Well Guys-
I want to gather some information.
I am starting to plan my dream house, it will be built out on our family farm.
I want to incorporate a lot of energy effiency, self suffiency, and security principles into my design. I have looked into ICF's and the home will most likley be built from those.
I had thought about ICF walls, shed style roof earth bermed on 3 sides with passive solar heating, I had even thought of using something like Lite-Deck and complely burrying the house on all but the south facing wall, but I was worried about radon buildup and venting.
I want to incorporate a "walk-in gun safe/safe room" in the basement, concrete on all sides and a concrete roof, plumbed, electric and data connections with a vault door.
I also want to build the house "smart" so I can gain some effiency and convience, as well as security (one button turns on every light in the house) etc.
Other than an earth sheltered or earth bermed house I had thought about a "Spanish Villa" style home with a courtyard, that way I could ultimatley have a truly secure exterior with a heavy entry gate.
I have a strong architectural background and will probably design the home myself and have a professional architect sign off on the plans and check them over.
Anyway enough rambling I am just gathering ideas and get some brainstorming going, suggestions, and links to good reading or floor plans and building materials are greatly appreciated.
I want to gather some information.
I am starting to plan my dream house, it will be built out on our family farm.
I want to incorporate a lot of energy effiency, self suffiency, and security principles into my design. I have looked into ICF's and the home will most likley be built from those.
I had thought about ICF walls, shed style roof earth bermed on 3 sides with passive solar heating, I had even thought of using something like Lite-Deck and complely burrying the house on all but the south facing wall, but I was worried about radon buildup and venting.
I want to incorporate a "walk-in gun safe/safe room" in the basement, concrete on all sides and a concrete roof, plumbed, electric and data connections with a vault door.
I also want to build the house "smart" so I can gain some effiency and convience, as well as security (one button turns on every light in the house) etc.
Other than an earth sheltered or earth bermed house I had thought about a "Spanish Villa" style home with a courtyard, that way I could ultimatley have a truly secure exterior with a heavy entry gate.
I have a strong architectural background and will probably design the home myself and have a professional architect sign off on the plans and check them over.
Anyway enough rambling I am just gathering ideas and get some brainstorming going, suggestions, and links to good reading or floor plans and building materials are greatly appreciated.