Ok…ok...it’s been two weeks since my last post on 9/14 where I shared our 3 schematic designs. The project as shown on the following images and plans has little obvious resemblance to those schematic designs but the overall ideas are still intact. The design grew from about 1,250 SF to 1,600 SF but that’s still a fairly small scale and at most about ¼ the size of your nearby McMansion. While the house will feel expansive because of its open Living/Dining/Kitchen zone (31’0”x12’6”), there is no wasted space. The individual rooms are comfortable in size (some would say cozy) except for the 2nd floor bath (8’7”x10’0”), which is a bit large. You’ll understand why when you see the beautiful concrete soaking tub that b+sF found at the “graveyard” of Get Real Surfaces in Poughkeepsie, NY get real surfaces. In between, this exposed concrete foundation wall will act as additional thermal mass for the living and dining areas – catching winter sun.
Currently we have the project out to bid. We’re exploring many construction options since we have such high “green” goals as well as a strict budget to meet. I won’t use any company names unless we end up working with them (this only seems fair as construction bids in the private realm are usually private). We’re reaching out to two teams of excavators and concrete guys to possibly obtain separate contracts for the site work including septic and the concrete foundation/retaining walls. We have a SIPs company bidding the structure above the foundation (SIPs= structurally insulated panels; general info on Structural Insulated Panel Association)... as well as an ICF panel company (ICF= insulated concrete forms; general info on green building talk). As an alternate, we are also speaking to a module house consultant (prefab), which may be the way to go for cost and scheduling but only if we don’t customize too much. The two GC’s we bid out to have both spoken to b+sF about the project and they’re 100% committed to environmentally responsible residential construction. Lastly a separate alternative power design/build team is reviewing the project for their associated costs (photovoltaic cells, solar thermal, etc.). Many parties are involved in trying to price out Medusa - all with the greatest intentions …… hopefully we come close to our goal.
