COMPACTCABINS
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LIBRARYOFCONGRESSCATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATIONDATA
Rowan,Gerald.Compactcabins/byGeraldRowan.p.cm.
Includesindex.ISBN978-1-60342462-2(pbk.:alk.paper)1.Logcabins—Designandconstruction.2.Logcabins—Designsandplans.I.Title.
TH4840.R6872010
728.7’3—dc22
2009028677
COMPACTCABINSSimpleLivingin1,000SquareFeetorLess
byGeraldRowan
INTRODUCTIONGoodLivinginSmallSpaces
ONE50DesignsforCompactCabins
TWODesign:Architecture,Logistics,Environment
THREEAModularApproachtoCabinDesign
FOURUsingManufacturedStructuralComponents
FIVEGettingtheMostfromBuildingMaterials
SIXCompact&EfficientUtilities&Appliances
SEVENEnergyIndependence
INDEXIncludingAlphabeticalListingofPlans
INTRODUCTION:GOODLIVINGINSMALLSPACES
MOSTOFUSDREAMOFHAVINGASMALLPLACEONALAKE,INTHEMOUNTAINS,ONTHESHORE,INTHEWOODS,OREVENINOURBACKYARD.SOMEDREAMOFAPLACEFORPRIVACYANDSOLITUDE.
Somedreamofaplacetomakeartorwrite.Somedreamofaplaceforfishing,gettingoutinnature,orsimplyspendingtimewithfriendsandfamily.
Onegiantimpedimenttoowningacabinisthecostofbuildingone.Anexcellentwaytocontrolthatcostistobuildsmall.Infact,buildingsmalloffersanumberofadvantages:lowercost,lowerimpactontheenvironment,reduceduseofbuildingmaterials,reducedbuildingtime,andlessmaintenance.
Oneinherentproblemwithbuildingsmalliscreatingspacethatiscomfortabletoliveinandmeetsourneeds.Gooddesigncankeepthecostsandenvironmentalimpacttoaminimumandstillcreatecomfortablelivingspace.Andthatisthefocusofthisbook.Theideaspresentedhereareintendedforfolkswhowanttohaveahandindesigningtheirownsmallcabininordertocreateaspacethatfitstheirneedsinasimpler,moreaffordable,moreecologicalway.
Somefolksobjecttotheideaoflivinginasmallspace,andtheyhaveapoint:acramped,crowdedspacewouldmakeanyonefeelabitclaustrophobic.Butinawell-designedspace,smalldoesnotmeancramped.Gooddesignimbuesevenasmallspacewithamplelightandventilation,enoughroomforpeopletomoveabouteasily,comfortablefurnishings,andalltheamenitiesthathomedwellersrequiretoenjoycabinlife.
Thefiftycabinplansinchapter1runthegamutfromjustmorethan150squarefeettojustunder1,000squarefeet.Eachcabin’sdesignmakesthemostofitssizetooffercomfortableliving,working,andsleepingquarters—inshort,goodlivinginasmallspace.
Eachdesignisdetailedasafloorplanandanelevation,andyoushouldfeelfreetomixandmatchfloorplansandelevations.Asageneralrule,floorplansareaboutergonomics,orpeoplespace.Elevationsaregenerallyaboutdesignor
style.Anycabinfloorplanmayhaveadozendifferentelevationsandrooflinesthatwouldworkwithit,justasanyelevationmayhavealargenumberoffloorplansthatwouldworkwellwithit.Eachwillimpartaverydifferentsenseofstyle.
Manyofthecabindesignscontainelementsthatcanbeselectivelyappliedtootherdesigns.Forexample,theoutdoorfreestandingfireplacedesignedforonecabin’sporchwouldworkequallywellonanotherdesign’sporch.Theoutdoorstoragelockerofonecabincouldeasilybeconvertedtothenervecenterofasolar-electricsystemforanotheroff-the-gridcabin.
Designdoesn’tendwithafloorplanandelevation.Theremainingchaptersaddresstheelementsoftheplansyou’llseeinchapter1,fromoff-the-gridpowersystemstoappliancechoices,premanufacturedstructuralcomponents,ecologicalbuildingchoices,andspace-saving(orspace-enhancing)designfeatures.Allthesecabinelementsplayaroleinthedesignofacabinthatworksbestforyou.
Designingacabinasaseriesofmodulescangreatlyfacilitatethebuildingprocess,anditmakesfutureexpansionsimple.Chapter3discussesthemodularconceptinmoredetail.Thereyou’llfindmodulesforkitchens,baths,livingspaces,bedrooms,porchesanddecks,andcombinationsofallofthese.Suchmodulescanbestrungtogethertoproduceavarietyofcabinsizesandlayouts.Amodularplanallowsyoutobuildastartermoduleandliveinitasyouconstructtherestofthecabin.
Thoughthisbookoffersmanydesignideasandplans,ifyouarenotabuilderorarchitect,youwillneedtoworkwithonetocreateadetailedbuildingplan.Youwillalsoneedtoconsultwithyourlocalbuildingdepartmenttomakesurethatyourplansconformtolocalbuildingandzoningcodes.
Somepeopledreamoftheultimatecabin,onethathaseverycomfort;somedreamofaminimalistcabindeepinthewoods.Mostofusdreamsomewhereinbetween.Whateveryourdream,knowthatyoucanlivewellinasmallspace.Ihopethisbookwillhelpyougetthere.
50DESIGNSFORCOMPACTCABINS
YOU’LLFINDHEREFIFTYINNOVATIVECABINDESIGNSTOSUITANYSITE,BUDGET,ORLIFESTYLE,ALLINLESSTHAN1,000SQUAREFEET.
CompactDefinitionsIndesignsthatfollow,thetermmicroreferstocabinsthatarelessthan300squarefeet.Thetermminireferstocabinsthatarebetween300and500squarefeet.Alltherestareconsideredsimplycompact.
Theyarearrangedbysize,fromthesmallesttothelargest,withthesquarefootagedeterminedbyenclosedspace(notincluding,forexample,openporchesordecks).SomearenamedafterstateparksandnaturalfeaturesinmynativePoconosregion,whileothershavemoreprosaicnamesbasedontheirnotablefeatures.Eachcabiniscompleteuntoitself,butthefeaturesofanycabincouldbecombinedwiththefeaturesofotherstocreatenewdesigns.
Eachdesignnotesthenumberofpeopleitwillsleepandthesizeofthekitchenandbathroom.
Kitchens:Afullkitchencontainsafour-burnerrange,a10-to14-cubic-footrefrigerator,andasink.Athree-quarterkitchencontainsatwo-orthree-burnerrange,an8-to10-cubic-footrefrigerator,andasink.Ahalfkitchencontainsatwo-burnerrange,a3-to8-cubic-footrefrigerator,andasink.
Bathrooms:Afullbathroomcontainsashoweroveratub,afull-sizedtoilet,andasink.Athree-quarterbathroomcontainsashower,atoilet,andasink.Ahalfbathcontainsatoiletandashowerandsharesasinkwiththekitchen.Sleepingaccommodationsarelistedasfull-sizedbed,Murphybed,daybed,
bunkbed,singlebed,pulloutsofa,orfoldingdinette.Thefloorplansaretothescaleof inch=1foot.Withtheuseofan
architect’sscale(availableatdraftingorartsupplystores),youcantakemeasurementsfromtheminordertoincorporateideasintoyourowndesigns.
MICROCABINThistinycabinisbasedonideasgleanedfromthetraveltrailerindustrytoutilizespaceveryefficiently.Inacabinthissmall,electricspaceheatmakessense.
Features
162squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2
UtilizesRVcomponents
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
PERSONALCABINThiscabinisjusttherightsizeforapersonalretreat.Withtheadditionofbunkbedsitbecomesagetawayfortwo.Thisdesigncallsforasmallwoodstove;ifyouintendtousethecabinasonlyathree-seasonretreat,anelectricspaceheaterwouldworkwell.
Features
200squarefeet
Three-quarterkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps1or2
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
MICROCABINWITHOUTDOORCLOSETAroomyoutdoorclosetcanbeusefulifyouhavealotoffishing,hunting,boating,orothergeartostore.Italsocanhouseasizablebatteryarrayforasolar-electricsystem.
Features
240squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2
UtilizesRVcomponents
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
ENDLESSMOUNTAINSMICROCABINThiscabinisaperfectgetawayfortwo,andwhenthecouchispulledout,itcansleepanadditionaltwoguests.Foracabinthissmalltheheatingoptionsaremany:thedesigncallsforgas-firedspaceheating,butelectricspaceheating,ahotwatercirculationsystem(seepage196),orasmallwoodstovewouldalsoworkwell.
Features
250squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
MICROCLERESTORYCABINAtjust256squarefeet,thiscabinhassomesurprisingamenities,includingafullkitchenandbath.Thebankofclerestorywindowsallowslightintothecenterandalsoprovidesnaturalventilation.
Features
256squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
HIGHKNOBCABINAcabinwithallthetraditionalamenities.Thefireplaceprovidesheatandtheromanceofaroaringfireoncoldevenings.
Features
270squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to6
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
PORCHLIFEMICROCABINAperfectgetaway.Theenclosedporchfunctionsasathree-seasonroom,withlargebanksofwindowsthat,iforientedtothesouth,canactaspassivesolarcomponents,keepingtheporchwarmenoughtoenjoyincoldweather.
Features
280squarefeet
Three-quarterkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
BAERROCKSCABINThiscabinworkswellinsteepbuildingsites,suchasalongthebankofastreamorriver.Itsdimensionslendthemselvestooffsitebuilding;themainunitofthecabincanbetraileredin,andthedeckbuilton-site.
Features
288squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2or3
Workswellinasteepbuildingsite
Canbebuiltoffsiteandtraileredin
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
CLASSICSIXTIESA-FRAMETraditionalA-framecabinshaveaninherentinteriorspaceproblem.Toovercomethatproblem,givingthecabinplentyofusablefloorspace,thisdesignaddsasheddormerononesideanddesignatestheothersideforstorage.
Features
288squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
MICROCABINWITHLOFTBasedonthe12-foot-squaremodulesdescribedinchapter2,thiscabiniscompactbutoffersallthenecessaryamenities.Theloft,accessedbyaship’sladder,givessomeprivacytothesleepingspace.Spaceheatingisaccomplishedthroughtheuseofacatalyticgasheater.Inacabinthissmall,electricspaceheatwouldalsomakesense.
Features
288squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
SOLAR-POWEREDMICROCABINDesignedforanoff-the-gridapplication,thiscabinreliesonsolarpowerforelectricityandwaterheating.Thewoodstoveprovidesheatincolderweather.
Features
290squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2or3
Designedtobeoffthegrid
MINICLERESTORYCABINTheroofdesignofthiscabinaccommodatesclerestorywindows,whichallowlightdeepwithinthecabinandprovidenaturalventilation,easingoreliminatingtheneedforairconditioning.
Features
312squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2
Screenedporch
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
ADIRONDACKTWIGCABINTwigcabinsareclassicAdirondackstyle.Materialstobuildthiscabinmaybegatheredon-site;anytreescuttomakespaceforthecabincanberecycledaspartofthetwigarchitecture.Thecabin’sappealiscompletelyrustic,yetithousesafullmodernkitchenandbathroom.
Features
323squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4to6
Fireplace
GREATOUTDOORSMINICABINIftheoutdoorlifeisyourthing,thiscabindesignisanexcellentchoice.Forcookingoutdoors,itoffersanexpansiveporchcompletewithanoutsidefireplace.Andifyoumakeuseofallthesleepingoptions,itsleepsuptosevenpeople.
Features
325squarefeet
Three-quarterkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to7
Outdoorfireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
PIKECOUNTYCLASSICCABINPikeCountyisoneoftherockiestplacesinthestateofPennsylvania,andprobablyinthecountry,thankstothelastgreatglacier,whichleftbehindanabundanceofroundedriverrock.Cabinshereareoftenbuiltfromtheverystonethatisclearedtomakeroomtobuildthem.Stoneisanidealbuildingmaterialfordampplacesorwhereitisreadilyavailableandthereforeinexpensive.
Features
340squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4to6
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
FOUR-SEASONMINICABINWithcentralheataswellasahugefireplace,thiscabinisacozyyear-roundretreat.Theloftgivessomeprivacytothesleepingaccommodationsandallowsthefirstfloortohaveanopenstretchoffloorspace.
Features
348squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
LOYALSOCKCABINThiscabinoffersalotinjustmorethan350squarefeet,includingafullbathandfullkitchen.Theoutdoorstoragelockerisroomy,abletoaccommodatebulkygearforhunting,boating,orotheroutdooractivities.Itsfullstructuralframework,ifcoupledwithastrongdoorandlock,allowsittobeasecurestoragesite.
Features
352squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2or3
Outsidestoragelocker
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
WOODSCABININTHEROUNDThissemicircularcabinisdesignedtoallowformaximumviewoftheoutdoors.Thiscabincanbeorientedtofacesouthandcapturethesunforpassivesolarheating.
Features
353squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
OHIOPYLECABINThiscabinworkswellalongariverbankorstream.Thepierssupportthestructurewellofftheground,protectingitfromhighspringwaterandallowingittostaydryindampconditions.
Features
369squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to6
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
TRAILER-WIDECABINJusttherightsizeforamodularhometrailerframe,thiscabinisdesignedtobebuiltoffsiteandtruckedtothebuildingsite.Narrowcabinslikethisoneareidealforlakesidesites,wherethelotstendtobelonganddeepbutnotverywide.
Features
372squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2
Canbebuiltoffsiteandtraileredin
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
NARROWDIMENSIONS:allowthehometobebuiltoffsiteonamodularhometrailerframe,then
truckedintothebuildingsite.
ROUNDHOUSECABINAroundcabin—howunique!Curvedcementblocksareavailableforbuildingcisternsandfarmsilosandadaptwelltobuildingroundcabins.Thisdesigncallsforacustom-builtcurvedsofaandfold-uptabletomakethemostoftheinteriorspace.
Features
380squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
LAKESIDEMINICABINTobelakesideinthesummer!Thisdesignlendsitselfwelltothetypicallynarrowwidthoflakesidelots.Theangledfrontprovidesforaviewofthewater.
Features
382squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
WEDGECABINThisminicabinhasthefeelofamuchlargerone.Itfeaturesanunusuallylargeamountofglass,makingitfeellightandairy.Itcanbeorientedtowardagreatviewortowardthesouthforpassivesolarheating.
Features
384squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
FURNACECREEKCABINThis399-square-footcabinhassomesurprisingamenities,includingafull-sizedkitchenandbathandaprivatebedroom.Cabinloverswhoalsoappreciatetheamenitiesofhomewillenjoythisdesign.
Features
399squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2or3
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
TRAILERABLEMINICABINDesignedtobebuiltoffsiteandtruckedtothecabinsite,thisminicabincanbebuiltasawinterproject—perhapsbythewholefamily—andenjoyedduringthesummer.Theshallowrooflinewon’tinterferewithelectricalwiresduringtransportation.
Features
408squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to6
Canbebuiltoffsiteandtraileredin
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
NARROWDIMENSIONS:allowthecabintobetraileredtothebuildingsiteandareidealforthetypicallynarrowlakesidelots.
LITTLEPINECREEKCABINFishingisallthemorefunwithacomfortablecabinwaitingattheendoftheday.Thisclassicfishingcabinisidealforasmallfamilyoracoupleoffishingbuddies.Thefireplaceprovidesheatingandtheambienceofaroaringfireoncoldevenings.
Features
414squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
RICKETSGLENCABINThisminicabindesignfeaturesacathedralceilingframedononesidewithbanksofoverheadwindows,allowingtheinteriortofeelspaciousandbright.Morewindowscouldeasilybeaddedtothedeckwall,helpingthecabinfeelevenmoreopentotheoutside.
Features
432squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
GLASSHOUSECABINThedesignofthiscabinlendsitselftotheusuallynarrowdimensionsoflakesidelots.Theglassfrontisequippedwithpatioslidingdoorstoincreasetheview.
Features
434squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Designedforpassivesolarheating
MODIFIEDA-FRAMECABINA-framecabinstypicallyhaveusable-spaceproblems,sincetheroofmeetstheflooratanangle.Thisdesignmodifiestherooflineononesidetoexpandtheusablespace,helpingtheinteriorfeelopenratherthancramped.
Features
448squarefeet
Three-quarterkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
TWO-STORYLAKESIDECABINThistwo-storycabinisdesignedwithasmallfootprinttofitnarrowlakesidelots.Itofferstheluxuryofaqueen-sizedbedinthesecond-floorbedroom,whichisaccessedbyanelegantsquaredspiralstaircase.
Features
450squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
Twofullstories
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
YURTCABINPatternedafterthedomedtentsfavoredbynomadsofcentralAsia,thisroundcabinisbuiltondeckfoundationandfeaturesaskylightatitsapex.Itswallpanelscanbebuiltoffsiteandthentruckedinandassembled.
Features
452squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2or3
Canbebuiltpartiallyoffsiteandtraileredin
POCONOPINESCABINThisdesignisidealforaweekendcabin.Contemporarydesignconceptsmakeitfeelandfunctionlikeamuchbiggercabin.Designedforalocationwithagreatview,oneofthewallsofthelivingspaceincorporatesthreepatioslidingdoorsthatopentothedeck.
Features
455squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
QUONSETCABINTheQuonsetisback!AQuonsethutconstructedontopofalowmasonryorframewallisafastwaytobuildacabin.Thisdesignisbasedonatraditional15-foot-wideQuonsethut,butitiseasilyadaptabletootherQuonset-hut-likebuildings.
Features
480squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Utilizesone15-foot-wideQuonsethut
OPEN-LIVINGMINICABINThiscabinisbasedonanopenspaceconcept,makingitfunctionlikeamuchlargercabin.Separatingthetwobedswiththebathroomofferseachadegreeofprivacy.
Features
485squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4to6
JEAN’SRUNCABINThiscabinsleepssixpeopleinjustmorethan500squarefeet.TheMurphybedanddiningtablebothcanbefoldedupagainstthewalltoincreasetheusableinteriorspace,whiletheloftisaccessiblebyanarrow-profileship’sladder.
Features
501squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps4to6
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
PINECREEKCABINBasedonthesaltboxhousesfoundinNewEngland,thiscabindesignfeaturesanopensleepingloftthatoverlooksthelivingspace,accessibleviaasetofsteepstairs.Sincewarmairrises,verylittleheatisneededtokeepoccupantswarmatnight.
Features
502squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
ACABINFORTWO
Acabinwithaspatub?Absolutely.Withtheadditionofafireplaceandafull-sizedsleepingnookcompletewithbuilt-ins,itisaromanticretreatfortwo—thoughitalsooffersaccommodationsforguestsorkidswithapulloutsofa.
Features
513squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
FIREPLACECABINWhodoesn’tliketositaroundafireonacoolevening?Thefocalpointofthiscabinisthemassivestonefireplace,whichanchorsthelivinganddiningspaceandisframedbybanksofwindows.
Features
570squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
SPRINGCREEKCABINThiscabinofferstheprivacyofaseparatebedroom;incombinationwiththepulloutsofa,itcanaccommodatetwocouples.Theglassoftheentrancedoorwalloffersagoodviewoftheoutdoorsfromthelivingarea.Orientingthesewindowstothesouthwouldallowthemtocontributetopassivesolarheating.
Features
576squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
CLERESTORYCABINWITHDININGROOMThisclassicclerestorydesignemploysamassivefieldstonefireplaceforspaceheating.Unlikemostotherplans,italsofeaturesaseparatediningspace,perfectforcabinownerswhoappreciateagoodsit-downmeal.
Features
584squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps3to6
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
SUNROOMCABINThecentralsunroomofthiscabincreatespassivesolarheating—andpossiblyagreatview.Italsoaddsflexibleadditionallivingspaceconnectedtotherestofthecabinbypatioslidingdoors.
Features
594squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2or3
Designedforpassivesolarheating
BAJACABINThisdesignfeaturestwoprivatebedroomsseparatedfromtherestofthelivingspacebyasunroom.Thesunroomitselfisaflexiblespace,abletoaccommodateanotherpulloutsofaforadditionalsleepingspace.
Features
600squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4or5
Designedforpassivesolarheating
POCONOSCABINWithafeelmorelikethatofahousethanacabin,thisdesignoffersaprivatesleepingfloorcompletewithitsownhalfbath.Thefirstfloorhasroomforalargediningtableandsectionalsofa,makingitanicespotforhangingoutevenonarainyday.
Features
616squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Oneandahalfbaths
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
ENDLESSMOUNTAINVIEWCABINMostofthewindowsinthisdesignaregroupedononeside,withthepurposeoffocusingtheviewfromtheinsideonaparticularlygoodvista.Orientingthatwalltofacesouthwouldalsoyieldpassivesolarheating.
Features
622squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps4to6
Adaptableforpassivesolarheating
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
GLASS-FRONTBEACHHOUSEThelivingspaceofthiscabinis,essentially,aglassed-inroom.Thewallsofwindowsofferagreatview,andorientingthewindowstothesouthcanaddpassivesolarheating.Thisisanidealapplicationforthebeachoralongalakefront.
Features
650squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Adaptableforpassivesolarheating
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
THECLASSICThisdesignoffersalltheclassiccabinfeatures,suchasafireplace,privatebedrooms,andacompactbutfullkitchenandbathroom.Italsofeaturesaspatub,arealpleasureafteralongdayofflyfishinginacoldstreamorhikinginthewoods.
Features
680squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4to6
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
DOUBLE-DECKERBEACHHOUSEThislong,narrowlayoutisidealfortypicallynarrowlotsfoundalongbeachesorlakefronts.Thedesignalsooffersagreatviewfromdecksonboththelivingandsleepinglevels.
Features
700squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Oneandahalfbaths
Sleeps4to6
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
LAURELMOUNTAINCABINThiscabinhasaglassed-inporchaccessiblefromthelivingspacethroughapatioslidingdoor.Thissetupoffersagreatviewoftheoutdoorsfromthemainlivingarea.Iforientedtothesouth,italsoallowspassivesolarheating.
Features
703squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to5
Fireplaceinsert
Designedforpassivesolarheating
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
FAMILYCABINThelayoutofthisdesignismorelikethatofasmallhousethanacabin.Itincorporatesafullkitchenandbathroom,agreatroomwithfireplace,andsleepingaccommodationsforuptosixpeopleintwoprivatebedroomsandonapulloutsofa.Pocketdoorsinthebedroomsofferprivacywithouttakingupvaluablespace.
Features
740squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps4to6
Fireplace
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
POCONOWOODSCABINThespaciouslivingspacemakesthiscabincomfortableforextendedstays.Atitscenterisagreatroomwithawood-burningstove,withopenviewsouttheadjacentglassdoors.Italsofeaturesaprivatesleepingfloorcompletewithfullbath.
Features
840squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Oneandahalfbaths
Sleeps2to4
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
DESIGN:ARCHITECTURE,LOGISTICS,ENVIRONMENT
GOODDESIGNISESSENTIALFORGOODLIVINGINANYSPACE,BUTITISESPECIALLYIMPORTANTINASMALLSPACE.
Inmanycontexts,thetermdesignmeansthearchitectureofastructureorthelayoutofitsfurnishings.Butgooddesignisnotlimitedtohowacabinlooks.Instead,itconsiderseveryaspectofthebuilding,fromthefoundationtothefurnishingstothefuelsupply.Becausesomanyfactorsmustbeconsidered,thebestapproachistoallowadesigntoevolveovertime.Agoodruletofollowistodesignearly,designoften,andlivewithyourideasforaperiodoftimebeforeundertakingconstruction.
Thesideofmyrefrigeratorfacesintomydining/livingroom.IstickideasI’mworkingwithupontherefrigerator(onacorkbulletinboard)andlivewiththemforawhile.EachtimeIpassbythem,Ireacttothemandoftenchangearrangements.WhenIgetafloorplanthathasbeenupforseveralweekswithoutchanges,I’msatisfiedthatitisthebestsolution.
Inthischapter,you’llfindadiscussionontheconcernscommontoanysmallcabindesign.Yourparticulardesignwillhaveitsownconsiderations,ofcourse,dependingonwhereyouintendtobuildit,howyouintendtobuildit,andhowyouintendtouseit.Takethetimetogetfamiliarwitheveryaspectofthedesignandbuildingprocess.Livewithideasforawhile.Visitthesiteoftenwithyourlatestdesignideasonpaper.Talktoarchitects,builders,andcontractors.Talktofriendsorrelativeswhohavecabins.Getthewholefamilyinontheprocess.Startlookingforservicesintheareaofthecabin:excavators,buildingcontractors,sewerandsepticcontractors,welldrillers,cementcontractors,buildingsuppliers,plumbingsuppliers,electricians,andsoon.Startpricingmaterialsandservicestogetanideaofthebudgetyouwillneed.Askalotofquestions.
NEED-BASEDDESIGN
Ask,Ask,andAskAlittletale:IhaveafriendwithwhomItraveloccasionally.Shehastraveledallovertheworldfor
thepast20years.WewererecentlyinJapan.Eightcitiesandsevenhotelsin15days;notoncewerewelostordidwemissatravelconnection.ShedidbusinessandIsawalotofart,architecture,andJapaneseculture.Iwalkedaroundthosecitiesformostofeveryday.Weusedeveryformoftransportationexceptrickshaw.Oursecretwastoaskalotofquestions—really,alotofquestions.OutsideofTokyo,veryfewpeoplespeakEnglish.WespokealmostnoJapanese.Ifindpeopleeverywhereintheworldtobeveryhelpful.SoIpolitelyasked,andtheydidtheirbesttounderstandandanswermyquestions.Themoralofthistale:Ask,ask,andask!
Don’tbeafraidtoaskquestionsofbuilders,contractors,andsuppliers—noquestionisevertoodumbtoask.Anddon’tbeafraidtoaskforhelp—mostpeoplearehappytosharetheirexpertise.
Thetermneed-baseddesignmeans,appropriately,designbasedonyourspecificneeds.Need-baseddesigntendstokeeptheoverallsizeofacabintoaminimumbecauseitmakesveryclearwhatisessentialandwhatisnot.Tobegin,tryansweringthequestionsbelow:
Howmanypeoplewillthecabinneedtoaccommodate?Astheplansinthisbookshow,evenasmallcabincanaccommodateupwardof12peopleifyoudesignforthatcapacityfromthestart.
Howlongdoyouplantostayatthecabin?Ifyouintendtouseitprimarilyforonlyacoupleofdaysatatime,youmaybehappywithagalleykitchenwithadorm-sizedrefrigerator,athree-quarterbath,andminimalstorage.Ifyouplantostayforaweekormoreatatime,you’llprobablywantafullrefrigeratorandpossiblyafreezer,alongwithafullbathandmorestorageforextragearandclothing.
Howdoyouintendtousethecabin?Ifit’sahuntingcabin,you’llwantaplacetohangmuddyorwetclothingandgearandpossiblyasecuregunrack.Ifit’sanartist’sretreat,you’llwantspaceinwhichtoworkandstorageforyourmaterialsofchoice.Andifit’safamilyvacationcabin,youmaywantdesignatedkid-sizedsleepingaccommodationsandplayspaceforrainydays.
Inwhatseasonswillyouusethecabin?Ifyouintendtouseitincolderweather,you’llneedtoprovideforheatandinsulation.Inveryhotweatheryou’llwanttobesuretohavegoodventilationandairflow.
Willyourneedschangeovertime?Forethoughtandgooddesignareacabinbuilder’sleastexpensiveandmostvaluableresources.Anempty-nestcouplemaydreamofasmallcabininthewoods,farawayfromtheirchildren.But
naturehasawayofaddingtoafamilyovertime,andintimethatsamecouplewhowantedtobealoneonweekendsmightnotbeabletobearbeingpartedfromtheiradorablegrandchildren.Withgoodplanning,youcanproduceasmallcabinthatcanbeexpandedovertimetomeetpossiblefutureneeds.Afullkitchenandbathroominsuchasmallcabinmightseemunnecessaryatfirst,butwhenthreelovelygrandchildrenarebouncingaroundtheplace,thoseitemsarenecessities.Itisfarlessexpensivetodesignandbuildthefullkitchenandbathfortheoriginalsmallcabinthantodemolishanexistingsmallkitchenandhalfbathinordertoaddfull-sizedoneslater.(Buildingthecabinasaseriesofmodules,asdescribedinchapter3,canallowthestructuretogrowasfamilyneedschange.)
LOCALBUILDINGCODESLocalordinancesareacontrollingfactorincabindesign.Cedarshakesforroofingandsidingmaynotbeallowedinareaspronetoforestfires.Someareasdemandthatcabinsbeequippedwithsolidwoodwindowshuttersthatcanbeclosedandlockedforsecuritywhenthecabin’snotinuse.(Thereareareaswherethelocalcottageindustryisbreakingintocabinsintheoff-season.)Someareaswillallowouthouses,othersdemandcompostingtoilets,yetothersrequireaflushtoiletwithseptictankanddrainfield.Beforeyougettoofaralonginyourcabindesign,besuretocheckwithyourlocalbuildingdepartmenttodeterminewhat,ifany,localordinanceswillapplytoyourconstruction.And,ofcourse,you’llneedtohaveyourplansapprovedbythelocalbuildingdepartmentbeforeyoucommenceconstruction.
AESTHETICCONCERNSStyleisimportantindesigningacabinthatyoucanbehappywithovertime.Acabindesigntranslatedintotwigarchitecturehasaverydifferentaestheticfromthesamecabindesigndoneinchromeandstainlesssteel.Pinkcorrugatedasphaltroofingimpartsadistinctsenseofstyle;cedarshakesimpartaverydifferentsenseofstyle.Alogcabincanbringoutthe“Lincoln-ness”inallofus.Hereyouarelimitedonlybyyourpersonaltaste.
Trytoemploysomeveryinexpensivewaystowindow-shopforaestheticanddesignideas.Anafternoonatalocalbookstorewithalatte,lookingoverahandfulofarchitectureandinteriordesignmagazines,canbeausefulwaytogetideas.PackyourdigitalcameraandtakeaSundayafternoondrivearoundyourfavoritelakeoralongapleasantriver,anditwillrevealanumberofbeautifulcabinswithdesignelementsyoumightwanttoborrow.Ifyou’reluckyenough
toseetheowners,alittleflatterywillprobablygetyouinsideforpictures,too.Asktheownerswhattheylikeanddon’tlikeabouttheircabinandwhattheywouldchange.Usephoto-editingsoftwaretocutandpastefeaturesfromonecabinphototoanother,orstartascrapbook.
LOCATION
LocalWildlifeIfyoutakethetimeupfronttoconsiderthepotentialinteractionsbetweenyourcabinandlocalwildlife,you’llthankyourselflater.Acabinlocatednexttoa6,000-acrebogmayneedawell-screenedporchtoseparatemosquitoesfrompeople.Inbearcountry,animal-proofingacabinmaybeanecessity.AcabinIonceownedsufferedfromporcupines;theygnawedoneveryinchofexposedwoodnotprotectedbyanarmorofsmallnails.
Insomeareas,insectdamagetostructuresmaybeaproblem.Inwarmerclimates,forexample,anywoodincontactwiththegroundbecomesasuperhighwayforinsectstoenterthestructure.Cabinsbuiltininsect-proneareasneedtobeelevatedoffthegroundoneitherpiersortallfooters.Piersandfooterskeepthelumberofthecabinoffthegroundandalsoallowaircirculation.Insects,mold,andmildewlovedark,dampplaces.Elevatingacabinhelpssolvealloftheseproblems.
Thetopographyofthebuildingsitedictatesthedesignparametersofthecabin.Forexample,lakesidelotstendtobeverynarrow,andsomostfolksbuildingonsuchlotswantacabinthatisnarrowbutlong.Acabincantileveredoutfromarockyoutcroponamountainridgedemandsadifferentkindofconsideration.Areaspronetofloodingorneartheoceandictatethatcabinsarebuiltonstiltsinsteadoffoundations.
Thelocalclimatealsoinfluencesdesignconsiderations.Warmclimatesallowforlargewindowsandplentyofventilation.Inatropicalclimate,onlyroofingandafewinteriorwallsmaybenecessary.Coldclimatesdemandsmallerwindows,thickinsulation,andasourceofheat.Inwarmweather,youmayenjoyhavingadeckoraporch.Decksarewonderfulinshadylocalesorwhensteadybreezesareavailable,butthosesetindirectsuncanbakeyou.Adeepporchcanprotectacabin’slivingspacefromthesun,butyou’llneedtositeitappropriatelysoitdoesn’tblockthesunfromheatingthecabinincolderwinterweather.
Climatemayalsodictateyourchoiceofbuildingmaterials.Inahot,moist,tropicalclimate,masonryconstructionisnecessary.Inmostclimates,pressure-treatedlumberisanecessitywherewoodcomesincontactwithsurfacesoils.
ACCESSTheaccessibilityofyourbuildingsitewillaffecttwodesignconsiderations:the
deliveryofmaterialsandtheavailabilityofbasicutilitiessuchasfuel,electricity,andwater.Ifyou’regoingtobeorderinglargequantitiesofbuildingmaterialsfromalocallumberyard,forexample,willthedeliverytruckbeabletounloadthosematerialsdirectlyatyoursite?Ifyou’rehopingtobuildmodulesoff-siteandtrailerthemin,willyoubeabletogetatrailertothesite?Ifyouneedacranetohelpplacemodulesonthefoundation,willitbeabletogettothesiteandhaveroomtomaneuver?
Willyourcabinbeabletoaccessatownwaterline,ordoyouneedtoarrangetohaveawelldrilledortocapturerainwaterinacistern?Ifyourbuildingsiteisremote,electricpowerlinesmaynotbereadilyaccessible.Ifthat’sthecase,isitmorecost-efficienttopaythelocalelectriccompanytoextenditslinetoyoursiteortodesignanoff-the-gridpowersystemforyourcabin?
Youmaydecideyouwantyourcabintoexistoffthegridineithersituation,whichdictatesimportantdesignconsiderations.Forexample,solarenergyisintelligentdesigninsomeareas,whileinstallingaportablegeneratormakesmoresenseinotherareas,andforamountaintopcabinusingawindturbinetogeneratepowermayworkbest.Inareaswherefirewoodisplentiful,cheapcookingandheatingwithwoodmakessense;inadesertarea,propanemaybethefuelofchoice.Seechapter7formorediscussiononenergyindependence.
BUDGETBudgetisalwaysanimportantconsideration,anditdictatesstylefactors,thesizeofthefinishedcabin,andthetimeittakestobuildit.Doyouhavethefundstobuildthecabinallatonce,orwillyouneedtobuilditinstages?Buildinginstagesisagoodwaytospreadthecostsovertime,allowingyoutopayoutofpocketinsteadoffinancingtheconstruction.Modularconstructionlendsitselfwelltobuildinginstages;seechapter3formoredetails.
Thematerialsyouchoosewill,ofcourse,bedeterminedbyyourbudget.T-111plywoodsheetingisinexpensive,butitdoeshaveacertainlook.Masonrywallsbuiltoflocalriverrockimpartanotherlook,thoughtheycancostafortunetobuild—unlessyoubuildthemyourself,inwhichcaseyoumaybeatitformonths.
Amenitiesareusuallyabudgetaryconsideration.Grillingdinneronasmallportablegasgrilliscertainlylessexpensive,ifalsolessromantic,thangrillingoveralargefieldstonefireplace.Thenumberandsizeofwindowsisalightandventilationconsideration,butitisalsoabudgetaryconsideration.
Designingabudgetstartswiththequestion:“WhatdoIhavetospend?”Whetheryouhavecashonhandorwillbetakingoutaloan,dothemathsothatyouknowexactlyhowmuchyoucanafford.Andbesuretofactorinatleasta10percentoverrunonyourestimatedcosts,sothatyou’renotcaughtshortattheendoftheproject.
Itemnumberoneofthebudgetisthecostofthebuildinglot.Sitepreparationneedsattention,too;ifyoumustclearlandforyourcabinsiteordriveway,thatexpensemustbefactoredin.
Wecannowturnourattentiontothecabinitself.Oncethedesignphaseiscomplete,youwill“costout”yourcabin,thatis,determinehowmuchitwillcosttobuild.Anarchitectorbuilderwillbeabletoprovidefairlyaccurateestimatesofcost.Ifyou’reworkingonyourown,startatthefoundationandworkyourwayup.Hereisalistofareastoconsider:
Foundationwork
Framing
Siding
Roofing
Interiordrywall
Interiortrim
Electrical,includingelectricalservicetothecabin
Plumbing:waterandsewer
Cabinetry
Appliancesandfixtures
Heating
Specialfeatures,suchassolar-electricandhotwatersystems
Backfilling,grading,andlandscaping
Itmayseemlikeanoverwhelmingtask,buttakeoneareaatatimeandpriceitout.
Ofcourse,buildersandarchitectswilldoallofthisforyou,forafee.Manysoon-to-becabinownerswouldconsiderthatwellworththemoney.Butfor
thosewhowouldprefertodoatleastsomeoftheworkthemselves,thecostsavingscanbeconsiderable.Ijustcompletedanewkitchenforalittlemorethanone-quarterofwhatakitchen/bathcompanywouldhavechargedme.Ididthedesignworkandlabormyself.Iboughttheappliances,transportedthem,andinstalledthem.Ilaidthehardwoodfloors,tiledthebacksplashes,anddidtheelectricalwork,too.Ishoppedhardforgoodmaterialsatagoodprice.Itcostme$4,300forakitchenthatwasquoted,byalocalbuilder,for“ballpark$15,000.”
SCHEDULE
TheThree-SeasonCabinforAllSeasonsIfyou’rethinkingofbuildingathree-seasoncabinbutmightpossiblyhaveuseforitinthecoldestmonths,considerbuildinganinteriorcube,engineeredwithaveryhighRvalue,tohouseplumbing,water,andutilities.Thisinteriorutilitycubecouldbekeptabovefreezingatafractionofthecostofheatingawholecabin,providinghotandcoldrunningwaterandunfrozensewerpipesyear-round.Withtheseutilitiesavailableondemandallyear,youwouldn’thavetowinterizethecabinbydrainingthewatersystem,andyourthree-seasoncabincanbeusedinallfourseasons.
Theidealwaytobuildacabinisallatonetime.Youwouldflipopenyourcellphoneandcallalocalarchitectandhavehimdesignandbuildyourdreamcabin.Thearchitectwouldinturnhirethecontractor,whomighthiresubcontractors,andtheywouldallworktogethertogetthejobdone.
“Onceanddone”isagoodphilosophy,butbudgetandtimeconcernsmaynotmakethispossible.Cuttingoutallofthesemiddlemenwouldsavemoney,butdoingitonyourowntakestime.
Asmartwaytodesignacabinistobuildinstages,workingwithinthelimitationsofyouravailabletimeandfinancialresourcesto,overtime,getthecabinyouwant.Abasiccabincanbeenjoyedasaretreatandalsoprovidelivingspacewhileadditionsarebeingmadetoenlargeitsdesign.Forexample:Asmallstartercabinmaybe12feetby12feet,or144squarefeet.Acabinthissizecanbebuiltbytheownerinoneseason.Thesecondseason,8-foot-by-12-footporchescanbeaddedtoopposingendsofthecabin.Theseporchescanbeusedforleisure,sleeping,eating,oroutdoorcooking.Atsomefuturetime,thoseporchescanbeenclosedandincorporatedintolivingspace.Onecanbecomethekitchen/diningareaandtheotheramasterbedroom.Thenextseason,twoporchesaddedontheunusedsidesofthecabincanstayasporches,orbecomesleepingporches(ifwellscreened),orbeenclosedandconvertedintoadditionalbedrooms.Theoriginal144-square-footcabinwouldthenreverttoacommon
livingarea.Thiscabindesignprojectcan,overathree-yearimplementationschedule,becomea528-square-footcabinwiththreebedrooms.
Acabinownerdoesnotneedtokeeptheentirelivingspaceheatedinordertopreventtheplumbingfromfreezing.Withjustalittleheatfromanelectricbaseboardunit,athrough-the-wallinsulatedcubecankeepthewaterheater,waterpump,andsinkdrainsfromfreezing.Theshowerandtoiletshouldbeplumbedwithlow-pointwaterdrains,andwhenthecabinisnotinusetheshowerdrainandtoilet
shouldbetreatedwithRVantifreeze(whichisnontoxic).
CONSTRUCTIONMATERIALSThematerialsyouchooseplaythedeterminingroleinyourcabin’scost,quality,andstyle.Hereiswherebuildingsmallhasgreatadvantage:limitingtheoverallsizeofyourcabinallowsyoutodedicateyourmoneytobuildingwithqualitymaterialsthatwillserveyouwellovertime.
Iuselocalmaterialswheneverpossible,bothbecauseit’stheecologicalthingtodo(savingtransportationfuelandstimulatingthelocaleconomy)andbecauseitmakessenseaesthetically.Rough-sawnbarnwoodsidingmakessenseinnorthernforests;adobemakessenseintheAmericanSouthwest.Chefstalkabouttheadvantagesofpreparingdishesusinglocalingredientsandpairingthemwithlocalwines.Thesamecanbesaidaboutbuilding.
Theuseofrecycledorremanufacturedmaterialmaymakealotofsenseifyouliveinanareawhereolderhousingorindustrialstructuresarebeingeithertorndownorreplacedwithnewhousing.Youmayevenbeluckyenoughtofindalocalbusinessthatspecializesinusedwindows,doors,moldings,trim,lumber,brick,andsoon.Seechapter5formoredetails.
Usingpremanufacturedcomponents,suchaswhole-housemodules,panels,orrooftrusses,maymakesenseifyouwanttobuildquicklyordon’tintendtodomuchoftheconstructionworkyourself.Seechapter4formoredetails.
CONSTRUCTIONMETHODNosingleconstructionmethodisbest.Thedesignofthecabin,thecomplexityofthatdesign,andtheaccessibilityofthebuildingsiteareallimportantfactorsinchoosingaconstructionmethod.Takethetimetositdownandcostoutthebuildingofyourcabininanumberofways.Consultbuildersoranarchitect,ordoalotofhomeworkyourself.
Stick-Built
Thetermstick-builtreferstobuildingsconstructedon-sitefromdimensionallumber.Thistermusuallydifferentiatesbuildingsconstructedonepieceatatimefrombuildingsconstructedwithpanelsormodules.Thereisongoingdebateintheconstructionindustryastowhichmethodisbestforconstructinghouses.Perhapsthebestperspectiveisthatnoonemethodisbetterthantheother.I’vefoundthatthebestmethodoftendiffersfromprojecttoproject,dependingonsite,schedule,andbudget.
Withitscenturies-oldbuildingstyle,thepost-and-beamcabinhasaclassiccharacter.Traditionallytheheavybeamsremainexposedintheinterior.
PostandBeam
Post-and-beamconstructionisanoldideathathasregainedtraction.MostColonialandnineteenth-centurybarnswerebuiltusingthismethod.Inmodernhouseconstruction,thehouseissupportedwithaheavyframeworkofbeams(timbers)thatremainexposedtotheinteriorofthehouse.Thecharmofthismethodisthatthebeams,andtheircharacter,remainvisible.Sheathing,insulation,andsidingareappliedontheoutsideofthetimberframeworktocompletethehouse.
LogCabins
ThelogcabinispartoftheromanceAmericanshavewiththepast.Inpioneerdays,treeswerefelled,hauledtothebuildingsite,andnotchedtofittightlytogether.Thewallswerestacksoflogspiledoneontopoftheother.Anyvoidsbetweenthelogswerechinkedwithwhatevermaterialwasreadilyavailabletokeeptheweatherout.
Logcabinsevokeasenseofthepioneeringspirit.Theycanbebuiltbyhandtheold-fashionedway,butkitsmakethejobeasierandfaster.
Modernlogconstructionisusuallydonefromakit.Logsarecarefullyprepared,cuttosize,andnotchedinafactory,thenshippedtothehomesiteasakit.Kitloghomesgotogetheronthesiterelativelyquickly,sincemuchofthelabortookplaceinthefactory.Logcabinkitsmayseemexpensive,buttheyneednoothersheetingorinsulation.Thisconsiderationmakesthemcompetitivewithconventionalconstructionmethods.Assemblingacabinfromalogkitmightbeanexcitingandcost-savingbuildingmethod.Iftheromanceofalog
cabinappealstoyou,alogcabinkitmaybeanexcellentchoice.
StrawBale
Strawbaleisanotherconstructionmethodofpioneerdaysthatisregainingpopularity.Strawbaleconstructionusuallystartswithafoundationslab.Asimpleframeworkiserectedtohelpsupportthestrawbalesandtheroof.Thewallsarethenconstructedfromtightlypackedbalesofstraw,withthebalessetmuchlikegiantcementblocks.Electricalwiringandreinforcingwirelatticesmaybeplacedbetweenthelayersofstrawbales.Thestrawbalesarethenplasteredoverwithalayerofmasonrystuccotoprotectthestrawfromtheelements.Strawbalecabinsusuallyhavealargeroofoverhangtoprotectthewallsfromexposuretotheelements.(Strawmaynotbeagoodchoiceinclimateswheredampnessisanissue.)
Strawbaleconstructionyieldswell-insulated,natural-lookinghomes.Oneoftheirbestattributesiseaseofconstruction:anyreasonablyhandypersoncanputoneup.
Strawbalecabinstendtohaveanorganicfeeling,inthesamewayadobebuildingsappearorganicandsculptural.Strawbaleconstructionlendsitselftoownerbuilding,butitislabor-intensive.Ifsweatequityisyourgoal,thismightbetheconstructionmethodforyou.
PoleBuilding
Polebuildingsoffersomeexcitingopportunitiestothesmallcabinbuilder.Theyarerelativelyinexpensivetobuildandofferunobstructedinteriorspace.Becauseofthetrusssystemtheyutilizeintheirroofingsystems,theyneednointeriorsupport.Thetrussescanbecustom-engineeredfornearlyanywidthuptoabout36feet,andallthatisopeninteriorspace.
Poleconstructionusuallyemployspolesset8feetoncenter,withthetrussesattachedtothoseuprights.Horizontallumber,knownaspurling,connectsthepoles.Thislayoutsuggeststhat8feetwouldbealikelymoduletodesignon:abuildingoftwomoduleswouldbe16feetinlength,threemoduleswouldbe24feet,andsoon.
Polebuildingscanbeveryenergyefficient.Theuprightsareusually6×6or8×8posts,sotheyproducethickwallsthatcanbewellinsulated.Theflooringofapolebuildingcouldbeapouredconcreteslabwitharadiantheatingsystemcastintoit,whichisaveryefficientwaytoheatastructure.
Becausepoleconstructionisdesignedtobefreespan,itgivescabinownersgreatflexibilityinhowtousetheinteriorspace.Slidingwallsandpanelsworkwellinpolecabins;theycanbeopenedor
closedasneededtoopenordividespaces.
Endwallscouldbenearlyallglassandentrancedoors.Asetofslidingbarndoors,installedoutsidetheendwalls,couldbeclosedandlockedforsecuritywhenthecabinisnotinuseorinsevere
weather.
Polebuildingmanufacturersgenerallydesigntheirbuildingstoworkinfarmorindustrialsettings.Sincesuchbuildingswillneverwinanawardforaesthetics,apole-builthorsebarnmightbemoreaestheticallypleasing.Manufacturersdesignthesebarnswithstandardpolesandtrussesbutusuallygivethemcladding(siding)thatbetterfitstheaestheticsofdomesticarchitecture—inaword,sociallyacceptablepolebuilding.
Masonry
Oneoftheoldestandmostreliableconstructionmethodsismasonryconstruction.Stone,brick,cementblock,andevenglassbottlesandaluminumcanscanbeincorporatedintocabinwallsandheldtogetherwithmortar.Masonrycabinstendtobeimpervioustotheweatherandverylong-lasting.
Constructingamasonrycabinislaborintensive;aswithstrawbale,sweat
equitycanbeafactor.Thematerialstendtobemoreexpensivethanconventionalbuildingmaterials,butifyouhaveagoodlocalsourceformaterials,itmightbethebuildingmethodofchoice.
Cabinsbuiltofstone,brick,orothermasonrymaterialshaveastrongsenseofheftandtimelessness.Almostnothingisprettierthanasmallstonecabinbuiltofthesamerockthatsurroundsit.
MetalBuildings
IgrewuprightafterWorldWarIIwhenmilitarysurplusQuonsethutswerecommon.Theywerecheapandeasytotransportanderectwithoutspecialequipment.Twomencouldsetoneupwithinaweek.Theywereputtoavarietyofuses,fromhomestobodyshops,storagebuildings,retailstores,beerdistributors,andsoon.
Youmightthinkametalhutwouldbetoohotduringwarmweatherandtoocoldincoldweather,butduringWorldWarII,QuonsethutswereusedthroughoutthePacificandAlaskatohousejustaboutalltheArmy’s,Navy’s,andAirForce’spersonnel.Themilitarydevelopedinsulationpackagessothatthehutscouldhousesoldiersinreasonablecomfort.Today,spray-oninsulationmadefromrecyclednewspaperandafireretardantisidealforthecurvedsurfaceofaQuonsethut.
QuonsethutsandQuonset-stylemetalbuildingsarestillavailable.Thecurvedwallscreateadesignchallenge,buttheylendthemselvestoavarietyofapplicationsandcabinbuilding.Thehutsareusuallybuiltonaconcreteslab.
Dependingontheclimate,afootermaybenecessary.Utilitiesareusuallyputinplaceandthefloorslabpouredoverthem.
Dependingonmaterialsselection,thecurvedwallsofQuonset-stylehutscangiveacabinanearthy,shelteredfeelingoramodern,high-techcharacter.
Hybrids
AdaptingGarageDesignsPoleandpost-and-beambarnbuildersusuallyhaveavarietyofgaragedesignsthatcouldbeeasilyadaptedforsmallcabins.Someoffercarriagehousesthathavesecondfloorsdesignedtoaccommodateapartments.Thisconfigurationwouldleavethefirstfloorforparkingandstorageofvehicles,boats,trailers,orothertoys.ItwouldbeacomfortingthoughttohaveyourfishingboatanditstraileroryourATVstoredinasecureplace.Inaddition,second-floorlivingspaceprovidesabetterviewandimprovednaturalventilationandisgenerallymoresecurethanground-levelliving.
Manycabindesignersmixandmatchbuildingmethodstotheirideas.Pole-barnmethodsaremergedwithpost-and-beamconstructionmethods.Stickbuildingiscombinedwithmanufacturedpanels.Forexample,theclassicAdirondackcabinisfieldstoneonthefirstfloorandframeconstructionabove.Apremanufacturedranchhousemaybeplacedontopofafirstfloormadeofcementblockstocreatetheclassic“Poconosraisedrancher.”Generallyagoodruletofollowisthattheconstructionmethodisdictatedbydesignideas.Arriveatadesignyouloveandthenselectthebuildingmethodthatwillbestallowyoutobuildit.Andalways,alwayskeepaneyeoutforlocalmaterialsandresources.
FOUNDATIONSThoughyoumayneverseemuchofit,yourcabin’sfoundation—afullfoundation,aconcreteslab,orpiers—asabaseuponwhichtobuildisan
importantconsideration.Topography,climate,andseasonalusetendtodictatethetypeoffoundationselected.Fullfoundationswithcellarsorcrawlspacesmaybenecessaryforcabinsthatwillbeusedextensivelyinthewintertoprovideadditionalspaceforwaterpumps,furnaces,orheaters.Crawlspacesandcellarsalsoprovidestoragespace.
Aconcreteslabmaybethesimplestsolutionforafoundation.Footersareusuallydugandpouredfirst.Alsoknownasfootings,footersareconcretebasesthatsupportanddistributetheweightofwallsorpiers.Footersarenecessarytoprotectfoundationslabsfromheavingincoldclimates;they’reusuallyplaceddeepenoughtobeimmunetoseasonalgroundfreezing.Utilitiessuchaswater,plumbing,andelectricity(includingradiantheating,solarhotwater,orconventionalhotwatertubingorcoils)areputinplaceandtheslabispouredoverthem.Concretefloorsmeantaspartofapassivesolarheatingsystem(seechapter7)shouldbedarkincolor.Anumberoftexturedandpatternedsurfacescanbepressedintothefloorbeforetheconcretecures;thefloorcanbetexturedandcoloredtolooklikedarkflagstoneorbrick.
Indampbuildingconditionsorplaceswherefloodingislikely,placingcabinsonpiersmaybethebestsolution.Cabinsraisedonpierscanprovidestoragespaceorevenaparkingareabelow.
Wire-gridfencingpreventsanimalsfromgettingintocrawlspacesandunderdecksandporches;woodwork,lattice,orverticalslattingcanconcealthefencing.
Goodventilationisimportantforcrawlspacesandunderdecksandporches,asmoisturebuildupwillshortenthelifeoflumberandprovideaplaceformoldandmildewtogrow.Properventilationusuallyentailsplacingventsthatopentotheprevailingbreezesononesideofthecabinandasecondsetof
ventsontheoppositesideofthespacetoencourageacrossbreeze.
UnwelcomeVisitors
Crawlspacesandcellarsarefavoriteplacesforwildcritterstotakeupresidence.Squirrels,chipmunks,raccoons,skunks,groundhogs,andsnakescanmakethesespaceshome.Itisimpossibletotellaskunktopolitelygoaway!Evenbearshavebeenknowntohibernateundercabins,decks,orporches.
Wirefencingorhardwareclothsetafootorsodeepintothegroundaroundtheperimeterofacrawlspace,porch,ordeckwilldiscouragewildthingsfromclaimingthosespacesashome.Latticeorverticalslattingplacedoverthewirewillhideitandaddanotherbarrierlayer.
MAKINGTHEMOSTOFSMALLSPACESSmallcabinsaresmallbecausetheyhaveasmallfootprint.Thoughcabinsmayhaveasmallfootprint,withgooddesign,theycanofferacomfortablelivingspace.Thechallengeistocreatethatfeelingofspaceinasmallcabin.Ifindthat,inparticular,highceilingsandstrategicallyplacedwindowsmakeevenverysmallcabinsfeelcomfortable.
HighCeilings
Highceilingsgiveasenseofroominessandspaceinevenasmallfootprint.Theyalsoletinmorelightandmakeventilationeasier.Andincreasingceilingheightyieldsspacewithlessexpensethanaddingfloorspace.
Theadditionalceilingheightcanbeusedforstorage.(Afterall,smallcabins,bydefinition,havesmallstoragespaces.)Forexample,tworowsofcabinetscouldbehunginthekitchen,oneovertheother,doublingthekitchenstorage.Asmallfoldingkitchenstoolprovidesaccesstothehighersetofcabinets.Inthebedroom,additionalshelvingcouldbemountedonthewalls;usingclearplasticstoragetubsonthisshelvingwouldaddvisible,climate-andinsect-proofstorage.Inthelivingroom,akayakorcanoecouldbestoredbyhangingitfromtheceilingwithapulleysystem.Thatsamepulleysystemcoulddoubleasawashlinetodrywetclothingonrainydays.
Onedrawbackwithhighceilingsisthatwarmairrisesandcollectsnearthepeakoftheroofduringtheheatingseason.Installingasimpleauxiliaryductsystemcanovercomethisproblem.Installaductwithanairintakenearthehighpointofthecabinroofandextendingdowntonearthefloor.Equipthatductwithasmallcirculationfanthatisreversible.Inthewinter,thefanissettodrawwarmairfromneartheceilingandrecirculateittothefloor.Inthesummerthefanissettoreversetheairflow,drawingcoolairfromnearthefloorandcirculatingitneartheroof.Installathermostatnearthetopendoftheductandairflowwillbechangedautomatically.
WindowPlacement
Strategicallyplacedwindowsopenuplivingspaces.Windowscanbepositionedtotakeadvantageofagoodviewortohideabadview.Inthe1950s,thehotdesignideawasthepicturewindow—alargewindowdesignedtobethefocalpointofthelivingordiningroom.Theimplicationwasthattheviewthroughthewindowwasaworkofart.Thisideaisnotabadonetokeepinmind.Ifaviewofthebeachwhenyougetoutofbedinthemorningisimportanttoyou,thenawindowplacedtotakeadvantageofthisviewisappropriate.
Ifyourcabinisinthewoods,onthebeach,orlakeside,it’snicetobeabletoseeyoursurroundingsfrominside.Windowsbringtheoutsidein,establishingalinktotheenvironment.Windowsinprimarylivingspacesaremoreimportantthanthoseinlesserspaces.Windowsinhallsandentrancefoyers,forexample,arenotasimportantaswindowsinliving,dining,andsleepingspaces.Thebathroomisanexceptiontothisgeneralrule:naturalventilationisanecessityinbathrooms.
Windowplacementalsoplaysakeyroleincrossventilationandpassiveheating.Goodnaturalventilationcangreatlyreducetheneedforfans,whichinturnreducesyourelectricalneeds.Generally,thismeanshavingwindowsanddoorssituatedacrossfromeachothertopromotetheflowofair;youmay,forexample,wantwindowsinthesouthwestandthenortheastiftheprevailingwindsareinthatdirection.Asageneralrule,north-facingwindowsareoflittleadvantage:littlelightandlittleaccesstoprevailingairflowareavailablefromthenorth,andwinter’scoldblastisusuallyfromthatdirectionaswell.South-facingwindows,ontheotherhand,areanimportantfactorinpassivesolarheating,asthesun’srayswillhitthemdirectlyinwintertime,helpingtoheatthecabin.
Lofts
Loftsadaptwelltohighceilingheightsandareusefulassleepingspaces.Loftsincreaselivingspacewithoutincreasingthefootprintofthecabin.Asanadditionalbenefit,loftsandsecondfloorscostlesspersquarefootthanthesamespaceonasinglefloor.
Safeaccesstoaloftisanecessity.Ladders,libraryladders,ship’sladders,spiralstaircases,andsteepstepsaretheusualaccessestoloftspaces.Goodhandrailsareamustforstairs,asaresafetyrailsattheedgeoflofts.Ifprivacyisanissue,youmaywanttoattachacanvaspaneltotheloftrails,oryoumaydispensewithrailsentirelyinfavorofhalfwalls.
Atitssimplest,aloftisasleepingnooktuckedundertheroof.Inbiggerbuildingsloftscanfeaturemultiplerooms,bathrooms,readingareas,andmore.
SlidingScreensandDoors
MuchofthearchitectureinJapandealswithsmallspaces,andonedesignelementIsawalotoftherewastheshojiscreen,apaperscreenservingasaslidingwallorpartition.ShojiscreenshavebeenapartofJapanesearchitectureformanycenturies.TheoldestShintoshrineinJapan,locatedwheretheToneRiveremptiesintothePacificOcean,utilizesshojiscreens.Nowadaysshojiscreensareusedineverythingfromdomestichousingandapartmentstorestaurantsandhotelrooms.
Inasmallspace,shoji-likeslidingwallsorscreensareideal.Theyallowyoutodivideoffasleepingareafromthelivingspaceatnightandthenslidebackthescreenstomaximizelivingspaceduringtheday.Alsoconsiderslidingdoorsorpocketdoorsforanydoorways,interiororexterior.Sincetheydon’thaveaswing,orradiusofopening,theytakeuplittlespace.Awallofpatioslidingdoorscouldbeanintegralpartofapassivesolarheatingsystem.Thosesamepatiodoorscouldbeopenedinhotweatherfornaturalairconditioning.
Aslidingscreencanseparateasleepingalcovefromthemainlivingspaceatnight.Duringthedaythealcoveremainsopen,maximizingthecabin’slivingspace.
RVInnovations
BuildingYourselfVersusHiringOutWillyoubuildyourselforhirecontractors?Whichismostefficientandcost-effective?Theanswerliesmainlyinyourbuildingskills.Ifyouhavetheskillsandtraining,doingtheworkyourselfisbothlessexpensiveandmoresatisfying.Hiringouttheworktoprofessionalswillmaketheworkproceedmorequickly,butitwillcostmore.Ifindamixofthetwoisthebestwayformetobuild.
Ifyou’reinterestedinacquiringmoreconstructionskillsinordertodosomeoftheworkyourself,checkwithyourlocalschooldistrict.Mostdistrictshavevocationaltechnicalschools,andmanyofthoseschoolsofferclassesincarpentry,plumbing,electricalwiring,andsoon.Thelargebuildingsupplychainstoresalsooffer“howtodoit”classes.
Anyonebeginningtodesignasmallcabinshouldtakealookatrecreationalvehicles(RVs)andtraveltrailers.Thisindustryintroducesanendlessarrayofsmall-spacedesignfeatureseachyear.ThecompetitivedesignraceamongRVandtrailermanufacturersisfuelingagreatamountofinnovation,andtheseinventiveideascanbenefityoursmallcabindesign.Recreationalvehicleshowsanddealersaregoodplacestoseeavarietyofmodelswithawiderangeofequipmentavailable.Lookatthedifferentbrandsandsizes.Seehowtheyusespaceandplaceappliances.You’llfindsimpleyetpracticalideas,suchas:
Queen-sizedbedsthatliftuptoprovidestoragespaceunderthem
Bedswithasmalltriangleofmattressremovedfromthefoottobetterallowtrafficpastinasmallbedroom
Additionalstoragespacemadeavailablebyaddingshelvingovertheheadofthebed
Wallcabinetsplacedhighagainsttheceilingtoallowbedroomaccessbutincreasestorage
Bunk-sizedbedsmountedonthewalloverafull-sizedbedthatfolddownforadditionalsleepingspaceorupformorelivingspace
Flat-screentelevisionsmountedintoashallownicheinthewallsoasnottoprotrudeintotheroom
Automotive-typestereoequipmentandspeakersflush-mountedinanightstandandspeakersrecessedintowall
Ihavespentthegreaterpartofmylifebuildingandrefurbishingcabins,houses,cottages,andotherstructures.Nothinghaseverbeendonethesamewaytwice.Yourskillsgetbetterasyoubuild.Youlearnnewthings.Buildingmaterialschange.Buildingmethodschange.Localbuildingcodeschange.Ithasbeenanevolutionaryprocess.Learningnewthingshaskeptbuildinginteresting.SharingwhatIhavelearnedwithothershasalsobeenrewarding.IhatetogetZenonyouhere,butthejourneyisasimportantasthedestination.Sotakethetimetodesign,anddesignagain,andagain.Asyourdesignevolves,sowillyouandyourquestfortheperfectcompactcabin.
Anybedcanbedesignedsothatitdoublesasastorageunit.Withgoodhingesandsupportsorpulleys,theframeeasilyliftsuptoprovideaccesstostorageunderneath.
AMurphybed,asit’ssometimescalled,canbefoldedupagainstthewallduringtheday,maximizingfloorspace.
AMODULARAPPROACHTOCABINDESIGN
ANOVELAPPROACHTOSMALLCABINDESIGNISTHATOFMODULARIZATION.AMODULEISABASICUNITTHATCANBEEITHERREPEATEDORMODIFIEDTOSUITTHENEEDSOFTHECABINDESIGNER.
Severaladvantagesarefoundinthisapproach:
Abuildercanstartwithabasicmoduleandaddmodulesasneedandfinancespermit.
Modulesallowadesignertomixandmatchelementstobestmeettheneedsofthecabinowner.
Modulescanbearrangedinagreatnumberoffloorplans.
Modulesallowcabinstobedesignedtoefficientlyfitspecificterrains.
Modulesallowcabinstobedesignedtoaccommodategroupsofvarioussizes,frompersonal-sizedcabinstolargehuntingorfishingcamps.Usingmodules,apersonalcabincouldgrowintoafishingorhuntingcamp.
Amodularapproachallowsacabintoevolveastheownerlivesinitorasfamilyneedschange.Cabinscangrowbiggerorsmallerasneedsdictate.
Moduleslendthemselveswelltopremanufacturing,andthepreassembledpartsareeasytotransport.
MIX-AND-MATCHMODULES
PremanufacturingPremanufacturing—thatis,buildingsectionsoff-siteandtransportingthemtothebuildingsiteasthey’rereadyforinstallation—cangreatlycondensethetimebetweentheinceptionofdesignandtheproductionofthefinishedcabin.
PreassembledmodulesofthesizeIsuggest(12feetby12feet)canbetransportedbytrailerinthesamewayasmodularhousing.Oneideaistopurchaseatrailerframethatisusedunder
modularhomes.Thewintercanbespentbuildingthecabin(orpartiallybuildingit)ontheframe,andafterthefoundationworkisdoneinthespring,thecabinsectionscanbemovedtothesiteandinstalled.(Amodularhomedealercandothatjob.)Oncethecabinisinstalled,thetrailerwheelsandaxlesareremovedandthetowingtongueistrimmedwithacuttingtorch.Skirtingorsidingthencoversanyhintthatatrailerframerestsunderthecabin.
You’llfindheremodulesforbedrooms,bathrooms,kitchens,livingspaces,anddecksandporchesinanumberofdifferentconfigurations.Theyaredesignedtoaccommodatedifferentnumbersofpeopleandavarietyofneedsandlifestyles.Eachmoduleis12feetby12feet,or144squarefeet.Themodulesmaybestrungtogethertoproduceavarietyofcabinsizes,asseenbelow.
Themodularsystemofferedhereallowsforagreatdealofflexibilityindesign.Using¼-inch-to-the-footruledgraphpaperandadrawingpencil,youcandoyourowndesigning.Drawthemodulesyouareinterestedinonthegraphpaper,andcutthemout.Theycanthenbearrangedandrearrangeduntilyouarriveatthebestcombinationforyourneeds.
Thesetwosamplecombinationsuseactualmodulesfromthefollowingpages.Anyothermodulecouldbesubstitutedforoneofthemodulesintheseexamples;also,anyothermodulecouldbesimplyadded
on.Formorepossiblecombinations,seepages146–147.
Thefollowingplansareofferedasastartingpointforthecabindesigner.Theideasofferedmightinspirenewideasthatsuittheneedsofthecabindesignerbetter.
KITCHENMODULES
Thesefullkitchenmodulesofferfull-sizedrefrigeratorsandstovetops,aswellasplentyofcounterandstoragespace.
BATHROOMMODULES
Theselargerbathroommodulesaccommodateatuborshowerandstorageclosets,eitherinoradjacenttothebathroom.
KITCHEN/BATHROOMCOMBINATIONMODULES
Modulesthatcombinethekitchenandbathroommakeveryefficientuseofspace.Keepingallplumbingconfinedtoasinglemodulecanmakewinterizingthecabineasier;asinglemodule,rather
thantheentirecabin,canbekeptheatedjustenoughtokeepthewaterlinesfromfreezing.
BEDROOMMODULES
Bedroomscanbeeitherroomyaffairswithplentyofopenspaceorcompactarrangementsmakingefficientuseofspace.Bedsizeswill,ofcourse,bedeterminedbythesizeandnumberofoccupants
expectedtospendnightsinthecabin.
BEDROOMCOMBINATIONMODULES
Ifyouthinkofyourcabin’sbedasjustaplacetolayyourhead,thesecombinationmodulesmaybejustrightforyourdesign,foldingbedsintootherspacestomakethemostofcabinfloorspace.
BEDROOMFEATURES
Inabedroommodule,afull-sizedbedoffersstoragespacebothoverheadandunderneath.
Bunkbedsareperhapsbestsuitedforchildren,buttheyoffercompactsleepingarrangementsandevenstoragebeneath.
Abedroomstoragespacecanaccommodatebothahangingrodandadresser.
Aloft-stylearrangementofferssleepingspace,acozynookforreading,andstorage.
LIVING-AREAMODULE
Thisisabasicliving-areamodulewithawoodstove.Itcouldeasilyberestructuredtofitwithjustaboutanycombinationofmodules.
PORCH/DECKMODULES
Aporchordeckcanbetackedontoanyoutsidewall.
CAMPMODULES
Forahuntingcamp,fishingcamp,orothercabinintendedtohousealargenumberofpeople,you’llneedalargerkitchenandmoretoilets.
SAMPLEMODULECOMBINATIONS
K=kitchen/bathcombination
L=livingareaBED=bedroomsleepingtwoBUNK=bedroomwithtwobunkbeds,sleepingfourD=deckCB=campbathroomCK=campkitchen
Basingcabindesignon12-foot-by-12-footmodulesallowstheowneragreatdealofcreativeflexibility.Themodulescanbestrungtogetherinwhateverwaybestsuitstheowner’scurrentand
futureneeds.
USINGMANUFACTUREDSTRUCTURALCOMPONENTS
ONESERIOUSCONSIDERATIONINSMALLCABINCONSTRUCTIONISUTILIZINGMANUFACTUREDCOMPONENTSSUCHASPANELSANDMODULARBUILDINGUNITSTHATAREMADEOFF-SITE.MODULARHOMEBUILDERSHAVEBEENBUILDINGHOMESSINCETHEENDOFWORLDWARII.
Theycanofferqualitycontrolandbuildingstandardsthatarehardtoduplicateonajobsite.Ahostofothercustomfabricatorscanmakeeverythingfrompremanufacturedrooftrussestopanelsthatcontaindrywallontheinteriorandsheetingandsidingontheoutside.Theyarecapableofcustom-buildinganytrussthicknessandinsulationyouspecify.Manywillbothwireandplumbtheirpanels.Theyalsomanufacturefloorandroofmodules.
STRUCTURALINSULATEDPANELSStructuralinsulatedpanels(SIPs)aremanufacturedbyanumberofcompaniesinstandardconfigurations,andmostwillcustom-buildtoyourspecifications.Agrowingandimportantpartoftheconstructionindustry,SIPsareusedincommercialbuildings,barns,domestichousing,modularhomes,traveltrailers,andcabins.Theycanbeengineeredforalmostanystressloadorapplication.Builtinfactoryconditions,theyexhibitexcellentqualitycontrol,accuratesizing,andgreatdesignflexibility.Agreatchoiceofmaterialsisavailableforboththeweatherfaceandtheinteriorsurface,aswellasthetypeofinsulationused.CompaniesthatmanufactureSIPsusuallyfallintotwocategories: Companiesthatspecializeinstructuralpanelmanufacturealone.Thesecompaniesmakecomponentpanelsforjobsitesorwhole-housebuilders.Theyofferagreatvarietyofdesignandengineeringoptionsaswellasamenuoffabricationmaterials.Anumberofchoicesareavailablefortheweathersurface,theinteriorsurface,thestruttingmaterial,andinsulation.Theycancustom-buildpanels,orabuyercanchoosefromavarietyofpremanufacturedoptions.
Companiesthatarewhole-housebuilders.thesecompaniesoffera
completepanelizedormodularsystemforbuilding.Theyeithermanufacturetheirownpanelsorpurchasethemfromspecialtymanufacturers.Floors,walls,andceilingsmaybemanufacturedasflatpanelsanderectedatthebuildingsite.Orthecabinmaybemanufacturedindiscreteunits—bathrooms,kitchen,bedrooms,andsoon—thatareassembledwiththeuseofacraneatthebuildingsite.Mostmodularconstructionmethodsincludeelectricalwiring,heatingandcoolingducts,waterpipes,andotherutilitycomponentsalreadyincorporatedintothepanels.
MODULARKITCHENSANDBATHSEvenifyou’renotinterestedinhavingyourentirecabinconstructedwithSIPsorbyamodularhomebuilder,youmaybeinterestedinhavingapremanufacturedkitchenorbathroom.Somecompaniesspecializeinmanufacturingsuchmodules.Theseunitsarereadytogo,withplumbingandelectricallinesalreadyinplace.Theyaresituatedwithacrane,andthewater,sewer,andelectricallinesareconnected.Someareconventionalstud-and-panelconstruction,andothersaremoldedfiberglass.Yetothersuseacombinationofconstructionmethods.Becausealotoftheplumbingandelectricalworkinacabinconstructionprojecttakesplaceinbathroomsandthekitchen,youmaybeabletosaveyourselfbothtimeandmoneybyusingthesepremanufacturedunits.
I’mintriguedbythekitchenandbathroomunitsIseeinRVsandtraveltrailers.SincetheendofWorldWarII,RVandtraveltrailermanufacturershavebeenfiercelycompetingwitheachotherforsales,whichhasledtosignificantimprovementsintheirequipment,appliances,powersupplies,andaccessories.Manyofthesleeknewone-piecekitchenandbathroomunitsdesignedforthisindustrywouldadapteasilyandwellforsmallcabins.
SPECIALCONSIDERATIONSThinkthroughthefollowingconsiderationscarefullyifyou’reinterestedinusingmanufacturedpanelsasaconstructionmethod: Cost.Makingpanelsinafactorysettingisfasterandmoreaccuratethanstickbuilding(traditionalbuildingwithstudwalls).Laborcostsareanimportantaspectofanybuildingproject.Whichischeaper?Agoodandthoroughdesignprocesspaysoffhere.Takeasetofplanstoseveralmodularbuildersandtraditionalstick-buildingcontractorsandaskforquotesoncosts.
Findingamodularbuilder.Youmaynothavemuchtroublelocatinga
whole-housemodularhomebuilderinyourarea.FindingacompanythatwillmanufacturejustSIPsorcertainmodularcomponentsmaybemoredifficult.HereinPennsylvania,severalmodularhomebuildersmakepanelormodularcomponents.Mostwillnotstoptheirassemblylinesforasmalljob;withenoughleadtime,however,theywillscheduleasmalljobinoneoftheirslowperiodsorbetweentheirnormalproductionschedules.
Craneaccess.Verysteeporrockysitesdonotlendthemselvestoplacingacranetoliftthepanelsoffatruckandputtheminplace.Marshysitesnearlakesmaybetoosoftforthecranetostabilizeitselfonitsoutriggers.Accessroadsneedtobeadequateforboththecraneandflatbedtractortrailerstoaccessthesite.
Designconcerns.Somearchitecturaldesignsmaynotlendthemselvestomodularization.Mostpanelbuildersuseconventional2×4and2×6wallstudswitheitherplywoodpanelsordrywall.Contemporarydesignideasmaybebestimplementedbyconventionalstick-buildingtechniques.
Time.Withmodularconstruction,muchoftheworkisperformedinafactoryandnotonthecabinsite.Thisworkcanbecarriedoutduringthewinter,andthepanelsorcomponentscanbestoreduntilneeded.Mostoftheon-siteconstructioncanbeaccomplishedinaboutaweek.Somemodularhomebuilderscanbuildacabinandtransportitonatrailerframeinthesamemannerasthemobileandmodularhomestheymanufacture.Theresultistrulyaninstantcabin.Everythingisinplace:bathscomplete,kitchencabinetsandappliancesinplace,wallspainted,andcarpetorflooringalreadyinstalled.Theyinstalltheunitonafoundationandconnecttheutilities,andyou’regoodtogo.
SHIPPINGCONTAINERSAnintriguingideaistheuseofshippingcontainersasthebasemoduleforthecabinconstruction.Shippingcontainersaredesignedtobestructurallystrong.Innormaluse,theyarefilledwithcargoandstackedontopofeachother.Mostcontainersaredesignedtohandleagrossweightofover60,000pounds.Thisabilitygreatlyexceedsthedemandsofcabinbuilders.
Shippingcontainersareusuallyabout8feetwideand20or40feetinlength.Theyareavailableinbothinsulatedanduninsulatedversions.Mosthaveahead
clearanceof7feet8½inches;highcubecontainersare8feet6incheshigh.Shippingcontainersaredesignedtolockontoatrailerforeasytransport.
Usedshippingcontainerscanbepurchased,movedtothecabinsite,andassembledintoalivingspace.Anon-sitecranecanliftthemoffthetrailerandputtheminplace.Analmostendlessvarietyofspacescanbemadebyeitherstackingthecontainersorplacingthemsidebyside.Withtheadditionofaroof,youhaveacabin.
Usingshippingcontainersposesaninterestingdesignchallenge:howtomakeacabinbasedonthemnotlooklikeaseriesofoldtrailersstackedtogether.Thebestapproachistousethecontainersasthebonesofacabinanduseconventionalbuildingmaterialsincombinationwiththem.Conventional2×4framingfitswellwiththerectangularshapeofshippingcontainers.Mostmanufacturersofroofingtrusseswillcustom-designtrussestofityourneeds.Roofingmaterialssuchasraisedribmetalorcorrugatedmetalroofingusedassidingcouldbechosentomatchthelookoftheshippingcontainers.Withtheadditionoftrussedroofingandconventionalwallsystems,shippingcontainerscanbecomeanintegralpartofinterestingcabindesigns.Alsotrytoincorporatelargewindowstocuretheboxyfeelofthecontainers.
Fourexamplesofshipping-containercabinsareofferedattheendofthischapter.(Seealsothedesignonpage206.)Theycombineusedshippingcontainerswithtraditionalwoodframing.Inallofthedesigns,theutilities,includingthekitchensandbathrooms,arehousedintheshippingcontainerportionofthecabin.Theshippingcontainerscouldbemodifiedandinternalstructuresbuiltbeforethecontainersaremovedtothecabinsite.Kitchenandbathroomunitscouldbeinstalled,partitionwallsbuilt,andutilities,insulation,andfixturesinstalledpriortotransportationtothesite.Preparationoftheshippingcontainerscouldtakeplaceintheoff-seasonandgreatlyacceleratethebuildingprocessonthecabinsite.Preparingshippingcontainersclosetohomewouldsaveaconsiderableamountoftransportationtimeanddrivingexpense.
Anumberofcompaniesspecializeinsellingusedshippingcontainers.AsimplesearchontheInternetcanpointyouintherightdirection.
MyJunkman’sContainerHomeFromthemid-1970sthroughthemid-1980sIownedafarm,andthereIdidmyfirstexperimentationswithwindpower.Ibefriendedalocaljunkdealer,
whowasanincrediblesourceofcheapcomponentsforbuildingwindpumpsandgenerators.Hewasalsomyfirstintroductiontotheconceptofusingshippingcontainersasbuildingunits.
Myjunkmanlivedinhisjunkyardintwo45-foottractor-trailercontainerssituatedsidebyside,withapitchedroofoverthemandadeckontherear.
Thissetupcreated720squarefeetoflivingspaceatvirtuallynocosttohim.Hiswatercamefromtheroofsofhisstorageshedsandwasstoredinacistern,andheheatedwithwood.Helivedasimpleandcomfortablelifeonadisabledveteran’spensioninhiscontainerhome—itwasamazingtobehold.
MODERNISTSHIPPINGCONTAINERCABINThiscabinisdesignedtoaccommodatesolar-electricpanelsandthelargebankofbatteriesnecessaryforenergystorage.Ifusedinseasonsotherthansummer,someformofheat,suchasgasspaceheatingorhotwaterrecirculation,willneedtobeadded.
Features
374squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2or3
Utilizesone40-footshippingcontainer
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
CLEARCREEKSHIPPINGCONTAINERCABINThissimplecabindesigncanbevariedinstyleandsizebasedontheframethatisaddedtotheshippingcontainermodule.Becauseofthesmallscaleofthiscabin,averysmallwoodstovewillcomfortablyheatitevenincoldweather.
Features
480squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps2to4
Utilizesone20-footshippingcontainer
TWO-STORYSHIPPINGCONTAINERCABINThisroomycabincontainstwobedroomsandtwofullbaths.Spaceheatingisprovidedbyawood-burningstove.Withapropane-firedrefrigerator,cookstove,andwaterheater,thiscabinwouldworkwelloffthegrid.
Features
720squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Twofullbaths
Sleeps4to6
Utilizesthree20-footshippingcontainers
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
BAERROCKSSHIPPINGCONTAINERCABIN
Thislargerthree-bedroomcabinsleepsuptoeightpeople.Spaceheatingiseasilyandefficientlyprovidedbyawood-burningstove.Addingagasrefrigeratorandacookstovewillmakethiscabinwellsuitedtoremotebuildingsitesoroff-the-gridapplications.
Features
800squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Fullbath
Sleeps6to8
Utilizestwo20-footshippingcontainers
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
GETTINGTHEMOSTFROMBUILDINGMATERIALS
WHENBUILDINGACABIN,EVERYONEWANTSTOKEEPTHECOSTTOAMINIMUM.THETWOMAJORCOSTFACTORSAREMATERIALSANDLABOR.
Andtheamountoflaboracabinwillrequireisdetermined,atleasttosomeextent,byyourdecisionsregardingbuildingmaterials.Mystrategyforgettingthemostfrombuildingmaterialsfollowsfiverules:
1.Plan/designwell.Theoldadageis“Measuretwice,cutonce.”Iaddthemantra,“Design,design,design.”
2.Shopwell.Findingmaterialsisasmuchapartofdesignasisdraftingplans.Itendtolookforoddlots,off-colorlots,andsurplusmaterials,becausetheyareavailableatpriceswellbelowretail.Itpaystoputinthetimetolookforjusttherightmaterialsatjusttherightprice.TheInternetcanbehelpfulhere—youcanuseittocheckpricesofanymaterialsorfixturesyou’reconsideringtomakesurethatyou’regettingagooddeal.
3.Stagetheproject.Don’tbeinahurrytopurchaseeverythingyouneedallatonce.Instead,purchasethematerialsyouwantwhenyoucangetthematagoodprice,thenstorethemuntilyouneedthem.
4.Buyusedmaterialsandfixtureswhenpossible.Usedorrecycledmaterialscancostlessthannewones.Itmakesecologicalsensetoworkwiththemratherthanhavingnewmaterialsmanufactured.Andsometimes“used”canequatetoaninterestingperiod-piecefixtureorauthenticallytimewornmaterial.
5.Makeyourownlaborcost-effective.Youmostlikelywillbedoingsomeoftheworkyourself.Planwell,getcostquotesfromcontractors,andknowyourownskillssothatyoucanmakecost-effectivedecisionsaboutwhichpartsoftheworkyoushoulddoyourselfandwhichpartsshouldbelefttocontractors.
LABORDECISIONS
BuildingwithPiersThepolebuildingindustryhasdevelopedprecaststeel-reinforcedconcretepiersthatcanbeusedasfoundationsformanytypesofbuildings.Likefullfoundations,theykeeppressure-treatedlumberfromgroundcontact,buttheyaremucheasiertoinstall—anyreasonablyhandypersonshouldbeabletodoit.Thepiersareavailableinvariousthicknessesandlengthsandusuallyhavesteelmountingplatesontop,whichmakesiteasytoattachthefloordeckingtothem.
Howyousetthepierswillbelargelydeterminedbyyourlocalbuildingcodes.Ingeneral,theprocessisasfollows:Digholesbyhandorwithabackhoe.Purchasebags(atleastonebagperhole)ofdryconcretemixfromabuildingsupplycenter.Mixthebaggedconcreteon-siteandpourabagintoeachhole.Spreadthemixoutintoabottom“plate,”about4inchesdeepandreinforcedwithsteelrods(rebar).Aftertheconcretehardens,standapierineachfooterholeontopoftheconcreteplate.Trueitup,plumbit,braceitinplace,thenbackfillthefooterholes.Keepthebracinginplaceatleastuntilyou’veinstalledthefloordeckingforthecabin.
Mostsmallcabinbuilderswanttoperformatleastsomeofthelaborthemselves.Aspartofyourplanning,evaluateyouroptionsforeachaspectofthelabor.Hereagain,cost-effectivenessplaysanimportantrole.Inthiscase,cost-effectivenessisdeterminedbythebalancebetweentimeandmoney.Ifyouhavethetime,doingtheworkyourselfcansavemoney.Ifyou’reshortontime,however,orifhiringaprofessionalwouldresultinsignificanttimesavings,itmaybemorecost-effectivetohirethejobout.
Forexample,sayIneedtoinstallfootersforthefoundationofmycabin.Thefirsttaskwouldbetoexcavatesothefooterscanbesetintotheground.Ihaveseveraloptions:
Icoulddigbyhand—cheapbutlaborintensiveandtime-consuming.
Icouldhireorrentabackhoetodigthefootersinanhourortwo.
Icouldbuyabackhoeanddigthemmyself.
PurchasingabackhoetodigafewfootersmakesnosenseunlessIhaveafutureuseforthebackhoe—andthatwouldhavetobeasignificantfutureusetomakeitworththemoney.Diggingfootersbyhandmightconsumemostofasummer’savailableworktime.Hiringabackhoeandoperatororevenrentingtheequipmentmakesthemostsense.Ofcourse,touseabackhoeIwouldneedtheskillstooperateit.It’simpracticaltothinkIcouldlearntooperateacomplexpieceofmachineryIhaveneverusedanddoagood,professionaljobthefirsttimeout.
Themostcost-effectivewaytogetthosefootersdugwouldbeformetohireabackhoeandoperatorandhavehimdigthefootersforme.AsIwouldwithanycontractorIhire,Iwouldbargainwiththebackhoeoperatorforthebestprice:
Contactseveraloperatorsandgetpricequotes.
Askaround.Mostlocalsknowwhodoesthebestworkatthebestprice.
Givethecontractoratimeframeinwhichtogettheworkdone.
Forthebackhoeoperator,Iwouldprobablyplantopourfootersafterthelastfrostofthespringseason.ThelastfrostinmyareaisinearlyMay.IwouldapproachabackhoeoperatorinFebruarywiththestipulationthatIneededthefooterstobedugbyMay5th.Thiswouldgivehimsomeflexibilityastohowandwhenhegetsthejobdone.Thegreatertheflexibilityyoucangiveacontractor,themorelikelyyouaretogetagoodprice.
Asfarasthefootersthemselves,Ialsohaveanumberofoptions:
Icouldhireacontractortoinstallthem.
Icouldbuildforms(thewoodthatholdstheconcreteinplace)andpourtheconcretemyself.(inthiscase,wouldIhand-mixthecementorhireaready-mixtruck?)
Icouldinstallpremanufacturedpiers,eachontopofasmallconcretepadthatIwouldmixandpourmyself.
Obviouslyacontractordoingtheworktakeslittleofmytimebutisthemostexpensivewaytogo.Buildingtheformsmyselfandpouringthemistheleastexpensivebutthemosttime-consuming.Usingsalvagedplywoodtobuildtheformswouldbeafurthersavings;hiringaready-mixtruckwoulddetractfromthesavings.Thethirdalternativeisprobablymybestchoice.
AfterIinstallthefootersIwouldplantobackfillbyhand;withthesoilloosenedbythebackhoe,itwouldn’tbetoodifficult,andIcouldbackfillonmyownschedule.
SHOPPINGANDSTAGINGWhenI’mdesigningandbuildingacabin,orevenjustreplacingakitchenorbathroom,Ispendalotoftimeandenergyinthethinking/designstage.Idodrawingsandmakenotes.ThenIgettotheworkofobtainingthematerialsandfixturesIneed.Ilookonlineandatlocalbuildingsupplyhousestoseewhatmaterialsareavailable.Iaskalotofquestionsofsuppliers,builders,andfriends.AndthenIstartshopping.
WhenIdesignIliketofocusondesign,whenI’mshoppingIliketofocusonshopping,andwhenIbuildIliketofocusonconstruction.Stagingaproject—purchasingmaterialsasyoufindthemandstoringthemuntilyou’rereadytobeginconstruction—allowsyoutofocusoneachaspectoftheprojectinitsturn,andwhenyougetdowntotheworkofbuilding,youdon’thavetokeeprunningouttothesupplyhouse.
Itendtolookforodd-lot,surplus,orrecycledmaterialsthatcanbepurchasedforadiscount;withalittletimeandworkIcangetexcellentmaterialsatawallet-friendlyprice.TheInternetisagoodplacetogetanideaofwhatvariousitemsaresellingfor.ThatwayIknowwhetherornotI’mgettingabargain.
StorageforStagingIfyoudon’thaveadequatestoragespaceforthematerialsandfixturesyou’vepurchased,arentalstorageunitmaymakealotofsense.Iliveinasuburbanneighborhood,andapileofmaterialsnexttomygarageforseveralmonthswouldcauseconcernamongmyneighbors.Ionceboughtanewdisplaykitchenfromalocalkitchenandbathdesigncompanyforafractionofitsvalue.Theywereupgradingtheirdisplayunitsandneededtoclearoutthepreviousyear’sdesignideas.PartofthedealwasthatIwouldremoveitmyselfandhaulitawayonatightschedule.Irentedaself-storageunitandstoreditthereforseveralmonths.Thisworkedoutgreat—forafewdollarsaweekIwasabletostorethekitchenuntilIwasreadytoinstallit.
Ialsotrytoworkwithlocalmaterialswheneverpossible.Theytendtobelessexpensivethanmaterialsthathavetobetruckedinfromelsewhere,andworkingwithlocalsuppliersisgoodforthelocaleconomy.Plusthere’sacertaincachettobeingabletosaythatyourcabinuses,say,locallymilledlumber,locallyquarriedstone,orlocalartisanhardware.Lookaroundtheareawhereyouarebuilding.Lookforlocalmaterialsmanufacturersorsuppliers.HereinPennsylvaniaisanactiveloggingindustrywithlumberavailablefrommanysmallsawmilloperations.Pennsylvaniaalsostillproducesslate,whichisaviablealternativetoceramictile.Gettingslatetilesecondsataquarryandhaulingthemyourselfwouldbealow-costwaytotileakitchen,foyer,orbathroom.
RECYCLEDBUILDINGMATERIALSCompanieseverywherespecializeinusedbuildingmaterialsandfixtures.Sometimestheseusedmaterialsare“funkier”thanwhat’savailableonthecurrentmarket.Sometimesthey’relessexpensive.Butthecheapestoptionisnotalwaysthebestoption!Ilikethetermcost-effective.Cost-effectivenessconsidersthecost,designutilization,andusefulnessoftheitem.Forexample,anewbathroomfaucetmaycostmorethanausedone.Buttheusedonemayhavepittedchromeandvalveseatsandmayneedtobereplacedinafewyears.Inthiscase,thecost-effectiveapproachwouldbetobuyanewfixture.
Thethingtodoisweighthecostsandmeritsoftheusedmaterialsagainstthoseofthenewmaterials.Besuretoconsiderseveralcosts:
Lossrate.Thelossrateishowmuchmaterialyou’llloseinpreparingitfornewconstruction.Whenrecyclinglumberorsiding,forexample,alotoftrimmingwillbenecessary;youshouldexpectabouta20percentlossrate.Alsoplantopullalotofnailsandruinafewsawbladesonhiddennails.Thelossratecanvarygreatlydependingonthequalityofthematerialandhowitwashandledwhenremovedfromtheoriginalsite.
Purchaseprice.Old,funky,andbeautifullightfixturesorentrancedoorsmaycostmorethanthenewequivalent.Oldbarnbeamsareworththeirweightingold.Newtimbercutatalocalsawmillmaymakemoresense.
Energyefficiency.Oldwindowsmaybecharmingbutnotveryenergyefficient.Theadditionofstormwindowsanddoorsmaybenecessary.
Leadpaint.Assumethatsurfacespaintedbeforethelate1960scontainleadpaint.Thepaintwillneedtoberemovedorcompletelycoveredtobesafe.
Insectinfestation.Lookcarefullyforinsectortermiteinfestation.Thelastthingyouwantistobuildtermitesintoyournewcabin.
ThingsNottoRecycleDon’tattempttorecycleoldwiringorfuseboxes.Theriskofshockorfireistoogreat.
Lookatoldwood-stovesorpotbelliedstovescarefully.Makesuretheyaresoundandreplacementpartsareavailable.Youcanbesurethatifyourstoveisgoingtobreakdown,itwilldosowhenitisbeingheavilyusedinthemiddleofwinter,whichisaterribletimetofindreplacementpartsortoreplacethestove.Ihaveanearly60-year-oldFranco-Belgecoalstovein
myhouse.Itstillburnswellandistheheartofmyauxiliaryheatingsystem.BeforeIinstalledit,though,ImadesureIcouldgetpartsforitfromalocalstovedealer.
IgrewupinthePoconoMountainsofPennsylvania.There,andthroughoutmuchofAppalachia,cabinswerecommonlybuilttoutilizeeitherhousetrailersortraveltrailers.Atrailerwouldbehauledtoabuildingsiteandsetupaspartofthecabin.AlthoughIfindoldhousetrailersdumpedinthewoodstobeuglyandanecologicalsin,itispossibletopurchaseusedhousetrailersveryinexpensively.Thecomponents—kitchen,bath,heatingsystem,electricalpanels,windows,doors—couldbereclaimedandincorporatedintoawell-designedcabin.Theshell(whichispoorlyinsulatedanyway)couldthenbehauledtoalandfill.Olderhousetrailersarenotoriousforpoorconstruction,poorinsulation,andflatroofsthatalmostalwaysleak.Thein-linedesignnecessaryfortrailerstobetransportedbyhighwayisnotgooddesignanddoesnotusespacewell.Savingwhatisreusableandincorporatingitintogooddesignisbothcost-effectiveandgoodfortheenvironment.
Buildingwithusedmaterialscancertainlyreapbothfinancialandaestheticrewards,butdoingsocanbetime-consuming.Forexample,gettingusedclapboardsidingfromademolitionsite,haulingithome,andspendingyourfreetimeoverthewinterpullingnailsandtrimmingmay,ormaynot,beagoodstrategyforyou.Forittoworkyouneedthreethings:
Timespentreclaimingthelumber,evenprimingitaheadoftime.Laborisexpensiveifyouhiresomeonetodothis.Ifyouworka40-hourweekandcommutetowork,timeisafactor.Whatyoudon’twantisabeautifulcabinandnofriendsorfamilytoshareitwith.
Atrucktohaulitin,oratleastagoodfriendwithatruck.Transportationintheformofahiredtruckisexpensive.I’vehauledmanyappliancesforfriendsinexchangeforahelpinghandwhenIneededit.Everybodybenefits,andworkingtogetherhelpsgenerateasenseofcommunity.
Somewheretostorethelumberandtoworkonit.
COMPACT&EFFICIENTUTILITIES&APPLIANCES
THEDECISIONSYOUMAKEABOUTUTILITIESANDAPPLIANCESWILLPLAYALARGEROLEINHOWYOUENDUPUSINGYOURCABIN.WITHTHOUGHTFULCONSIDERATIONANDPLANNING,THEINVESTMENTYOUMAKEINTHISEQUIPMENTWILLHELPYOURCABINTOBEASPACE-EFFICIENT,RESOURCE-EFFICIENT,ENERGY-EFFICIENT,ANDENJOYABLESPACE.
Efficient—that’sthekeyconsiderationhere.Efficiencyaddstothegreatpleasureofcabinlifethroughsimplifyinghouseholdwork,reducingoperatingcosts,andlimitingenvironmentalimpact,allowingcabindwellerstofeelrightathomeintheirlittlehome.
Thankfullyfortoday’scabinowners,many,manyoptionsexistforthenecessaryutilities,namelypower,heat,water,andsewage.Appliancesareasimilarstory:whetherfull-sizedordownsized,avastrangeofstylesandapplicationsisavailable.
USINGRVCOMPONENTSBotharevolutionandanexplosionhaveoccurredinequipment,appliances,andothercomponentsforRVs.MostRVcomponentsarescaleddowninsizeanddesignedtooperateonmultiplefuels.Theyarealsodesignedtowithstandtherigorsoftrailering,beingoperatedforshortperiodsoftime,andbeingshutoffformonths.Sincemostcabinownerssubjecttheirappliancestothesamerigors,theseappliancesareanidealchoice,andyou’llfindalotofreferencestotheminthischapter.
Unlikemosthouseholds,whichoperateonthe110-to120-voltalternatingcurrent(AC)oftheconventionalelectricitygrid,mostRVsutilize12-voltdirectcurrent(DC)electricity.Theymakeuseoflighting,appliances,televisions,fans,andotherelectricalcomponentsthathavebeendesignedtooperateon12-voltDCcurrent.Theseelectricalsystemsincludeheavy-duty12-voltbatteriesthat
canpowertheirDCcomponents.Theyalsousuallyhaveaninverterthat,whenRVsarepluggedintothegrid,cantransformstandardACtoDCelectricityandchargetheRVbatteries.ManyoftheseinvertersaredesignedtoautomaticallyswitchanRVfromgridpowertobatterypowerwhenthegridfails.Electricalinvertersystemsadaptwelltouseinsmallcabins.Aninverter/batterysystemcanbecombinedwithasolarelectricpanelsystemand/orawindturbinetopowerasmallcabincompletelyoffthegrid.(Seechapter7formoredetails.)
ManufacturersofRVsalsoproduceinnovative,multifunctionalfurniturethatadaptswellforuseinsmallcabins.Forexample,diningspaceisprovidedinmanyRVsthroughadinettebooth.Thetableportionsofthesedinettesfolddown,convertingthedinetteintoabedthatvariesinsizefromasingletoaqueen-sizedbed.Mostdinettesaredesignedtoofferadditionalstoragespaceundertheirseatingsection.
ManyRVshaveportablegasstoves;theycanbemovedfromindoorstooutdoorsforhot-weathercooking.Space-andenergy-efficientRVrefrigeratorscanoperateonmultiplefuels.Watersystemshavebecomeverysophisticated:Bathroomsareonepiece,incorporatingtoilets,lavatorysinks,andshowers,andsomeevenoffertubs!Hotwatersystemsarebecomingpoint-of-usesystemsandthereforeveryenergyefficient.
OtherpotentiallyusefulRVaccessoriesincluderoll-upawningsthatcanbebolteddirectlytoacabinexteriorwall;theyretractforsecurestoragewhennotinuse.Portableappliances,foldingtablesandfurniture,bedding,bathaccessories,dinnerware,andkitchenwaredesignedforRVuseadaptwelltosmallcabins.
ThethreeplansthatfollowrelyheavilyonRVpowersystemsanddesigninnovations.You’llfindthatmanyoftheplansinchapter1callforRVcomponentsaswell.
FromRVstoCabins
Usuallyonceortwiceduringthewinter,IattendlocalRVshows.I’mnotinthemarketforanewtraveltrailer;Iliketoseethenewinnovationsthisverycompetitiveindustryisintroducingtotheworld.AndeachyearinFebruary,whenIhavetohaulmytraveltrailertomylocaltraveltrailerdealerforayearlyinspection,Iarrangetoarriveatthemomentthedealeropensforbusinessandwaituntiltheinspectionisfinished.I’malwaysinterestedinanythingnewImightseeintrailerdesign,andwhiletheinspectionistakingplaceIusuallywanderthroughthesaleslotadmiringtheofferings.
Thisyear,Isawatthebackofthesaleslotadamagedtrailerthathadbeenstruckfrombehindbyacar.Otherthanthisdamageitwasinverygoodshape.Iaskedaboutitandwastoldthattheinsurancecompanyhaddeclaredthetraileratotallossandtheownerwastryingtodisposeofit.I
passedthisinformationontoafriendwhowasplanningtobuildacabininthespring.Hepurchasedthetrailerfromtheinsurancecompanyfortwothousanddollarsandmadeplanstoincorporatethekitchen,bathroom,electricalcontrolsystem,plumbingandwatersupply,andfurnitureintohiscabin.Afterremovingwhathewantedfromthetrailer,hedonatedthedamagedshelltoalocalvolunteerfirecompanytobeusedforfirefightingpractice.
Afoldingtablewhosecabinetdoublesaspantrystorageisjustoneofmanyspace-efficientRVinnovationsthatwouldworkwellinacompactcabin.
RV-BASEDMICROCABINIfyourideaofagreatvacationisbeingoutdoorsasmuchaspossible,thiscabinisforyou.It’stinybutcomplete,withahalfbathandkitchen.Thespaceheatingcouldbeprovidedbyagasspaceheaterorafurnacedesignedforasmalltraveltrailer.
Features
192squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps1to3
ReliesonRVcomponents
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
RVComponents
12-voltDCelectricalsystem
12-voltDCwaterpump
12-voltDClightingsystem
12-voltdeep-cyclebatteries
Shower/toiletcombination
Multifuelrefrigerator
RV-BASEDFORKSVILLECABINTheceilingheightinthiscabinis10feet,whichmakestheinteriorfeelmuchlargerthan200squarefeet.Thefull-sizedMurphybedfoldsupagainstthewallduringtheday,increasingtheusablespaceinside.Thesolarpanelsallowthiscabintobeusedinareaswheretraditionalelectricalserviceisnotavailable.Thecabin’slengthandwidthallowittobeconstructedoff-siteandtraileredtothecabinsite.
Features
200squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2
ReliesonRVcomponents
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
Canbebuiltoff-siteandtraileredin
RVComponents
12-voltDCelectricalsystem
12-voltDCwaterpump
12-voltDClightingsystem
12-voltdeep-cyclebatteries
Showerunit
Multifuelrefrigerator
LPgasfurnace
RV-BASEDMINICABINThiscompactcabineasilysleepstwoand,withapulloutsofa,canaccommodateuptofour.Withtwoclosets,tworowsofkitchencabinets,andotherstorageoptions,italsooffersplentyofroomforstowingyourbelongings.
Features
313squarefeet
Three-quarterkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2to4
Outdoorwoodstove
ReliesonRVcomponents
Adaptabletobeingoffthegrid
RVComponents
12-voltDCelectricalsystem
12-voltDCwaterpump
12-voltDClightingsystem
12-voltdeep-cyclebatteries
Shower
Multifuelrefrigerator
Hotwaterheater
HEATING
MakingDoThefirststudioIownedwasheatedwithanoldwood/coalstove.Ibuiltacementblocksurroundwiththeblockcoresopen,soaircouldcirculatebyconvection.Astheblockswarmedup,theydrewcoldairoffthefloorandwarmeditasitpassedthroughtheircores.EventuallyItiledthecementblockswithhandmadeceramictile(Iwasworkingasaproductionpotteratthetime).Inaddition,Imadeaheavysquarewirebaskettofitontopofthestove.Ifilledthisbasketwithseveralcubicfeetofriverrockasaheatsink.Theresultingsystemheatedevenlyandwascheaptooperate.IheatedmystudiothiswayfortheeightyearsIlivedinthathouse.
Mostcabinsrequiresomeformofheatingsystem,andthetypeofheatingsystemyouchooseisanimportantdecisionincabindesign.Agreatnumberofheatingstoveswithverydifferentdesignfeaturesandaestheticappearancesareavailableonthemarket.Themajordifferentiatoramongthemistheheatingfueltheyuse.Wood,coal,orwood/coalstovesareafrequentchoiceamongcabinowners.Othertypesofheatingstovesshouldalsobeconsidered:liquidpetroleum(LP)ornaturalgas,openorclosedflame,ventedorunvented,spaceheaters,keroseneheaters,andelectricheaters.
Thoughyoucould,ofcourse,installatraditionalfurnace-basedsystemsuchasyoumightfindinmosthomes,thatmachinerycanbeabitmuchforasmallcabin,bothintermsofitsheatingcapacityanditscost.However,manyRVsuseLP-fueled,12-voltDC,hot-airfurnacesforheat.Thesefurnacesaresmallinsizeandductedtodeliverheatwhereveritisneeded.TheirBTUoutputisidealforheatingsmallcabins.
Whatevertypeofheatingunityouchoose,itisimportanttofollowthemanufacturer’sinstallationinstructions.Mostlocalbuildingcodesdictatethestandardtowhichthesestovesmustbeinstalled.Stovesalescompaniescanassistyouwithobtainingacopyoflocalcodesandstandards.
Asafe,fireproofareaforthestoveandasafechimneysystem(ifthestoveneedstobevented)areofutmostimportance.Becertainthatthestoveisasafedistancefromanycombustiblematerials,suchaswalls,windowframes,andfurniture.Thestovemanufacturerwillspecifythisdistance,whichcanrangefromunder1footto3feet.Youmightconsiderinvestinginathickmasonrysurround,whichisnotjustafiresafetyprecautionbutalsoawaytostoreheatthatwillbereleasedintothelivingspaceasthefirediesdown.
Youmayalsowanttoconsiderheatexchangesystemsthatfitintostovepipes.Theyextractheatfromtheexhaustgases.Thoughtheydoincreasetheefficiencyofthestovesystem,theymayremovetoomuchheat.Someheatisnecessaryfortheconvectionprocessthatmakeschimneysandstovepipeswork.Withoutsufficientconvection,combustiongasescanbackupintolivingspaces.Systemsthatdrawoutsideairintothestoveforcombustionmakealotofsense;warmairisnotusedforcombustionandthefireisisolatedfromtheroomair.
TransomsforHeatCirculationDesigninginteriordoorstoincludetransomscanassistinthecirculationofwarmairthroughoutacabin.Placingsmallductfansinthetransomscanhelpevenmore;thefanscandrawheatedairfromonespacetoanother.Thissetupwouldallowyoutouseastoveorheaterinoneroomtoeasilyheatadjacentrooms.
Atransomwindowoveradoorwaycanbefittedwithasmallfantopullheatedairfromoneroomtothenext.
SpaceHeating
DoYouNeedHeat?Ifyouplantouseyourcabinonlyinthesummerorliveinawarmclimate,cabinheatingmaynotbethebestwaytogo.IwasrecentlyinsouthernBrazil.Theclimatetheregetsdowntoaround40degreesatnightinthewinterbutneveraslowasfreezing.Daytimetemperaturesclimbintothehigh60sorlow70s,sovirtuallynoneofthehouseshasanykindofheatingsystem.Electricblanketsarepopularthere.Combinedwithsmallelectricheatersinbathrooms,theblanketshelpfamiliesinsouthernBrazilgetthroughthecoldestmonthsofJulyandAugust.
Inwarmerclimates,orforcabinsusedonlyinwarmerseasons,spaceheatingmakessense.Electricorgasspaceheatingisprobablythemostcost-effective.Catalyticpropaneheaters,suchasthosedesignedfortheRVindustry,arealsogoodchoices.Theyaresmallandmounteitheronorinwalls.Theycomeinavarietyofsizesdeterminedbytheiroutput,whichismeasuredinBritishthermalunits(BTUs).Manufacturerscanrecommendwhichsizeunityou’dwantbasedonthecubicvolumeofyourcabin.IsuggestbuyingaunitwithaBTUcapacityslightlylargerthantheformulacallsfor.Thiswillgiveyoubackupcapacityforunexpectedcoldsnapsandbringacoldcabinuptotemperaturewhenyoujustarrive.
HotWaterHeat
Anovelmethodtoheatsmallcabinsforthree-seasonuseiswithahotwaterheater.Asmallcabincanusuallytakecareofitshotwaterneedswitha20-gallonhotwaterheater.Increasingthatcapacitytoa40-gallonunit(thesizemostcommonlyfoundinhomes)willprovidetheoptionofheatingacabinwithhotwater.Hereishowitworks:Aplumbingteeisplacedinthewaterlinesnearthehotwateroutletpipeandthecoldwaterinletpipe.Thislineisthenloopedthroughacirculationpumpandbaseboardhotwaterheatingradiator.Thecirculationpumpisthen,inturn,connectedtoathermostat.Iwouldalsoputwatervalvesatbeginningandendofthisloop,closetowhereitconnectstothehot/coldwaterlines.Thevalvesallowforthehotwaterlooptobeisolatedandshutofffromthehotwatersystem.Withadrainpluginstalledatthelowpointinthehotwaterheatingloop,itcanbedrainedinthewinter.
Inoperation,thethermostatwouldcallforheatandclosearelayprovidingelectricitytothecirculationpump.Thepumpwouldthencirculatehotwaterfromthehotwaterheaterthroughtheradiator.Whenthethermostatwassatisfiedthecirculationpumpwouldshutoff.Iwouldnotrelyonthissystemincoldweatherorforalargecabin;thissystemisviableforsmallcabinsnotusedinthecoldwintermonths.
HotWaterCirculationHeatingSystem
Insmallcabins,asimplehotwatercirculationsystemcanofferadequateheatforminimalcostandinfrastructure.
COOKSTOVES
CookstoveConsiderations
Choiceoffuels:Whatisavailableandcosteffective?
Numberofpeopletobefed:Morepeople=moreburners.
Lifestyle:Iscabincookingaminimalexperienceorachancetobeagourmet?
Convenience:Doyouwanttobuildafireeverytimeyouwanttocook?
Youcanfindavastnumberofreliablecookstovesonthemarket.Theyrange
frommicro-sizedbackpackcookstovestolargewood/coalkitchencookstoves.Isuggeststartingyourselectionprocessbasedonthefuelyouintendtoburninthisstove.Whatisavailableandcheap:wood,coal,gas/propane,orelectricity?Thenascertainyourneed,whichisusuallythenumberofburnersnecessarytocookforacabinfullofpeople.Thisnumbercouldrangefromatwo-burnerRVstovetoasix-burnergasorelectricrange.Doyouwantanoven?Doyouwantamicrowave?Willyoucookmainlyinside,ordoyouplantogrillalotoutside?
RVCookingComponents
Stoves,ovens,andmicrowavesforRVsareavailableinsizesthatworkwellinsmallcabins.AndRVgasgrillsareperfectforsmallcabinuse.
Ipersonallylikethethree-burnerLPgasstovesdesignedforuseinRVs.Theycanbemovedoutdoorsandreconnectedforuseinhotweather;thelessheatputintoacabin,thelessitwillneedtobecooled.Foranumberofyears,Iservedasacampcookforvolunteergroupsrepairingandmaintaininghikingtrialsinstateparksandforests.Ihavecookedforaweekforasmanyas40peopleonthreeburners.AndIalsohaveasmallJapanesesingle-burnerLPgasstoveIhaveusedfor25yearswhenIstayinmycabinalone.
InductionCooktops
Arecentinterestingadvanceincookingtechnologywasfirstintroducedintotherestaurantindustry:inductioncooktops.Inductioncooktopsutilizetheprincipalofeddycurrentstoproduceheat.Thecookingburnersareinfactlargemagnetsthatoperateonhomeelectricalcurrent.Whencombinedwithspecialcookwarewhosebottomshaveanembeddedcoreofiron,theyproduceheat.Themagneticenergyfromthecooktopinducesamagneticcurrentintheironcoreofthecookingpan.Theexcitedmoleculesofthepancorethenvibrateandproduceheat,muchinthesamewaythatmicrowaveovensheatfood.Somemodelsofinductionhotplatestakeupverylittlespaceandcanbemovedfromplacetoplaceaslongasanelectricaloutletisavailable.Inductionhotplatescanbestoredinacabinet,setuponacounterwhenit’stimetocook,andthenreturnedtostorage.
Oneadvantageofinductioncookingisthatthestovedoesnotgethot;theheatislimitedtothebottomofcookingpans.Thedownsideisthatspecialcookwareandanelectricalsupplyarenecessary.
ElectricCookers
SummerKitchensWhenfarmswerebeingdevelopedintheeighteenthandnineteenthcenturiesinthePennsylvania
DutchareasofPennsylvania,theyutilizedwhatwereknownassummerkitchens.Thesesmallbuildingswereclosetothemainhouseandreservedsolelyforthepurposeofcookinginthesummertime.Thisarrangementisolatedthecookingheatfromthemainstructure.Somesummerkitchensincludedclotheswashing,baking,andevenslaughteringfacilities.ManyPlainPeople(suchastheAmishandMennonites)stilluseandbuildsummerkitchensaspartoftheirfarmsteads.Cabinsthatincorporatethisideamaymakesenseinwarmerclimates.
Cabincooksshouldconsiderusingpressurecookersandslowcookers.Modernpressurecookersarenotthepressurecookersyourgrandmotherused50yearsago.Theyaresmaller,easiertouse,andmuchsaferthantheolderdesigns.Pressurecookersgreatlyreducecookingtimesandthereforetheuseofenergy.
Slowcookers,ontheotherhand,areidealforcabinliving.Mostcanbepluggedintohouseholdoutletsandplacedonakitchencounter.Loadthemupinthemorningandtheyneedlittleornoattentionduringtheday.Andthere’snothingbetterforbreakfastonacoldmorningthanIrishoatmeal.AslowcookerloadedwithIrishoatmealatbedtimewillproduceagreatbreakfastwithlittleworkinthemorning.
HeatingandCookstoveCombinations
Lookforheating/cookingstovecombinations.Thiskindofastoveisgreatinthewinterbutmayputouttoomuchheatinthehotsummermonths.Thewaythesestovesaredesignedprecludesthemfrombeingequallygoodatspaceheatingandatcooking.Heatingstovesaredesignedtoradiatetheheattheyproduceintotheroom,usuallyfromthefrontandbothsides.Cookstovesaredesignedtodirecttheheatupwardtothecookingsurface.Veryfewstovesonthemarketdobothchoreswell.
Mystepfather’scabinwasheatedbyanoldwood/coalcookstove.Ithadawarmingclosetoverthecookingsurface,ahotwaterjacketinthefirebox,andanoven.Itprovidedheat,hotwater,andcooking.Thissystemwascomforting,old,andreliable,butittookupalotavaluablespaceinthecabinandwasimpossibletouseanytimeexceptinthewinter.Nevertheless,thatstovewasagreatpleasureuponreturnfromicefishingexpeditions.Youcouldstandclosetotheopenovendoorandgettoastywarminjustafewminutes.
FIREPLACESFireplacesareverypopularincabins,perhapsbecausetheyareanintegralpartoftheimagethatcomestomindwhendesignersenvisionacabin.Fireplacescanprovidebothheatingandcookingfacilities.Theycanbegroupedintotwomajortypes:
Thosebuiltentirelyofmasonrymaterials
Thosethatincorporatemetalinserts
MasonryFireplaces
Fireplacesareusuallybuiltofsomesortofmasonry,suchasbrick,stone,orconcreteblock.Themasonrymassactsasaheatsink,absorbingheatandthenradiatingitwhenthefirediesdown.Regardlessofthematerialyouchoose,thefireboxandchimneyfluemustbebuiltoffirebrick,andthefluemusthaveaceramicliner.Thedesignofafireplaceiscriticaltoitscorrectoperation.Forexample,thefireplaceopeningandfluemustbesizedproperlyforafireplacetooperatewithoutcombustiongasesbackingupintotheroom.Smokeshelvesandfluedampersarealsoessential.
Althoughexpensiveandtime-consumingtoconstruct,masonryfireplacesarealifetimeinvestment.Withregularcleaning,theywilllastforgenerations.
Amasonryfireplaceevokesclassiccabinstyle.Thoughinpioneerdaysfireplaceswerealwaysowner-
built,andstillcanbe,inmostlocalestheirconstructionisgovernedbybuildingcodes,withstrictregulationsregardingconstructionmaterialsandtechniques.
RussianStoves
Russianstovesareessentiallyfireplacessurroundedbyalargemassofmasonryandsetinaroom.Theyaredesignedtoactasheatsinksandtoincreasethepathoftheexhaustgasesinordertoextractasmuchheatfromthemaspossible.
Russianstovesareefficientheaters,buttheyareveryexpensivetobuildandtakeupalotoflivingspace.
ThemassivemasonryofaRussianstoveactsasaheatsink,absorbingheatfromthefirewithinandonlyslowlyreleasingit.
FireplaceInserts
Onedrawbackoftraditionalfireplacesisthatwhenanycombustionispresentinthefirebox,thefluemustremainopen.Ihaveoftenfallenasleepinawarm
cabinonlytowakeduringthenighttofreezingtemperaturesbecausewarmairwascontinuallydrawnuptheflueasthefirewentout.Ifyoudon’twanttohavetofeedafireduringthenight,afireplaceinsertmaybeabettersolution.
Fireplaceinsertsareessentiallysteelboxesbuiltintofireplaces.Theycanconnecttoconventionalfluesorchimneysorexhaustthroughstainless-steeldouble-walledpipe.Theyareusuallydouble-walled,withaircirculatingbetweenthetwowalls.Mostareequippedwithdoorsanddrawtheircombustionairfromoutside.
Insertsboastanumberofadvantagesoverconventionalfireplaces.Sincethefireiscontainedinasteelbox,theinsertcanbesurroundedbynonmasonrymaterials.Thisallowsforavarietyofdesignpossibilitiesforthemantelandreducesoverallconstructioncosts.Manyfireplaceinsertsarezeroclearance,meaningtheycansafelybeinstalledinconventionalbuildingmaterials.Whencoupledwithstainless-steeldouble-walledstovepipe,massivemasonrystructuresarenotneeded.
Fireplaceinsertsarefairlygoodheatingdevices.Becausethefireisisolatedfromtheroombydoorsandtheairflowcanbecontrolled,heatoutputcanberegulated.Manyinsertscomeequippedwithcirculationfans.Eitherbyconvectionorfan,insertsdrawcoolairfromthefloorandcirculatewarmairintothelivingspace.
Afireplaceinserthasalltheappealofatraditionalfireplace,withtheaddedbenefitofgreaterchoiceinmaterials,potentiallyreducedcost,andtheabilitytoregulateheatoutput.
FireplaceCooking
FireSafetyMakeitapolicytoinspectyourheatingstove,cookstove,andfireplaceeachyear.Thismeansacompleteinspectionofthestove,itsfirebox,anditsoperation.Replaceanywornparts.Alsoinspectanystovepipesandchimneycaps.Replaceanyrustedorwornpipeorcapping.Cleanstoves,chimneys,andstovepipeseachyear,ascreosotebuildupcancausechimneyfires.Ioncespentaweekendatafriend’shuntingcamp.Thecabin’sonlyheatsourcewasalargefireplace.Sinceitwasearlywinter,thefireplacewasinconstantoperation.Atabout4A.M.onaSunday,achimneyfirebrokeout.Withoutaladderavailablesowecouldgettotheroofandputthefireout,thefireragedforaboutanhourbeforeitburneditselfout.Thoughwewereluckyinthatthefiredidnotburnthecampdown,theheatdestroyedthemortarbetweenthebricks.Thefireplacehadtobeentirelydismantledandrebuilt.
Cookingwithafireplacecanbefun,butitischallengingifyouarenotexperiencedwithhandlingafirewhileyoucook.Tobegin,youneedcast-ironcookware;conventionalstainless-steeloraluminumcookwarewillnotsurvivefireplacecooking.You’llalsoneedawaytosuspendthecookwareoverthefire.Acast-ironDutchovenwithlegsisideal;itcanbeplacedrightoverabedofcoals.SomeDutchovenshaveflat,recessedlidstoholdhotcoals.Withalittlepractice,youcanbakebiscuits,bread,orcakesintheseflat-toppedDutchovens.
Thoughithasappeal,mostofuswholiveinmodernhousingmayfindfireplacecookingtoochallenging.Crawlingoutofadownsleepingbagonafrostymorningtostartafiretomakecoffeecanloseitsromanceafterafewmornings.Andcookinginafireplaceinthesummerisextremelyimpractical!
AIRCONDITIONERSAirconditionersaregenerallyconsideredtobeenergyhogs,butinreallyhotorswampyweather,youmaywantone.AvarietyofairconditionersaredesignedtobeusedinRVs.Mostareroofmounted;someareducted.Sizesareidealforuseinsmallcabins.Ifyourcabinisoffthegrid,airconditionerscanbeoperatedfromamedium-sizedportablegenerator.
REFRIGERATORSYoumaywantatraditionalelectricfull-sizedrefrigeratorinyourcabin.Ifso,besuretoinvestinanEnergyStar–ratedone.
Checkoutalternativeoptionsforrefrigeration.SomerefrigeratorsoperateonLPgas,whichisgreatforoff-the-gridapplicationsandinlocationswheregridelectricityisunreliable.YoumightalsolookatrefrigeratorsfromtheRVindustry,whichrangeinsizefrom3to14cubicfeet.Manyoperateonmultiplefuels,whether12-voltDCelectricity,120-voltACelectricity,orLPgas.
WATERPUMPSANDTANKSIfyou’reluckyenoughtobebuildinginanareawhereyoucanplugintoatownwaterline,youprobablywon’tneedtoworryaboutwaterpumping.Ifyourcabinwatersystemwillrelyonawellorotheralternativewatersource,however,you’lllikelyneedawaterpump.Ineithercase,youmightconsiderawaterstoragetankaswell,incaseofemergency.
WaterpumpsandtanksdesignedforRVscanbeadaptedeasilyforuseinsmallcabins.Theyaredesignedtobeeasytowinterizeandeasytomaintain.MostRVsutilizeon-demandwaterpumpsthatoperateon12-voltDCelectricity.Thesesystemscanbeusedwithawellorwithconventionalwatersources.Plasticwatertanksfrom15to75gallonsareavailableforwaterstorage.
WATERHEATERSHot-watertanksareavailableinsizesrangingfrom6gallonsto100gallonsandmore.Forsmallcabinusage,tanksofmorethan40gallonsarenotusuallynecessary.
Hot-watertanksdesignedforRVscanbeusefulinsmallcabins.Theyareusuallycontrolledby12-voltDCelectricityandheatwithpropane.Thereisnoneedtooperatethemconstantly;mostaredesignedtoreach“hot”in20to30minutesfromstartuptoshowertime.Operatingthemforalimitednumberofhourseachdaysavesagreatdealofenergy.
Youmightalsoconsideratanklesson-demandhotwaterheater.Theseunitsdon’tstorehotwater;theyareinsteaddesignedtoheatwaterasit’sneeded(hence,“ondemand”).Theyareusuallymountedonthewallofakitchenorbathroomnearwherethehotwaterisneeded.BothelectricandLPgasversionsareavailable.
WASTEWATERSYSTEMSMostcabinsarebuiltinareaswheresewerlinesaren’tavailable.Insuchsituations,youmaywanttoconsidercompostingtoiletsandgray-waterrecyclingsystems.Suchsystemsreducethesizeandcostofyourcabin’ssepticsystem.
CompostingToilets
Self-containedcomposting,orwaterless,toiletsareagoodideaanywherenutrientsfromasepticsystemmightleachintothewatertable,wetlands,oralakeorotherwaterway.Anumberofdifferentdesignsystemsareavailableonthemarket,andmostcanbeincorporatedintoaconventionalbathroomdesign.Allcompostingtoiletsystemsworkonthesameprinciplesandhavethesameobjectives:
Tohandlehumanwasteinaccordancewithgoodsanitationpractices
Toproduceaninoffensiveandsemidryendproductthatcanbehandledeasily
Tominimizeodor
Tocontain,immobilize,ordestroyorganismsthatcancausehumandisease
Theprimarycomponentofacompostingtoiletisthecompostingreactororcomposter,whichisconnectedtooneormorewaterlessormicroflushtoilets.Mostcompostersusemicroorganismstobreakdownwastes.Theseorganismsareaerobic,requiringoxygentodotheirjob,sothesystemmusthaveameanstoaeratethecomposter.Thecomposter
mustalsohaveanexhaustsystemtoremoveodors,carbondioxide,watervapor,andby-productsofaerobiccomposting,andtheexhaustshouldbescreenedtopreventfliesfromentering.Thesystemmustincludeawaytodrainandmanageexcessliquidfromthecomposterandanaccessdoorsouserscanremovethecompostedmaterialwhenit’sready.
Ifyouwanttohaveacompostingtoiletinyourcabin,considerseveralfactors:
Self-containedversuscentralized.Thechoiceofwhichtypetoselectisbasedonsitedesign,theloadonthesystem(thenumberofpersonsusingit),andthenumberoftoiletsinacabin.Generally,smallcabinsuseself-containedcompostingtoilets.
Manufacturedorsitebuilt.Manufacturedunitscomeready-made.Justinstallthemandconnectanyelectricityneeded.Site-builtunitscanbecustom-builtanddesignedtosuittheneedsofaspecificapplication.(Butnotethatitisgenerallydifficulttogetsite-builtcompostingtoiletsapprovedbyzoningcodeofficials.)
Batchorcontinuouscomposting.Mostsystemsuseoneortheothersystem.Continuouscompostingsystemsallowurinetocontinuallymoistentheprocess.Theyalsoallowthecenterofthecompostingpiletoheatupthroughuninterruptedmicrobialactivity.Proponentsofthebatchcompostingsystemsaythatnotcontinuallyaddingfreshmaterialallowsforthecompostingtotakeplacemorethoroughlyanduninterrupted.Batchprocessingallowsforunlimitedcapacity,butsuchsystemsrequiremonitoringandtheircontainersneedtobeexchangedwhenfull.
Activeorpassivecompostingsystems.Activesystemsfeatureautomaticmixers,fans,heaters,thermostats,andsoon.Thesesystemsmayrequiretoomuchelectricityforsmalloff-the-gridsystems.Passivesystemsrelyonnaturalprocessesovertimetodothejob.Passivesystemsaresimplerthanactivesystemsandthereforerequirelessservicingormaintenance.Activesystems,however,canhandleagreaterquantityofwaste.
Outhouses
Theold-fashionedouthouseisinfactawaterlesscompostingtoilet.Itispossibleforcabinownerstobuildaneco-friendlyouthouse.Aconcretejunctionbox,availablefromsepticsystemandplumbingsupplyhouses,couldbeusedasan
in-groundreservoirforanouthouse.Incabinsthatarenotusedexcessivelyorforlongperiodsoftime,anouthousewithaleak-proof,in-groundreservoircouldbeacost-effectivetoiletsystem.(Asmentionedearlier,zoninglawsmayprohibitthistypeofsepticarrangement.)
Theouthouseshouldbedownhillfromthecabin’swatersource.Inaddition,theremustbesufficientdistancebetweenthewatersourceandtheouthouse.Yourlocalbuildingcodemayspecifyjusthowfarapartthewatersourceandouthouseneedtobe,butingeneral,it’sbesttoplacethemasfarapartasispractical.
Ifyouhaveeverusedanouthouseinthemiddleofamidwinternight,youknowtheirmajorflaw.Insummer,manyouthousesbecomehometoallsortsofcreepy-crawlythings.However,goodbuildingpracticescanmakeanouthousetightenoughtoeliminateinsects,snakes,chipmunks,andothercritters.Aventstackfromthecompostingchamber,extendingabovetheroofline,canexhaustodorswellawayfromanyhumannose.A3-or4-inch-diameterventpipe(PVCpipeorraingutterpipeworkswell)extending3feetorsoabovetherooflineoftheouthouseandpaintedblackcanactasasolarventsystem.Equipthisventpipewithacapthatwilleliminatebothrainwaterandinsects.Itwillexhaustwastegasesandalsoaidindrawingneededfreshairintothecompostingchamber.
CatchingandStoringWaterInmygarageIhaveinstalledsix50-gallon,interconnected,blueplasticdrums.Thedrumsarearrangedagainstonewallofthegarageandsupportastorageshelvingsystem.Iequippedthegutterofmygarageroofwithadiverterthatchannelsrainwaterintothedrumsuntiltheyarefilled.Iuseasmallsubmersiblefishpondpumpandgardenhosestopumpthatwatertowhereitisneeded.Iusethatwatertowatermygarden,washmycarandtruck,andwashmyboatafteranouting,beforeIstoreit.IalsouseittofillanotherbarrelIkeepnearmygardeninwhichImakecompostteaasfertilizer.Inthewinter,Idrainthedrumstokeepthemfromfreezing.
Outhousescanbecombinedwithotheroutbuildingfunctions,suchasstorageoftoolsorwood.Combiningfunctionssavesonbuildingtimeandmaterials.
Gray-WaterRecycling
Graywateriswastewaterfromsinks,tubs,andshowers,which,unlikewastewaterfromthetoiletorkitchensink,doesn’tcontainseriouscontaminants.Itmayalsoincluderainwaterrunofffromyourcabin’sroof.Gray-waterrecyclingsystemsaredesignedtocapturethiswastewater,filterit,andstoreitforfutureuse.Thoughfiltered,itshouldnotbeconsumed.However,itcanbeusedtowateragardenorflushatoilet.
Localbuildingcodesusuallyincludespecificationsforthedesignand
installationofgray-waterrecyclingsystems.Ingeneral,suchsystemsaremadeupofthreecomponents:
Afiltertoremoveanysolidmatterfromthewater(thesmallfoamfiltersusedasprefiltersforfishpondsadaptwelltofilteringgraywater)
Alargeholdingtanktostorethewater
Apumpandplumbingsystemtomovethegraywatertowhereitisneeded
Toreduceyoursystem’sgray-waterload,youcanmovebothshowersandsinksoutdoorssothattheyshedtheirwaterstraightontotheground.Inwarmweatherthismakesalotofsense.
ENERGYINDEPENDENCE
MANYSMALLCABINBUILDERSAREATTRACTEDTOOFF-THE-GRIDENERGYSYSTEMS.
Theymaybebuildingacabininanareawhereconventionalelectricserviceisnotavailableorunreliable,orperhapstheideaoflivingwithoutautilitybillsoundsgoodtothem.Thesenseofenergyindependenceaffordedbyoff-the-gridsystemsappealstoourpioneerspiritandneedtofeelincontrolofourlives.
Smallcabinsareidealforadaptationtooff-the-gridenergysystems.Comparedtohomesorevenlargercabins,theyareeasiertoheatandcool,requiringlessenergyforeitherendeavor.Theyrequirelesslightingandhavefewerandgenerallysmallerappliances,thereforeconsuminglesselectricity.Bathingfacilitiesaresmallerandrequirelesshotandcoldwaterandsmallersepticsystems.You’llfindseveraldesignsforoff-the-gridcabinsattheendofthischapter,andalmostallofthedesignsinchapter1canbeadaptedtobeoffthegrid.
Designingforenergyefficiencyisanessentialaspectofachievingenergyindependence,anditjustmakesplaingoodsenseevenifyoudon’tintendtoliveoffthegrid.We’lltalkaboutwaystoimprovetheefficiencyofanycabinlaterinthischapter.
DESIGNINGANOFF-THE-GRIDSYSTEMOff-the-gridenergysystemsfallintoseveralgeneralcategories:
Solar-poweredsystems
Wind-poweredsystems
Water-poweredsystems
Generator-basedsystems
Hybridsystems(utilizingmorethanonetypeofalternativeenergytechnology)
Thetermoffthegridusuallyreferstoenergysystemsthatprovideelectricity.Manyofthesesystemscandomorethanthat,however.Solarcollectors,for
example,canbeusedtoheatwater,whichinturncanbeusedtoheatacabin.Windpowercanbeusedtopumpwater.Andthesesystemsmaycombinevariousoff-the-gridtechnologieswithon-the-gridelectricalsupplies.Theyalsomaybeusedinconjunctionwithotheralternativetechnologies,suchasheatingwithwoodorusingpropane(orLP)topowerarefrigeratororfurnace.
Workingwithprofessionalsoff-the-gridenergysystemscompaniesareexpertsinthedesignandinstallationofcustomsystems.Somespecializeinjustonetypeofenergy,suchassolarorwindpower;othershaveabroaderreach.Theycanadviseyouaboutthecomponentsyouwillneedandwhatwillworkbestonyourspecificsite.Unlessyou’reasolar/windexpertyourself,itpaystogettheadviceofsomeonewhois.Manysolar/windcompaniescansellyouacompletesystemforlessthanyouwouldpayfortheindividualcomponents.
EvaluatingLocalConditions
Whenchoosinganddesigninganoff-the-gridsystem,itisimportanttodesigntolivenotonlyinanenvironmentbutalsowithanenvironment.Localconditionswilldetermineyourbestcourseofaction.Yourbuildingsitemusthavesufficientsunexposureforsolarcellstobeeffective,enoughwindforwindgenerators,andadequatewaterflowforwater-poweredgenerators.
TheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyprovidesonlinewindandsolarmapsfortheentirecountry.Thoughagoodstartingplace,theinformationisonlygeneralandconditionsatyoursitemightvarygreatly.Forexample,largeshadetreesonabuildingsiteorasitelocatedinadeepvalleywillinfluencehowmuchsunisavailableforsolarpanels.Furthermore,seasonalchangesaltertheintensityofboththesunandwinds.Winterusuallymeanslesssunbutmorewind.Insummer,thereverseistherule.Soifyouintendtouseyourcabinmainlyinthewinter,windpowermaybeagoodchoice.Solarpower,ontheotherhand,maybeabetterchoiceifyou’regoingtouseyourcabinmainlyinthesummer.
Ifyoursitedoesn’thavegoodaccesstosun,wind,orwaterpower,thatdoesn’tmeanyoucan’thaveatleastsomeindependencefromthegrid.YoumayinthiscaseneedtorelyongeneratorspoweredbyLPortheelectricgrid.
Moststateshavecountyagriculturalagentswhoassistfarmersandotherswithquestionsandproblemspertainingtolanduseandcrops.Countyagentsarenotexpertsinenergyuseoralternativeenergy;however,theycanbeagoodresourceindirectingyoutolocalpeopleoragenciesthatcanhelpyoudeterminewhatsystemwillworkbestinagivenlocale.Stateconservationandnaturalresourcesdepartmentscanalsobevaluableresourcesinfindingappropriatetechnologies,ascanlocalcollegeanduniversityarchitectureandcivilengineeringdepartments.Thesecretistoaskandthenaskwhereelseyoumight
look.Anumberofcompaniesareinthebusinessofdesigningandsellingoff-the-
gridsystems.Mostwillofferadviceandconsultations,aswellascustom-designsystemstomeetyourneeds.Localcompaniesareperhapsyourbestresource,astheywillbefamiliarwithlocalconditionsandbuildingcodes.
BuytheBestBatteriesmyexperiencehasbeenthatbatteriesaretheweaklinkinoff-the-gridelectricalsystems,havingtobereplacedeverytwotothreeyears.Soitpaystobuythebestbatteriesyoucanaffordatthetime.Mostofthecompaniesthatsellwindgenerationandsolarelectricequipmenthavebatteriesavailable.Someofferbatteriesspecificallymanufacturedfortheseapplications.
TheBasicSetup
Mostoff-the-gridelectricalsystemsaremadeupofthefollowingcomponents:
Agenerationsource.Eithersolar-electricpanelsorwindgenerators,oracombinationofthetwo.Itcouldbewaterpowered.Theideaistogenerateelectricity.
Anenergystoragesystem.Usuallyaseriesofdeepcycleorgolfcartbatteriesconnectedtothesystem.Thebatteriesallowyoutostorethepoweryougenerateforthosetimeswhenyournaturalpowersource(suchassunlight)isnotavailable.
Aninverter.Adevicethatconvertsthe12-,24-,or36-voltDCcomingfromthestoragebatteriesintousable110-to120-voltACneededbymoststandardhomeappliances.
Abackupgenerator.Ageneratorthatcantakeoverwhennaturalconditionsfailtoproducesufficientelectricitytorunacabinandcanchargestoragebatteries.Chargingstoragebatterieswithageneratorisusuallydoneintheoffhourswhenthenoiseofageneratorrunningisnotbothersome.
Aninterfaceconnector.Adevicethatcaninterfacewiththeconventionalpowergrid.Thisinterfacecanswitchyouonoroffthegrid.Anumberofhybridsystemsuseaninterfaceconnectortocombinegridelectricitywithon-sitegeneratedsources.Somesystemscanreturnsurpluselectricalcapacitybacktothegridtoreducegridelectricalcosts.
SizingtheSystem
Off-the-gridpowersystemsareusuallydesignedbywattageoutput.Off-the-grid
powersystemsgenerallyrangefrom300to15,000wattsforhomeorcabinuse.Generallyyoupayforwatts.Thatis,asthecapacitytogenerateandstorelargeramountsofelectricityincreases,sodoestheprice.Smallsystemsareinexpensive,but300wattsisnotalotofelectricity.Theaveragehouseholdwalloutlethasabout1,500wattsofelectricityavailable.
Youmustcarefullycalculatethesizeofthesystemyouneedbeforepurchasingandinstallingoff-the-gridcomponents.Energyuseiscalculatedinwatts.Applianceshavelabelslistingtheirwattrequirements.Tofigureouthowmanywattsyouneed,totalthewattrequirementsofyourlightingsystem;addtherequirementsofanyappliancessuchasradios,televisions,andrefrigerator;andaddtherequirementsofyourutilitysystems,suchasyourwatersystemandheatingsystem.Youprobablywillnotusealloftheseenergy-consumingdevicesatonetime.Youraveragemaximumneedmaybesomewherebetween75and80percentofthisnumber.Asystemdesignedtoproduceenoughenergyforthisnumbershouldallowyoutolivecomfortablyinanoff-the-gridcabin.
HeatFromHot-WaterCirculationAlternativeenergytechnologiescanfunctioninmultipleways.Howyouimplementthemdependsonyourneedsandassets.Forexample,solarhotwatersystemsprovidehotwaterforbathinganddishes.Solarhotwatersystemswithverylargestoragetankscanalsobeusedforspaceheatingoncoolnightsiftheyarecoupledtoconventionalhotwaterbaseboardunits(orevenold-fashionedradiators).Thesystemcanbegravity-fedorthehotwatercanbecirculatedwithasmallelectricpump.Ifthehotwaterstoragetankisbelowthelevelofthebaseboardunitorradiator,hotwaterwillriseintotheradiatorandthecoldwaterwillsettleandreturntothetankinaloopsystem.Aclimatewithhot,sunnydaysandcoolnightswouldbeanexcellentsettingforthissortofsolar-heatedwaterandnighttimeheatingarrangement.
Ofcourse,youmayneedtochangeyourenergyusehabits.Ioncehadacabinwithawindgeneratorandstoragebatterysystemforitselectricalsupply.Oneofmygreatpleasureswaswatchingthemorningnewsandweatheroverfreshlybrewedcoffee.Thesystemwouldnotsupportboththetelevisionandtheelectriccoffeemakeratthesametime,soIwouldn’tturnonthetelevisionuntilthecoffeewasbrewed.OnedayitdawnedonmethatIcouldhavemycoffeeandweathertoo.Iboughtaplunge-typecoffeemakerandheatedthewaterforitonmygasstove.Itwasasimpleandsmalladjustmentwithoutanysacrificeoflifestyle.
FlexibilityandGrowth
Awell-designedoff-the-gridsystemshouldallowsomeflexibilityinhowyouimplementthesystem.Flexibilityistheonesingleelementthatmakesoff-the-gridsystemssuccessfulovertime.Awell-designedoff-the-gridsystemshouldalsoallowforthepossibilityoffuturegrowth.Forexample,youshouldbeable
toaddmorestoragebatteries,moresolar-electricpanels,orabiggerbackupgenerator.Thisforesightmaymeanthatsomepartsofthesystemhavegreatercapacitythanyouimmediatelyneed.Yoursystemcontrollerandinverter,forexample,maybetoolargeforyourcurrentneeds,buttheywillallowfortheadditionoflargerormoreelementslateron.
Installingextra12-voltwiringcircuitsandalargecontrolpanelbeforethewallsareenclosedwillmakeiteasytoaddonlater;retrofittingwiringintoanexistingcabincanbetime-consuming,expensive,andmessy.Themantraofagoodoff-the-gridsystemdesignerislookahead,planahead.
Windgeneratorsarehardtoupgradeorreplace.Ifyou’reinvestinginwindpower,Irecommendbuyingthelargestcapacitywindgeneratoryoucanaffordandthenbuildinguptherestofyoursystemtomatchoverseveralyears.
HybridSystems
Hybridoff-the-gridsystemshaveadvantagesoversystemsthatrelyonasingleenergysource.Awindgeneratorisonlygoodwhenthewindblows.Ahybridsystemofawindgeneratorandagas-poweredportablegeneratorhasanobviousadvantage.
Twoimportantfactorsfavorhybridsystems.Thefirstisflexibility:nothavingtorelyonanysingleelementofthesystemforeveryneedmakesthesystemmoreflexibleandlesspronetofailure.Second,hybridsystemscantakeadvantageofresourcesinawaythatsingle-energysystemscannot.Ahybridsystemcanbecustom-designedtotakeadvantageofsiteresourcesandthespecificneedsofthecabindesigner.
WORKINGWITHDIRECTCURRENTStoragebatteriesacceptandreleaseelectricityintheformofDC.MosthouseholdappliancesrunonAC.Forthisreasonmostoff-the-gridenergysystemsuseaninvertertotransformthebatteries’DCintohouseholdAC.
However,theconversionofDCtoACresultsinalossofelectricalenergy,usuallyintheformofheatthatisventilatedfromtheinverter.Giventheenergylossinconversionandthecostoflarge-capacityinverters,DC-poweredcomponentsmakealotofsense.TheRVindustryhasdevelopedahostoflightingfixturesandappliancesthatoperateon12-voltDC.(FormoreinformationaboutDCcomponentsfromtheRVindustry,seechapter6.)
ThemajorshortcomingofDCsystemsisthattransmittingDCoverlongdistancesresultsinalargeenergylossandisthereforeimpractical.Becausethe
transmissiondistanceofelectricityinahomepowergridisshort,thislossisnotusuallyafactor.
Anovelapproachtopoweringacabinwouldbetousegridelectricitytochargestoragebatteries.Thesebatteriesthenwouldoperatea12-voltDClightingandappliancesystem.Thismaysoundlikeitdoesn’tmakesense,butlet’sexamineitalittlefurther.Therearetwoadvantagestothistypeofsystem:
Thechargingcanbedoneinoff-peakhours,whengridelectricitycanbepurchasedmostcheaply.
Inremoteareaswherethegridelectricalsystemisunreliable,thissetupprovidesaconsistent,reliableenergysource.
Hybridsystemsthatcombineconventionalgrid-supplied110-to120-voltACenergyandlocallyproduced12-voltDCenergytopowerDCcomponentsoffertheleastexpensivereliablesysteminremoteareas.Afriendofmineownsahouseboatandusesthiskindofahybridsystemtorunhiselectricalandappliancesystem,whichoperateson12-voltDC.Hehasinstalledalarge-capacity12-voltDCalternatoronthedieselengineofthehouseboatsothattheenginecanchargehisstoragebatterieswhileitisoperating.Thecontroller/inverterpanelofhisboatcanalsobepluggedintothegridsystemwhentheboatisdocked,convertingthegrid’sACpowertoDCtopowerthebatteries.WhetherheistieduptohisdockorcruisingtheChesapeakeBay,hiselectricalandappliancesystemoperatesinthesameconsistentway.
TravelingLightIhaveasmalltraveltrailerthatIuseinvolunteerconservationwork.Icombineasmallgasoline-poweredgeneratorwithtwoportablesolar-electricpanels.Thecombinationofsolar-electricpanelsandthegeneratorhasallowedmetoliveforasmuchasnineweeksoffthegrid.Onasunnyday,thesolar-electricpanelsdoanicejobofchargingthetrailerbatteries.Onrainyorcloudydays,Iwillneedtorunthegeneratorforabouttwohourseachdaytochargethebatteries.
Thewatersysteminthetrailerrunsona12-voltpump.Thelightingandfansarealso12-volt.ThestoveisLPgas,andtherefrigeratorisamultiplefuelunit,whichusuallyrunsonLPgas.Thetrailerbatteriesaretwo12-voltdeepcyclemarinebatteries(secondsfromalocalbatterymanufacturingcompany).OneIcandetachanduseincombinationwithanelectrictrollingmotorforasmallboat.ThehotwatersystemisalsoLPgaspowered.Theelectronicignitionsystemonthisheateris12volt.ThefurnaceinthetrailerisLPgas,controlledwitha12-voltthermostatandignitionsystem.Allofthesystemsinthistrailercouldbeduplicatedandproduceareliableutilitysystemforasmalloff-the-gridcabin.
Inacabin,asimilarsetupwouldcombineanoff-the-gridpowersystemandconventionalgrid-basedelectricity.Forexample,thecabincouldbepoweredbyawindturbine,whichchargesstoragebatteriestopowerDCappliancesandutilities.Forthosetimeswhenwindpowerislow,thecabinwouldalsobetied
intotheconventionalelectricalgrid,whichwouldalso—throughaninverter—chargethestoragebatteries.(Andforthosetimeswhenwindpowerisplentiful,thecabinownermightbeabletosellpowerfromthecabin’sbatteriestotheelectricgrid.)Thecabinbenefitsfromhavingredundantpowersources,givingtheownerbothmoresecurityandmoreflexibility.
PASSIVESOLARHEATINGCabinbuilderswhoplantouseoff-the-gridcabinsincolderweathershouldconsiderpassivesolarheating.Passivesolarheatingsystemsarepassivebecausetheyrequirenoenergyinput.Theyaredistinguishedfromactivesolarsystemsinthatactivesystemsrequiresomeenergyinputtopowerpumpsorfanstocirculatehotwaterormovehotair.Passivesystemsrelyinsteadontwostructuralfeatures:alargesolarglazingareacoupledwithaheatsink.
Formosthomesandcabins,alargesolarglazingareaequatestolargeglasswindowsfacingasouthernexposure.Thesewindowsmaximizesunlightenteringthehome,helpingtoheatit.Tominimizeheatlossincoldweather,thewindowsshouldhaveahighRfactorandbefittedwithinsulatedblinds,shutters,orcurtainsthatcanbeclosedatnight.Passivesolarcabinsusuallyhaveroofswithlargeoverhangsthataredesignedtoexcludeintensesummersunbutallowwintersunlighttoenterthecabin.
Aheatsinkisastructurethatabsorbsheatandreleasesitslowly.Usuallyitisathickenergy-absorbingfloorinadarkcolor.HereinPennsylvania,thickslatefloortilesareanexcellentchoice;theycanbesetinamortarbaseandactasanaturalheatsink.Flagstonetileflooringisanotherexcellentchoice.Somepassiveheatingdesignersusecontainersfilledwithwatertoabsorbheat.Thesecontainersareusually50-gallondrumspaintedblackandarrangedinalineclosetotheglazingarea.(Suchwater-filleddrumswouldneedtobedrainedinthewintertoavoidburstingduringafreeze.)Asecondaryorgray-watersystemcouldbepositionedandusedaspartofapassivesolarheatingsystem.
Passivesolarsystemscanberuninreverseandusedtoprovidesomedaytimecooling.Inhotweather,shuttersorblindscanbeclosedtolimitsolargainbyblockinglightfromenteringduringpeakdaylighthours.Theheatsinkwillabsorbmuchoftheheatinthecabin.Atnight,thebuildingisopenedupandtheheatsinkisallowedtocool.
ENERGY-SAVINGIDEASFORCABINSOfcoursethefirststepindesigninganoff-the-gridsystem—orindeedevenan
on-the-gridsystem—shouldbetominimizeyourcabin’senergyusage.Aplanwillminimizenotonlythenaturalresourcesyouconsume,butalsoyourlong-termcosts.
Manyfederal,state,andlocalprogramsprovidetaxrelieforgrantsforenergy-savingmeasureshomeownersorhomebuildersmaytake.Askaroundtofindoutwhatprogramsareavailableinyourarea.TheDatabaseofStateIncentivesforRenewablesandEfficiency(www.dsireusa.org)isoneplacetostart.
Insulation
UsethehighestR-valueinsulationyoucanaffordatthetimeofbuilding.Insulatewalls,roofsorattics,foundations,andanyopening:wallswitches,outlets,windowanddoorframes,andsoon.Ahousewrapappliedoverthewallsheathingduringconstructionwillkeepthewindoutandisalsoagoodmoisturebarriertoprotectagainstdampness.
Inacolderclimate,IwouldconsiderwindowswithahighRfactor.Youmightalsoconsiderstormwindowstoplaceoverthermopanewindowstoconserveevenmoreenergy.
Wind-poweredirrigationFromthemid-1970stothemid-1980s,Iownedaworkingfarm.Thewatersourceforthefarmwasalargespring.Ibuiltanundergroundcisterntocapturerunoffwaterleavingthespring.Atalocaljunkyard,Ifoundawindpump,originallydesignedtopumpwater,withitspumpmechanismmissing.Ierectedthetowerandrotorandinstalledatruckalternatorconnectedtotherotorwithseveralpulleys(tostepuptherpms).Iaddedasolar-electricpaneltothesystem.Iconnectedthealternatorandsolarpaneltoseveraldeepcyclebatteriesthroughthetruckvoltageregulatorandacontrolsystemtokeepthebatteriesfrombeingovercharged.Ithencoupledthispowersystemwitha12-voltDCwaterpumpandadripirrigationsystemfromanRV.Althoughthiswasaprimitivesystem,itwateredmygardennicelyfortheeightyearsIownedthatfarm.
Somehomeownershavebeenknowntocomplainthatanairtighthomedoesn’tbreatheproperlyandcangetstuffyandstale.Butanairtightcabinissimplymoreenergyefficient;youcancrackawindowifyouwantfreshair.
Besuretoinsulateyourhotwaterheater.Ifindthehotwaterinsulationkitsonthemarkettobetoothin.Instead,Iusuallyusethe5½-inchinsulationdesignedforusewith6-inch-thickwallconstruction.Alsoinsulatehotwaterpipes.Agreatdealofheat(andenergy)islostinhotwaterpipesbeforethewaterisdeliveredtothefaucet.
CeilingFans
Ceilingfanscandoalottokeepacabincomfortable.Mostceilingfansoperateatseveralspeeds.Theyalsohavereverseswitches.Inthesummer,theyarealess
expensivealternativetoairconditioning.Inthewinter,theycanbereversedandrunatlowspeedtodrawwarmairfromceilingsandcirculateitdownthewalls.
LowerThermostats
Ifyourcabinheatisthermostatcontrolled,thetemperatureduringthedaydoesnotneedtobesetabove65degrees.Atnightitcanbeloweredto60degrees.Infact,withanelectricblanket,sleeperscanbecomfortablein45-degreetemperatures.
Aprogrammablethermostatisagoodidea.Theycanbesettoreducetemperaturesduringthenightandreturntemperaturestonormaljustbeforeyougetoutofbed.
Ilikesleepinginsleepingbags,whetherinatent,trailer,orcabin.Iprefersleepingbagsthatarecanvasontheoutsideandlinedwithflannel.Ihaveseveral:alightweightsummerbag,a20-degreebag,andanarctic–40-degreebag.Incoolweather,Iunzipthebagsandsleepononeandcovermyselfwiththeother.Whennightsarearound40degreesIsleepontopofthearcticbagandusethe20-degreebagforaquilt.InverycoldweatherIreversethesleepingbags.Whensleepingtemperaturesarenear20degreesorlower,Iusethesummerbagasalinerinthearcticbagandzipthembothup.WithawoolcaponmyheadIhavesleptinsnowcavescomfortably.
WaterlessorLow-Water-Usetoilets
Low-gallons-per-flush(low-GPF)toiletscansavewater,energy,andsepticsystemuse.Thenewlow-GPFtoiletsonthemarkettodayworkremarkablybetterthanthedesignsof20yearsago.
Anevenbetteroptionwouldbeawaterlesstoilet,sometimescalledacompostingtoilet.Seechapter6formoredetails.
Heating/CoolingSystemMaintenance
Regularyearlycleaningofallthepartsofyourheatingorcoolingsystemwillincreaseitsefficiencyandreduceenergyuse.Keepchimneys,stovepipes,andfurnacefiltersclean.Keepairducts,radiators,andfanscleanandfreefromblockages.Remember,heathastocirculatetobeeffective.
Lighting
Thefluorescentsoftodayareofamuchhigherqualitythanthoseofevenjustafewyearsago,andtheyaremuchmoreenergyefficientthanincandescentbulbs.Light-emittingdiode(LED)lightingisanotherexcellentoption,becauseofitsmiserlyuseofenergyandextremelylonglife.TheseLEDsareveryefficient
becausetheydonotproducemuchheat;nearly100percentoftheelectricitytheyconsumeisconvertedintolightenergy.
ShadeTrees
Thebestwaytoreducecoolingcostsinthesummeriswithshadetrees.Properlysited,theywillblocksunlightfromfallingonyourcabinroof.Treesabsorbthesun’senergytocarryoutphotosynthesis,convertingitintocarbohydratesinsteadoflettingitmakeyourcabinhot.Innorthernclimates,deciduoustreesareagoodchoice,astheywillshedtheirleavesinthecoldermonthsandallowforsolarheatingofyourcabin.
AvoidEnergyHogs
Alwayspurchaseenergy-efficientappliances(EnergyStarrated,ifpossible),eventhesmallcountertoponessuchastoasters,coffeemakers,andsoon.Afewpenniessavedonelectricitytooperateatoastereachmonthmaynotseemlikemuch,butoverthelifeofthetoaster,itwillpayforthetoaster.That’slikegettingatoasterforfree!
Clothesdryersareabsoluteenergyhogs.Instead,investinaclothesdryingrackoraclothesline.Insummer,youcanhangyourclothesoutdoorsonaclothesline.(Youcantakeitdownwhenit’snotinuseifyouwant.)Inwinter,setupyourclothesdryingracknearyourstoveorfurnaceandyourclotheswillbedryinnotime.Iliketodryclothingonaclotheslineinthecellaruntilit’salmostdry.Ithenpoptheclothesinthedryerwithadryersheetandtheycomeoutinafewminutesdry,wrinklefree,andsmellinggood.
Airconditioningisoneofthelargestenergyusersinthehome.Minimizingoreliminatingairconditioningisagreatwaytosaveenergy.Goodnaturalventilationandinsulationwillgoalongwaytoeliminatetheneedforairconditioning.Theextrainsulationwillalsosaveenergyinthewintermonths.Ceilingfansusefarlessenergythandoairconditioners,andtheycanberuninreverseinthewintertocirculatewarmairofftheceilinganddownthewalls.Sleepingporchesareagreatwaytobeattheheatwithoutairconditioning.ThehouseIcurrentlyliveinhasalarge,enclosedbackporch.Thewindowsoftheporchallowittobeusedcomfortablyinallbutthecoldestweather.OneofmyguiltypleasuresistosleepthereonhotAugustnights.Withasleepingbagonthepulloutsofainthesittingarea,I’mhappyandcomfortablethereonthehottestofnights.Iawaketotherisingsunandthebirdsatthebirdfeeder.
GREENBUILDINGGreenbuildingisthenewmantraofarchitecture.Andcabindesignersand
builderswhoareinterestedinoff-the-gridpowersystemsarealsousuallyinterestedingreenbuilding.Greenbuildingisbasedonseveralprinciples:
Lowenvironmentalimpact:buildinginconcertwithnature,notinoppositiontonature
Energyefficiency:well-insulatedandlowenergyconsumingbuildings
Useofsustainableresourcesandmaterials:usingrenewablematerialswhereverpossible;avoidingpotentiallydangerousmaterialssuchasformaldehydeorozone-depletingmaterials
Useofsalvagedorrecycledmaterials:reusingmaterialstomakethemostoftheenergyandresourcesthatwentintoproducingthem
Long-rangeplanningforthegoodoftheplanet:habitatforpeople,includinglow-maintenanceplantsandlandscaping,andconsiderationforwaterdrainagefromalteredlandscapeareas(suchaslimitingpavingofsurfaceareas,whichdoesn’tallowwatertopercolateintotheground)
Costandfinancialbenefitsofgoinggreen:usingmaterialsthatneedlittleornomaintenanceandhavealonguselife
Designinnovation:realizingthatastructure’sfunctionisimportant;smallisbetterthanbig
Flexibleandrecyclablebuildings:buildingsthatevolvewithchangingneeds;allmaterialsthatgointothemshouldbeabletobeusedagainorrecycled
Localeconomies:buyinglocallyproducedproductswhereverpossible,bothtostimulatelocaleconomiesandtominimizethecostandresourcedepletionoftransportation
OFF-THE-GRIDMICROCABINThissmallcabin’sceilingheightis12feet,whichmakesitfeelmuchlargerthanitis.Italsofeaturesanoutsidesinkandshower,perfectforshoweringanddishwashinginwarmclimates.Thecabin’sdimensionsallowittobeconstructedoff-siteandtraileredtothebuildingsite.
features
136squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2
ReliesonRVcomponents
Canbebuiltoff-siteandtraileredin
Designedtobeoffthegrid
OFF-THE-GRIDSHIPPINGCONTAINERCABINLiketheplansfeaturedinchapter4,thisdesignmakesuseofashippingcontainerasitsbase,withaframeaddedon.Inthiscasetheframecomprisesaporchandoutdoorwashing-upspace,whichtogethermakethecabinidealaccommodationsforwarmweather.
Features
160squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2
ReliesonRVcomponents
Utilizesone20-footshippingcontainer
Designedtobeoffthegrid
OFF-THE-GRIDEMERSONCABINThefirstfloorofthiscabinisonly144squarefeet.Itmaynotseemlikemuch,butHenryDavidThoreaulivedandworkedfortwoyears,twomonths,andtwodaysina150-foot-squarecabinonthepropertyofhisfriendRalphWaldoEmerson.Ifhecandoit,socanyou.
Features
240squarefeet
Halfkitchen
Halfbath
Sleeps2to4
ReliesonRVcomponents
Designedtobeoffthegrid
OFF-THE-GRIDPASSIVESOLARCABINAThiscabinisonly322squarefeet,buttheloftceilingheightmakesitfeelmuchlarger.Thepassivesolarfeatureisalargeglasswindowopeningintothelivingspace.Spaceheatingisprovidedbyawood-burningstove.
Features
460squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
ReliesonRVcomponents
Designedforpassivesolarheating
Designedtobeoffthegrid
OFF-THE-GRIDPASSIVESOLARCABINBThiscabinhasthesamefloorprintandpassivesolardesignastheprecedingplan,butwithadifferentinteriorlayout.Thepointisthatanycabindesigncanbechangedtoaccommodatethedifferentneedsofdifferentsitesandthepreferencesoftheowner.
features
460squarefeet
Fullkitchen
Three-quarterbath
Sleeps2to4
ReliesonRVcomponents
Designedforpassivesolarheating
Designedtobeoffthegrid
ALPHABETICALLISTINGOFPLANS
AdirondackTwigCabin,36–37BaerRocksCabin,24–25BaerRocksShippingContainerCabin,160–61BajaCabin,92–93ACabinforTwo,82–83TheClassic,100–101ClassicSixtiesA-Frame,26–27ClearCreekShippingContainerCabin,156–57ClerestoryCabinwithDiningRoom,88–89Double-DeckerBeachHouse,102–3EndlessMountainsMicroCabin,16–17EndlessMountainViewCabin,96–97FamilyCabin,106–7FireplaceCabin,84–85Four-SeasonMiniCabin,42–43FurnaceCreekCabin,56–57Glass-FrontBeachHouse,98–99GlassHouseCabin,64–65GreatOutdoorsMiniCabin,38–39HighKnobCabin,20–21Jean’sRunCabin,78–79LakesideMiniCabin,52–53LaurelMountainCabin,104–5LittlePineCreekCabin,60–61LoyalSockCabin,34–35MicroCabin,10–11MicroCabinwithLoft,28–29MicroCabinwithOutdoorCloset,14–15MicroClerestoryCabin,18–19MiniClerestoryCabin,32–33
ModernistShippingContainerCabin,154–55ModifiedA-FrameCabin,66–67Off-the-GridEmersonCabin,208–9Off-the-GridMicroCabin,204–5Off-the-GridPassiveSolarCabinA,210–11Off-the-GridPassiveSolarCabinB,212–13Off-the-GridShippingContainerCabin,206–7OhioPyleCabin,46–47Open-LivingMiniCabin,76–77PersonalCabin,12–13PikeCountyClassicCabin,40–41PineCreekCabin,80–81PoconoPinesCabin,72–73PoconosCabin,94–95PoconoWoodsCabin,108–9PorchLifeMicroCabin,22–23QuonsetCabin,74–75RicketsGlenCabin,62–63RoundHouseCabin,50–51RV-BasedForksvilleCabin,174–75RV-BasedMicroCabin,172–73RV-BasedMiniCabin,176–77Solar-PoweredMicroCabin,30–31SpringCreekCabin,86–87SunroomCabin,90–91TrailerableMiniCabin,58–59Trailer-WideCabin,48–49Two-StoryLakesideCabin,68–69Two-StoryShippingContainerCabin,158–59WedgeCabin,54–55WoodsCabinintheRound,44–45YurtCabin,70–71
INDEX
Pagenumbersinitalicsindicateillustrations.
A-frameplans,26,26–27,27,66,66–67,67appliances,169–71,172,176,197,201–2
Bathrooms,9,136,136,137–39,142,145,145,150,170batterysystems,170,195,197–98beds,131,131,143,143,174buildingcodes,local,113buildingmaterials,118,162–67,202–3buildingsite,114–15,151,194
Campmodules,145,145cathedralceilings,62,62–63,63,83,87,87,127cellars,42,43,125–26chimneys,178compactcabins,9,78–109,158–61compostingtoilets,201,206concreteslab,125constructionmethods,118–25contractors,130cookstoves,182–83coolingsystems,187,201,202,211,213,213costs,6,115–16,151,163,164,166–67,203crawlspace,42,125–26,126
DC(directcurrent),170,197–98decks,modular,144design,110–31,163makingthemostof,126–31
modularapproach,7,132–47need-based,112–13
diningareas,104,104,170,171,171,172,172doors,65,72,72,73,106,106,129
Electricpowergrid,195,198elevations,7energyconservation/efficiency,167,199–202energysystems.Seeoff-the-gridsystemsexcavation,164–65
Fans,ceiling,200,202fireplaceinserts,185–86,186fireplaces,183–87,184,185fishingcabins,60,60–61,61floorplans,7,9foundations/footers,125–26,126,164–65
Garagedesigns,125generators,194,195gray-waterrecycling,191greatrooms,106,106–7,108,108–9,109greenbuilding,202–3
Heatingsystems,42,42,178–81,183,201electric,10,12,16,180gas-fired,16,28,54,172,180hotwater,38,50,50,64,66,180–81,181,196RVcomponents,42,42,178,180Seealsopassivesolarheating;woodstoves
heatsink,198–99hybridsystems,197,198
Insulation,199–200inverters,170,197
Kitchens,9,90,90,183modular,135,135,137–39,142,150
Labor,130,163,164–65ladders,128,128lighting,201livingareamodules,144,144lofts,128,128logcabins,119–20,120lumber,recycled,167
Manufacturedstructuralcomponents,148–61masonry,123,123,184,184–85,185metalbuildings,74,74–75,75,124,124microcabins,9,10–31,10–31,172–75,172–75,204–9,204–9minicabins,9,32–77,32–77off-the-grid,210–13,210–13RVcomponent-based,176,176–77,177shippingcontainer,154–57,154–57
modulardesign,7,132–47,144,146–47bathrooms,136,136,137,137–39,142,150,170bedrooms,140,140–42,143kitchens,135,135,137,137–39,145,145,150livingarea,144,144mix-and-matchmodules,134,134
Need-baseddesign,112–13
Off-sitebuilding,134Seealsomanufacturedstructuralcomponents;modulardesign
off-the-gridsystems,170,193–203microcabins,30,30–31,31,204–9minicabins,210–13,210–13RVcomponents,172–77,172–77shippingcontainers,154,154–55,155,158–61,158–61
outhouses,190–91
Passivesolarheating,125,198–99A-frames,27,27cathedralceilingwindows,86,86–87,87glass-frontcabins,64,64–65,65,98,98–99,99,104,104–5,105off-the-gridsystems,210,210–11,211roundcabins,44,44–45,45sunrooms,90–93,90–93windowplacementfor,22,23,54,54–55,55,96,96,128
patiodoors,65piers,31,31,46,46–47,47,125,164–65polebuildings,121–23,122,125porches,22,23,144,207,207double-decker,103,103glassed-in,104,104–5,105screened,32,33,33,39,39,41,41sleeping,202storagelockers,11,11,14,15,15,31,31,44–45,45twigstylesupports,36,37,37
post-and-beamconstruction,119,119,125
Quonsethuts,74,74–75,75,124,124
Refrigerators,170,187roundcabins,44,44–45,45,50,50–51,51,70,70–71,71Russianstoves,185,185
RVcomponents,38,130–31,172–77,197–98appliances,169–71,172,176,182,187heatingsystems,42,42,178,180off-the-gridplans,204–13,204–13waterpumpsandtanks,188
Saltboxstyle,80shippingcontainers,152–61,154–61,206,206–7,207ship’sladder,28,78,78,128,210,210,212shojiscreens,129,129sleepingaccommodations,9Seealsolofts
slidingscreensanddoors,106smallspaces,6–7,111solarpower,194–98Seealsooff-the-gridsystems;passivesolarplans
spatubs,64,82,82,100,100stagingaproject,165–66staircases,68,68,94,94,128steepbuildingsites,24,25stick-builtbuildings,118stonebuildings,40,41,123,123storage,23,23,26,86,87,94,127battery,30,30,62,62,154,173,173,175,175,208,209,209,212,212bedroom,143,143forbuildingmaterials,166outdoor,11,11,14,14–15,15,34,34,35,38,38,39,44,44,45water,191
stoves,170,178,182–83Seealsowoodstoves
strawbaleconstruction,120–21,121structuralinsulatedpanels,149–50
sunrooms,90,90–93,91,92,93
Three-seasoncabins,117toilets,188–90,201,206transoms,179,179traveltrailers,167,198–99twigcabins,36,36–37,37
Utilities,169–71utilitycube,interior,117,117
Washingarea,outdoor,204,204,205,205,206,207wastewatersystems,188–90waterheaters,16,28,188,200heatingsystems,38,50,50,64,66,180–81,181,196RVcomponent,30,170solar,30,31,196,205,205
waterpumpsandtanks,187–88,191,200wildlife,114,126,126windows,73,73,127–28,167windpower,194,195,196,200woodstoves,167,177,177,178,183
Year-roundcabins,42,42–43,43,117,117