Someone does have to think about it. In fact, it takes a lot of thought, planning, special skills, and specific knowledge. I have found that, typically, builders and architects have narrow, highly specialized knowledge. Most builders want to build the same bricks-and-sticks house they built last month. Architects want to reach out to something new but they stay with material combinations and rules they know.
Jan and I have goals that may be out of the main stream. We want to optimize the total cost of ownership over a seven-year period with respect to the mortgage obligation, energy consumption, and maintenance costs. This goal contradicts basic rules and forces tradeoffs that move builders and architects way out of their comfort zones. Material choices directly affect build cost; therefore, the monthly mortgage payment amount. Choices also affect energy consumption and costs. So, I am inclined to increase build costs where a payback over seven years breaks-even with energy costs. This sounds obvious, but the scarcity of good information about such trade-offs from respectable sources frustrates our efforts.
On the bright side, I found a web site with some very good information, today. The site called http://www.zeroenergydesign.com/ has a 180 page, downloadable book about the subject. One of the founders has a relationship to another site featuring mortgage information and lenders who understand the issues of “experimental” buildings. I expect to write more about budgeting and financing issues.
Influences:
The most important influence on the function of Mockingbird House must be 16th Century Japanese architecture called “sukiya-zukuri”. Noble Japanese families built pier or post and beam houses around a central core with movable walls. Their driving purpose: create the most numerous space arrangements, comfortable in summer and winter, without losing visual privacy. This purpose drives Mockingbird House. A lake house must accommodate guests, be comfortable year round, and provide privacy for guests and owners. Find a good description with pictures at www.geocities.com/nobukaze23/ie.htm.
I have to admit that sky-scrapers are also a significant influence due primarily to their budget sensitivity with respect to mechanicals. Two guest bathrooms on the first floor thirty feet apart seems extravagant to me. Cost of pipe and plumbers, wire and electricians, and tile and masons busts the budget and adds to the mortgage payment. I walk fifty feet from the side door of my house to my car every time I go somewhere. I can walk fifty feet to pee. Frankly, I’d rather pay for two very special bathrooms, a master and guest.
Ikea influences my thinking about Mockingbird House, too. For example, thirteen feet of cabinets with two beautiful, black glass sliding doors, light wood frames, and plenty of drawers, shelves, and rods cost $1,400. I could make a closet without walls in the master and guest rooms for much less than the cost of building traditional closets.
Jan and I went to Ikea in Houston, Texas, today. I was most interested in the quality of kitchen cabinetry they offer. To tell the truth, I was surprised. Drawers close silently; doors swing easily and sturdily. Finishes they offer are outstanding, inexpensive, and durable. Prices for a typical 10’ X 10’ kitchen range from $1,150 to $4,000.
Special Issues:
This topic will have to wait until I have time to treat it with respect. Suffice it to say we have issues. We are special.
Architects:
My sister Debra, a Ph.D, and her ace a-number-one genius are designing this house with us. We have made progress. They recently proposed a floor design that Jan and I are working over. There will be more to come on the design collaboration topic.
