Small home and cabin designs with detailed construction drawings available for purchase on this website. The design philosophy embraces stylish modern simplicity, minimalism, functionality, durability, and economy, combined with the belief that in most cases, houses built onsite, by local tradesmen, using locally purchased (and sourced, if possible) materials, can be more socially responsible, more attractive, more robust, and more affordable than factory-built prefabricated houses.
COMFORT & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Providing the veranda is orientated to face due north (southern hemisphere), the 2-metre roof overhang and side walls will prevent direct solar access to the interior of the cabin when the summer sun is predominantly from the east, west, and directly overhead. With no glazing on the west and east walls, and the passive ventilation system, the cabin will remain relatively cool on hot days. Convection-driven exhaust vents (whirlybirds) directly above the cooktop and shower provide continuous passive air movement at all times as warmer air is constantly drawn upwards and out. The south wall highlight windows can also be opened for cross ventilation when required.
In winter, the compact internal space, if combined with airtight construction, minimises heat loss so that the entire cabin can be kept warm with a small heater with the assistance of solar gains during the day from winter sun access when the midday sun is lower in the northern sky. With all doors and windows tightly shut, fresh air will be drawn in and preheated through an adjustable air vent in the floor under the heater. This continuous air movement will also help prevent internal condensation. But overall, the energy efficiency required by local building regulations will depend on the specific R-value of the windows and insulation material plus the overall airtightness of the structure achieved by the builder's attention to detail.
