirable to some, it could also be exactly what someone else is looking for.
The goal of this research appears to be quite an achievable one. Bigger companies such as logging and mining companies will have a much higher budget for things like housing than the general public. These buildings will become a necessity in the most remote parts of the world. Camps could be established within a few days and would leave almost no impact on the environment. These buildings would eliminate the need for generators which cost both the environment and the owner.
In order to achieve net-zero, especially in such an extreme climate, many different methods of energy conservation must be implemented into design. Solar panels will be installed on the roof of every building. Wind turbines will also be added for times of the year when there isn’t as much sun. The energy created from the panels and turbines must be stored since the power drain will, for the most part, be in the evening. The excess energy from all the buildings will be stored in a single building (most likely the cookhouse) and will be distributed to the rest of the buildings as required. Extra insulation must be added to the walls and roof in order to cut down on heat loss. Triple pane - argon gas filled windows will be installed since a significant amount of heat loss is through windows. Motion sensors will be used for all lights in order to prevent unnecessary power use.
Technical
· Solar panels on the roof of each building
· Wind turbines incorporated
· All excess power stored in one main battery building
· Motion sensor lights to ensure efficient use of energy
· Higher insulation value in the walls
· Smaller/fewer windows
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Net-Zero Bunkhouses
Thesis Statement:
How cost effective would it be to construct prefabricated net-zero bunkhouses for companies in remote parts of Northern B.C?
Application:
To create sustainable, affordable living quarters for companies located in Northern B.C.
How cost effective would it be to construct prefabricated net-zero bunkhouses for companies in remote parts of Northern B.C?
Application:
To create sustainable, affordable living quarters for companies located in Northern B.C.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
New Subject
I have found that just researching and comparing prefabricated homes is very dry and quite a broad subject.
I will still be doing research involving prefabricated homes but i am shifting my sights more to the net-zero side of things. My research will focus on creating net-zero bunkhouses for work camps. Achieving net zero shouldn't be too big of a problem considering the bunkhouses will mainly just need lighting and heat, instead the problems will arise in the cost. If a cost effective net-zero bunkhouse could be created it would eliminate the need for generators and power lines and create an even more mobile camp.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pros and Cons of Manufactured Homes
Pros:
- Able to do construction all year
- Faster completion time
- Fast on-site assembly
- Construct building while doing site work
- Better than average structural quality
- Less wasted time and materials
- Lower cost
- Steady pricing of materials and labor
Cons:
- Limited design capabilities
- Zoning restrictions
- People have negative attitude towards them
- Can only choose one of their catalog designs
- Only one and a half storeys permitted
- No changes made once construction commences
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
History of Prefabricated Homes
One of the first companies to sell prefabricated homes was Sears. Buyers would order a house kit from a catalog and within a few weeks it would be shipped to them by train. These kits would include a complete set of plans and all the materials required to construct the house. In the mid 1920's Sears sold more than 200 homes a month, made $10 million a year, and with around 400 different designs the buyer had plenty of choices. In order to expand the scope of buyers Sears offered private financing with monthly payments. During the depression in the 1930's Sears lost $11 million because people couldnt make their payments. Sales never recovered from this and sears sold their last kit home in 1940. In the 32 year period that Sears was selling kit homes they sold 75000 kits.
Alladin Homes was one of the other main kit home sellers in North America dureing the 1900's. Like Sears, Alladin Homes also sold their kits through a catalog. In 1906 they Started out selling summer cottages and outbuildings for farms. After surving the depression Alladin Homes set theirs sights higher and started selling plans and packages to developers in order to create neighborhoods and company towns.
Prices of kit homes varied from $600-$1500 depending of styles and options the buyer included. In the past buyers usualy had the skills required for constructing these kit home... These days only a select amount of the population has theses skills and instead people tend to hire someone else to do the job for them.
Alladin Homes was one of the other main kit home sellers in North America dureing the 1900's. Like Sears, Alladin Homes also sold their kits through a catalog. In 1906 they Started out selling summer cottages and outbuildings for farms. After surving the depression Alladin Homes set theirs sights higher and started selling plans and packages to developers in order to create neighborhoods and company towns.
Prices of kit homes varied from $600-$1500 depending of styles and options the buyer included. In the past buyers usualy had the skills required for constructing these kit home... These days only a select amount of the population has theses skills and instead people tend to hire someone else to do the job for them.
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