Houseport concept

[John Raabe]

Here is an interesting idea: Build a large sturdy oversized carport (stand alone roof) and then build a flat roofed house under this "houseport". This might be most effective in a desert climate where the shading will be most appreciated.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house-concept/house-port-mini-square/

[CjAl]

that is very common with mobile homes where i live. keeping the sun off the roof greatly reduces cooling requirements in the summer.

[Ndrmyr]

Certainly has merit where the heat and sun is the deterrent to outside living just as cold and snow is up north.  A great extension of living space in a part of the country where shade is scarce. 

[NM_Shooter]

Something like that would work well, but the square foot cost would be pretty darn high. 

[roadtripray]

Square footage cost would be high if you're counting heated square feet.  Of course that IS the standard, but I think in this case you could make a case for usable square feet if you are in a warm climate.  In that case the cost per usable square foot would probably be rather low.

Ray

[Woodsrule]

John,

What a great idea; I can see any number of scenarios that would be beneficial and in all areas of the country. Those prefab metal suppliers are pretty competitive on price as well. And, with a simple fence on the perimeter, one could create loads of yard space for little ones that like to wander

[CjAl]

when considering value you also have to figure in drasticly reduced power bills. i have seen power bills go from mid $500/mo to $250/mo in the summer with less insulated building such as mobile homes.

[Dave Sparks]

Nice John !

I have seen a similar concept where one of the two conditioned spaces was for the owner and one was for renters or tourists. The great outdoors!

[speedfunk]

I have been thinking a lot about what you posted above.  Seems to me its a evolutionary jump in design.  When you seperate the house from the roof a lot of cool things happen.  I dont know.. all i know is its mega  . 

This design would also be great around here where it rains a lot!  Creating much more outdoor living space/moving water wind away from the "core/indoor" living area.  Not shoveling snow would be convenient.

[Abbey]

The guy who had this built is an architect in NJ and he has an 1880s farm house built inside of an airplane hanger.

[John Raabe]

Great adaption for a colder, wetter climate. The glassy hanger can be opened up in nice weather and moderates the "outside" environment of the house in winter.

I'll bet he doesn't miss having to clean the gutters and the roof shingles probably outlive their warranty.

[JRR]

If anyone is in the Nashville area, they surely would want to visit the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to see the full size houses and gardens located in the huge atrium.  The Houseport concept gone wild!  No entrance fee ... but it will cost a bit to park.  An inspiration to us builders/dreamers. 
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaylord_Opryland_Hotel

[Alan Gage]

A few years ago when I was thinking seriously of buying some land in SE AZ I thought this would be a great way to do it. You'd get a lot of outside space out of the sun for a workshop or just hanging out and you could get by with a smaller and cheaper house underneath it.

Alan

[Abbey]

I guess it all comes down to how much the larger steel structure will cost and how much you'll be able to save on the house, as well as the potential increase in the live span of the hosue. Does anybody know how much one of these things cost?

[firefox]

Wont you have a higher tax bill, or is that only an issue in certain areas?