Alternative Building Methods to Think About
While most homes are built with a stick frame model, this isn’t the only way to build a house. In fact, there are other styles that are more visually appealing, energy efficient and unique than the traditional build. Here are six of those styles.
- Post and beam
Post and beam homes use solid timber that end up exposed in the interior of the house. For extra insulation, you can use a structural insulation panel to keep the home efficient.
- Log
Log cabins and pioneer homes are common. The construction of these homes use logs stacked on one another to create walls. There are a lot of pre-built log homes, along with a variety of styles for a custom build.
- Rammed earth
Rammed earth is an old technique. This is when you take reinforced concrete, soils and rammed earth and combine them. These homes have beautiful coloring potential and have a thick thermal mass.
- ICF
ICF or insulated concrete forms combines two layers of EPS foam insulation and a reinforced concrete wall. The benefits of an ICF home is that it’s highly insulated. Not only will this keep you warm throughout the winter, but it can decrease your electric bill.
- Rammed tire
Rammed tire construction involves ramming earth into old tires to create walls. This is an ecofriendly method, due to the way it clears tires from landfills. Additionally, you have extremely insulated walls. Rammed tires are unique and ecofriendly.
- Straw bales
Straw bale homes have to have thick walls. For instance, you need to have approximately 24-inch walls. Natural homes have a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. They can have custom steel frames, depending on structure laws in the community.
With all of the different types of homes, there’s no reason why you should have to settle for traditional. Consider the beauty of post and beam homes or any of the other options before settling.