CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction.............................................................................................4
What Is A Passive Solar Home?..........................................................5
Orientating Our House For Maximum Energy Efficiency..............5
House Design.............................................................................................5
A Pole Home...............................................................................................6
Open Plan....................................................................................................6
Skillion Roof...............................................................................................7
Natural Free “Air Con"............................................................................7
Other Important Factors......................................................................8
Preparing The Land..................................................................................9
Plans...........................................................................................................12
Now For Some Technical Terms.........................................................13
Tools..........................................................................................................14
Foundations..............................................................................................14
Marking Out The House Site...............................................................15
Preparing The Foundations...................................................................16
Concrete Pour..........................................................................................17
Pole Day.....................................................................................................17
Construction Begins
.............................................................................18
Besser Block Piers..................................................................................18
Putting Up The Bearers........................................................................19
Joists........................................................................................................20
Beams........................................................................................................20
Rafters.....................................................................................................21
Ceiling.......................................................................................................22
Insulation.................................................................................................22
Battens.....................................................................................................22
Roof
........................................................................................................22
Floor..........................................................................................................23
Veranda....................................................................................................24
Rain Water Tank....................................................................................24
Main House..............................................................................................25
Solar System..........................................................................................27
Verandas..................................................................................................28
Mud Room................................................................................................29
Compost Toilet.......................................................................................29
Frame........................................................................................................31
Sawment Walls.......................................................................................32
Bedroom...................................................................................................33
Windows...................................................................................................33
Doors.........................................................................................................34
Barn Doors...............................................................................................35
Cladding....................................................................................................36
Floor..........................................................................................................36
Hot Water
.............................................................................................37
The Hearth & The Fire........................................................................37
A Change of Pace...................................................................................38
Bathroom.................................................................................................38
Waterworks............................................................................................39
Kitchen.....................................................................................................40
Veranda Rails..........................................................................................41
Ramp.........................................................................................................41
Afterthoughts.......................................................................................42
Disclaimer, Conditions of Use............................................................46