Note from John 8/25/08:
Fritz has an interesting project here now documented on several pages of forum posts. His initial inspiration came from a house by Stephen Atkinson (http://www.studioatkinson.com/1-zachary-1.htm) - a dramatic steel sided dogtrot under one long gable roof.
(http://www.countryplans.com/images/dogtrot-sa.jpg)
Here's a hint of where this is going:
(http://www.countryplans.com/images/dogtrot-TB.jpg)
Oh, and here's a link to the Little House plans (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html) Fritz used to build the two main modules.
Added 8/25: Below is a jump to the a later section of the post with images. The first few pages of this thread have dropped some of the images.
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2983.60
(https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/jraabe/dogtrot.jpg)
After playing with ideas on paper and models for a l - o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ong time. And seeking lots of advice here, I settled on gable roofs for the dogtrot. I agreed with earlier commens that one continuous roof line looked odd...I thought I had settled on two opposing shed roofs, but in the end, three gable roofs won out:
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/dogtrotfinalgable.jpg)
and
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/dogtrotfinalgable2.jpg)
I built the intersection 16' by 44' deck last fall and set the posts and beams.
The floors went up in May
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_051207_001.jpg)
And framing is underway (after a quick header consult with the gang ::) I need to set the headers for the windows and doors still.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_061007_002.jpg)
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_061007_004.jpg)
Many thanks to all the advice here. These are cell phone photos, I'll bring the camera one of these trips.
I will be honest...at first, I was not fond of your design...but it has really grown on me and I think it looks great.
Like all things, sometimes you need to look at it and let it stew around in your brain a little bit before you react.
Great job!! :)
Those photos read quite well on this forum format.
Have you played with a low slope shed roof between the two elements? You might like it better than the lower slope gable.
For a northern climate you might consider a lexan roof (http://www.mamata-group.com/ge_roofing_sheets.html) or perhaps a solid roof with several glass skylights such as the CountryPlans tempered glass panel units (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/35.html).
If you have very hot summers you might not want this but in my case I have used seasonal exterior shades such as bamboo roll-up shades secured with elastic cords. This provides nice mottled shade in the summertime.
John M -- it is a "different" design...and like you, I had to look at the drawings a very long time. I liked it but really had a hard time getting down to the final design.
John R: Thanks on the photos. As of now, my plans include having sliding barn doors across the open area of the dogtrot -- that we can close and lock up when we are not there. But let me play with it. We get 20 below winter days and 100 degree summer days.
The lexan roof is very much on my mind. I need to find a local supplier....I've made it a point to buy my materials at the local and very small lumber yard in town....but some things may have to come from out of town.. If I didn't need to be dry, the horizontal flat sun shade - pergola might be nice, too
Very Nice. Here is a link to a long-narrow house that was featured in one of Sarah Susanka's books.
http://www.tgharchitects.com/projects/more_houses/knights_valley/knights3.html
I think it is 10x64 and has what is essentially a dog trot in the middle. Click on the small round buttons for 3 more views.
I like your plan, Fritz :) it looks pleasing to the eye - its different than some of the other dogtrot designs - which is good - you have a style you designed & like 8-) gives you lots of shelter as well as outdoor area. The roof line looks good to me :)
it looks soo cooooool and all that horizontal space to work on and set things on my kind of a project
Question:
You have a separate sub floor frames for the 14x24 and the 14x18.
Do you have to worry about, lets say, the frame for the 14x24 settling; therefor it no longer being flush or level with the deck?
John C --- thanks for that link. That's a nice location!
Sassy: thank you ---
Paul s.....yes having all that space is awesome -- except I have poor work habits and the thing I need next is *always* at the far end of the deck....if I don't count the area of deck under the roof as "cabin" sq footage, the deck has more sq feet than the two combined cabins... 708 vs 588
Youngins -- I set the deck beams about 1.5" lower than the two cabins -- so that if snow piled and melted, it would be less likely to run under or in a door. So I have some room to play with.
Is it almost August already? I've enjoyed reading everyone's progress.
I've really enjoyed building this summer. I know many of you are newbies like myself, and many others are very experienced builders -- am I too much of a kid? Because the thrill of watching a wall go up and the feeling of "wow, I can do this." is amazing!!!!
Okay, below photos include rafter and gable in place for the big cabin and the little cabin. A couple of thoughts here. Gravity and Simsom Strong ties make placing rafters when working alone much easier. The Simson RR1 let the rafter rest on the ridge board while it was attached to a hurricane tie at the wall plates. I used H1 ands H 2.5 depending on the placement. In the end, I think 2.5's would have worked everywhere but the gable ends.
Even partially sheathed -- standing on the loft to raise the gable and rafters is jiggly stuff. There were only two times when I actually thoght working alone was a bad idea, but in both cases, it was too late and I was committted, so I did it anyway ;) :D ;D
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_072907_001.jpg)
Wile standing on the breeze way, looking west, here is the view .. the lumber makes the deck seem smaller than it is. The overall lenght is 44' x 16' .....there is 24 feet from the cabin walls to the end in this shot.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_072907_004.jpg)
And finally, looking South through the wall of the summer cabin, is the larger pond. Once I got the wall up, I realized I wanted different windows than what I planed, so this is likely to change.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/cabin/Photo_072907_005.jpg)
I've contracted the metal roof -- construction has slowed a lot and work crews are eager. $4200 more or less all for all materials and installation of metal of the two cabins and translucent skylight roofing over the breezeway. I hope to have the roof and the sheathing done in two weeks -- then I'll be weather tight. I can cut out and place windows as I go......
I think next I'll close up the crawl space.
Great progress. It's always fun to see something of substance where there was nothing there before.
A monument to your name. :)
Incentive to get weather tight! This storm blew through Sunday, the temp dropped from 98 to 67 in about 10 minutes.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/44.jpg)
Anything not nailed down blew away :o The lines along the cloud band are the edge of the front ...the white area is the "blue" sky...was really very beautiful
New photos of building progress later this weekend.
Wow :o that was quite a storm! Great picture!
Good God thats a Wizard of Oz type photo :o :o :o Where was that storm?? Did you lose anything important? Wall, OSB , etc ?
I start expecting twisters when I see a wall cloud like that one. A real beauty.
I wished I had had my real camera instead of my Treo Phone. Treo is a cool litle device, but the camera doesn't do what it could.
The storm was Decatur County Iowa. The front page of the local paper carried a similar picture taken by a Deputy. The banding on the edge of the front was spectacular. No tornado out of this one. Good potential, though.
Since we're ;) among friends. I have a story to tell. The rafters are attached to the frame and ridge beam with Simson ties the "RR" at the ridge and the "h1" or" h2.5" at the wall. In the center, I didn't have a scaffold or a long ladder to nail the rafter to the ridge so the rafters that are not over a loft area were held in place by gravity. I planned on nailing them once I brought in taller stuff and began the roof sheathing.....
So the wind blew several of those sideways. It was a simple fix once I brought a longer ladder.
If you want to see my other photos of the storm, pls check:
http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/photos/?album=4
Aunti 'EM Aunti 'Em ;D ;D ;D ;D
Impressive storm -- everything is flat -- where do you hide? :-?
I'd be headed underground. :)
That's an impressive storm front moving in!!!
Glad to hear the construction held together for the most part. I'll bet you're glad you invested in that Simpson hardware! ;)
Hide? Geez, maybe I should have built a basement? Most folks have older storm cellars. I might dig one when the dozers do the septic work -- (Remember the movie Twister, when Helen Hunt's dad gets sucked out of the storm cellar as he is trying to hold it shut?
I found some plans here: http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtPubs/Plans/6209.pdf
I have nothing but praise for the Simson stuff. It made it very easy to set the rafters working alone. And I have personally seen how they help hold everything together in a stiff wind.
would really like to see updated photos here hope all is going well
What a great shot of the storm front moving in! Even though it was taken with the phone, it's still a neat pic. You're really progressing quickly... like your design and look forward to the next set of pics!
I've been building slowly. I took on a new faculty position and my weekends have been full. I framed both roofs, but subbed out the roof sheathing and metal. Like many have said, I lack the experience on a steep roof and had none of the extra ladders, and aids to do it right. I picked metal for both cabins, was going to do lexan or polycarbonate or similar for the breezeway, but once I had it frames, I have opted just to do a lattice covering.
View with some of the window RO's cut. I'm buying windows two at a time, so I'll cut RO's as I go
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/66.JPG)
From the edge of the deck looking in
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/68.JPG)
And the view of the little pond from one of the chairs
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/65.JPG)
Just Tuesday I got the housewrap on -- Wednesday night we got 4 inches of snow.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/69.jpg)
Large version of these and other photos are at: http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/photos/?album=3 (http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/photos/?album=3)
I'm putting in my exterior doors net weekend, and then a combination of site build windows and 24 x24 awning windows. I can work a little and a time all winter under cover. I'm hoping to convince the local public health engineer inspector that I can use a composting toilet and a grey water disposal system, rather than full septic.
I'm getting bids on repairing my well and running rural water......we'll see which makes more sense. Southern Iowa uses shallow wells (25 feet or so) and I think in the long run, rural water may make more sense.
Thanks for the update and link, Fritz. [cool]
Looks like it is coming right along.
Fritz
I am building a Dogtrot also but with a modified plan. I decided to close in the front and put the entry door. On the back side I T'd a room off. Mine too is very slow work. Hope to post some pictures as soon as the weather shuts me down. Don posted one for me in "alternative energy" subject on the board. I was having trouble getting them to photobucket because of the size and dial-up service.
Good Luck on yours
I like the layout with the deck between the buildings. Should make a great place for outdoor living in the good weather months.
Scott
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/74.jpg)
Thanks Fritz. To you also.
Great to see the place going from your original ideas to reality.
Two days of 60+ weather resulted in putting 10 windows in!
Keeping an eye on the bargain shelf at the home supply store resulted in the three windows in the south end of the little cabin (the arch top and the two casements, for less $230 total.
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/78.jpg)
(http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/77.jpg)
and (http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/79.jpg)
Big photos are at:
http://www.digitalstoryteller.com/photos/?album=3
looking good! [cool]
Looking good Fritz!
(https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/jraabe/dogtrot.jpg)
Your progress is very interesting. I look forward to seeing more.
The idea is so unique and "livable" and seems to include an atmosphere of how you intend to live there.
That dog trot / extended deck space is a remarkable space. I hope you'll continue to post pictures.
Christina
fritz what are your plans for the area between the two cabins. I had pondered to do mine that way but ended up enclosing as I have a room T'd off of the back and a fireplace in the center. Will make this the entry normally where the open area is.
Hi and thanks. The deck space is 16 x 44 and unless you count the area under the center roof "twice" the deck square footage is larger than the covered space.
That said, I spend a lot of time outside even in the cold and I hope that continues.
I have gone through about a dozen ideas for the "roof" over this space and have settled on cedar lattice to provide some shade. At one point I thought about a polycarbonate or even wood.....I hope to have the lattice up in a week or so. Weather is warming and I'll be spending more time building there.
This week, my Sun Mar composting toilet arrived....I'll have it working which ends the trips to the trees. I am using a grey water recycling system for the shower and sink..... running water is coming from rural water at the highway --- 600 feet of trench to dig once the ground thaws.
Hey Fritz we'd love to hear about your developing experience with the Sunmar. Which model did you get, the self contained, 120 VAC, NE or???
Also we would all like to hear more about your greywater system.
Thanks and it's looking good. :) G/L on the 600 feet of trenching. :o
SUnmar was purchased from these folks -- delivery was very quick,less than a 10 days.
http://www.thenaturalhome.com/compost.html
I purchased the Excell AC -- I'll post some photos and a installation story -- as well as updates as the compost gets started and how it gets used / works. It's amusing to see the reaction of city people and non public health people when you try to talk about toilets and compost. The folks in the universty public health department are all very interested / curious.
The grey water system also comes from the above link. I'm draining only a shower and two small sinks. I need to talk to the county folks to be sure they are okay with a dry well rather than a leech field. I'll keep everyone posted.
PS I also settled on the Bosch Aquastar 125 FX LP gas tankless water heater. After thinking through the combustion air issue, I figured that 9 months or more of the year the window will be open .... and the other time it will be in use for a short period of time and since my construction is not well -- perfect -- I think there is enough ventilation.
We have the same Aquastar, Fritz. Just set it to the maximum heat you need and no more to prevent scale build up. We adjust ours a couple times a year as water temp changes. It works well. We are not running any vent but it is on an outside wall.
Amusing story.........
I was able to lump several large / bulky items into one delivery from Lowes, some T1-11 siding, some lattice, a refrigerator, the shower stall -- they were having a promotion - rebate on delivery. SO yesterday, they delivered. The great news is they called first, because they had only loaded half the order - but they found the other half and drove it down.
The typical Lowest flatbed with the fork lift on the back brought everything, the driver used the lift to scurry stuff across the open mowed pasture to the deck -- almost like having a loading dock.
When he was done (and he was very very helpful) I left. IN about 10 minutes, he called me:
"Sir, I hate to say this, but I'm stuck down here." d*
Sure enough, buried the semi in the soft ground,. When I got back to him, he was taking the fork lift of the back end.
He and I put some boards behind the wheels...but he was still spinning....so I took the brush hog off the Farmall 706, tied a strap to the back end of the semi trailer, and towed hi across the pasture until he could get turned around and back ou to the highway.
Kind of a Lake Wobegon moment, in my home town.....
Good deed done for the day. It would have probably cost him a bundle to have a wrecker come out. I have done this as well with my tractor after getting a load of concrete blocks delivered. The builder in my area bought a 4WD delivery truck which probably has saved him alot in pulling his trucks out.
I've moved in and been working on interior things -- so the exterior programs has been spotty. That said: I have 6 of 8 walls sided and will do the gables in a cedar shake shingle -- then the lattice covers the dog trott. And then trim out the windows.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2502850249_161a09aa7b.jpg?v=0)
and
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2502849817_70ce1a0f29.jpg?v=0)
Great update, Fritz. You've come a long way since your first sketches.
Great Project! Man my cows would love to stay at your place with all that green grass!!! Our area is dry so I never see grass like that growing. Lots of sage, bitter brush and other Desert Step plant life. Mark
Your cows would be welcome.....how good are they with a table saw?
I started putting cedar shakes in the breezeway dog trot this weekend with thehelp of a friend and his son. Then we latticed 3/4 of the dog trot roof. This week I'll put the shakes on the opposite gable and then finish the lattice.
A moment of celebration (I'm on the left) the shade make a huge difference in the temp (duh)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2543054024_f373cce25b.jpg?v=0)
fritz I am like Willy my cows would love that grass also. But I doubt they would make the trip especially if I had to bring them there. I went back looking at your complete thread and unless I missed it I couldn't find the layout or floorplan of the two seperate cabins. In other words what living area's are contained in each cabin. Not sure whether you will be using this in the colder weather but will you have to go from one building to the other for any reason in inclimate weather. Just curious.
John
Great project. Very good design using two simple buildings. Looks like a fun place to hang out.
The proof is in the pudding. :D
Click HERE (http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1181844938) to see the earlier design concept and early framing.
Let me see what I can share from my cheap 3d software this is close --- I think when I can take some photos with a camera better than my cell phone, it may make sense. As for the inclimate weather question, I ended up splitting the living.
The large side has the kitchen, the guest sleeping loft, and the "public" space. The litle side has the composting toilet, shower, my "office" and work space, and my sleeping loft. My original design had the bathroom in the big side with the kitchen, making it self contained -- but in the end, I liked this flexibility better. I reserve the right to change my mind after the first winter --- but it would easy to relocate the composting toilet.
First, here is an over florplan. If you dont double count the central breezway under the new lattice roof, the exterior deck space is larger in sq footage than the covered cabin.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2550233210_106bcf9586.jpg?v=0)
Now, the big side is a wide open plan. A single galley kitchen along the top left wall...a 8 foot x 14 foot sleeping loft on the north end (away from the breezeway) and the 4 foot wide storage loft above the entry door.
The furniture layout to be determined AFTER i put away building materials and saws, compressors, et cetera.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2550233376_47a9c5b164.jpg?v=0)
Finally, the little side. I originally had a clothes closet in the lower left corner AFter several rainy days and no place to take off muddy boots and wet rain gear, I added a small 4 x 4 foot "mud room" just off the door and then moved the clothes closet a little to the right. Above the entry and bathroom is an 8 x 14 sleeping loft -- but I extended the mid section (about 5 of the 14 wide) 2 more feet to accommodate the ladder and some turn around space in the loft.
The bathroom has the composting toilet, a simple sink, a 36 shower, and a tankless water heater in the corner.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2549408061_55124338cb.jpg?v=0)
The heat source will be small lp gas stoves...to be installed this fall. The LP tank for the water heater is in a closet on the outside deck (ventilated) as is a second lp cylinder with storage above for outdoor stuff (snow shovels, brooms, garden tools, et cetera)
I will work on some photos this month.
fritz that puts it into a little prospective for me. It looks like it gives you alot of flexibility in the future. As far as having the bathroom on the opposite end of the guest sleeping area you could always create a semi-enclosed breezeway later if you see that it is too much of an inconvience. Something upon the lines of double french on both sides of a large breezeway to give the openess in both direction. In fact you could even design accordian style panels that could be opened and closed on a rail system (double or tripple track) similar to barn doors. Even with more imagination you could build bifold panels(doorways incorporated) from both cabins to meet in the center which could be folded back against each cabin wall.
I guess you know the weather in your area and you have got a handle on what will work. Good job IMO. It actually keeps in the original theme of a dogtrot style.
John
Thanks. I have played with the barn door idea -- for security, for shade and for a wind screen.
I think I want to live there a few seasons and then decide.
One of the fun challenges is learning to live in a small space while it's under construction.
Here is one very similar. I presume the metal siding & roof offer some resistance to wildfires.
http://www.studioatkinson.com/1-zachary-1.htm (http://www.studioatkinson.com/1-zachary-1.htm)
It was that design that was my inspiration.....I saw it in a book, and later found out it won all kinds of awards....
I decided to take some photos around the place today -- I did not bother to clean up. So you see it as I live/work it. I call it "guy clean".
Here is the view the deck
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2552519548_c1af5c1f7a.jpg?v=0)
and this is the view of the big side from the door -- the flooring will go down in the next two weeks and then the tools are banished from the inside.
I still have some wall panelling to install and have not done the ceilings or trim
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2552526200_b56a862fd2.jpg?v=0)
Next is the little side from the door -- the windows were all bargain windows from a local builder supply store
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2551708521_739ca95fbb.jpg?v=0)
This is the view from the sleeping loft in the little side
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2551709463_4a36665a21.jpg?v=0)
Next, is the bathroom, the shower is a one piece, the sink is a tiny but workable pedestal and the composting toilet. Hidden is the Bosch FX125 tankless water heater.No finish trim yet, so it still looks primitive.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2552528824_6176093ba4.jpg?v=0)
Outside on the deck is the beginning framing for a closet for tools and the lp tanks for the water heater. You can also see the siding I need to finish, and the exhaust for the water heater and the exhaust for the composting toilet.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2551710365_b08039864b.jpg?v=0)
I very much look forward to the day when it is more finished and cleaner -- dust, mud, and building materials are everywhere. As I shared, I live here now - but have very few "things" and most of what I have is in boxes. Living in less than 600 sq feet is an interesting shift from suburbia. I know people live in much smaller spaces and I use their ideas and influence. At times, it's like being a full time RV'er...without the wheels.
Nice Fritz. A true throne. :)
Thanks for sharing the photo's. A picture is truely worth a thousand words. But basicly you are in the dry working when it's bad outside and vice versa.
Coming along very nicely Fritz!
I hope you don't mind, I wrote a little introduction at the first post in this thread and added a photo link to the CountryPlans (http://www.countryplans.com) Main page.
You have done a lot with a simple idea and a simple plan. Good lessons for all of us...
Fritz, Do you remember the title of that book. They probably have other interesting designs in there.
OK, I have a question concerning the Stephen Atkinson house at the top of the thread. What is the outside clad with? It appears to be the "regular DIY, buy it at the local home improvement store, less than $10 per sheet" corrugated aluminum. I love the look of it but is it durable enough for a house? If it is I know what I may be using. Give me some info people!! I'm excited about this can you tell?
It is nice to see you moved in, even though you know there is more to do.
Very nice, and inspiring. I've been in the 5th wheel for the last two days with my nose pressed to the glass, watching the rain sheet sideways on my foundation. >:( This is June for Pete's Sake!
Pictures like your's are a wonderful dose of encouragement.
Quote from: teacher2 on June 09, 2008, 10:03:32 PM
OK, I have a question concerning the Stephen Atkinson house at the top of the thread. What is the outside clad with? It appears to be the "regular DIY, buy it at the local home improvement store, less than $10 per sheet" corrugated aluminum. I love the look of it but is it durable enough for a house? If it is I know what I may be using. Give me some info people!! I'm excited about this can you tell?
I am sure it is just plain corrugated sheeting - steel - probably more like 17 or $20 now. It is very common in Australia on houses as well as in the old Gold mining towns over here. I'd say go for it -- it'll be cool. You can trim it with wood to if done properly. Flash as required.
I used it here on my garage and patio roof.
I've used corrugated steel as siding at the lower portion of a house - below the main floor window sills. You can run the grooves vertical and use a beveled cedar 2x4 on edge as a water table and transition between the wood siding above and the metal below. This is where most of the splash and banging takes place on siding so it is a practical and good looking (in my mind) combination.
Seeing a whole cabin in it is too sever and cold for my taste.
I'm playing catch up.
John R: I'm flattered, thanks.
John C: the book is "The Cabin" Dale Mulfinger and Susan Davis - this is done by the Taunton press, and they have two other awesome books, too: "The Getaway Home" and the "Farm House" www.taunton.com There are lots of great ideas.
Considerations: I work in Des Moines, we're flooding worse than in 1993. My ponds have both overflowed....today we had such a blast of wind that my three oak Adirondack chairs flew off the deck. (I was in awe -- but the cabin and roof are still standing.) Our ground is so wet, I can
't put a ladder on the grond without sinking - so I'm doing some interior stuff. I have some shallow spots over the trench where we burried the water and electric lines that are just holding standing water -- so long that I have tadpoles growing in one of them.
John R and others about the siding on the Atkinson place -- he does break it up some with some translucent corrugated panels... I don't have an image but it's in the book. I wanted a wood feel -- something that would age and get a patina of an "old cabin". I may kick myself in 10 years if the wood weathers too quickly...but I did go metal with the roof.
At the risk of posting too many photos, here is a photo from the day we had so much rain my ponds over flowed:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2572513569_bc2ce3d313.jpg?v=0)
Quote from: fritz on June 15, 2008, 09:58:51 PM
I'm playing catch up.
John R: I'm flattered, thanks.
John C: the book is "The Cabin" Dale Mulfinger and Susan Davis - this is done by the Taunton press, and they have two other awesome books, too: "The Getaway Home" and the "Farm House" www.taunton.com There are lots of great ideas.
Considerations: I work in Des Moines, we're flooding worse than in 1993. My ponds have both overflowed....today we had such a blast of wind that my three oak Adirondack chairs flew off the deck. (I was in awe -- but the cabin and roof are still standing.) Our ground is so wet, I can
't put a ladder on the grond without sinking - so I'm doing some interior stuff. I have some shallow spots over the trench where we burried the water and electric lines that are just holding standing water -- so long that I have tadpoles growing in one of them.
John R and others about the siding on the Atkinson place -- he does break it up some with some translucent corrugated panels... I don't have an image but it's in the book. I wanted a wood feel -- something that would age and get a patina of an "old cabin". I may kick myself in 10 years if the wood weathers too quickly...but I did go metal with the roof.
At the risk of posting too many photos, here is a photo from the day we had so much rain my ponds over flowed:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2572513569_bc2ce3d313.jpg?v=0)
Man what an awesome looking set up you have there. It looks post card perfict.
Larry
I like seeing the pictures. What a peaceful atmosphere!
Christina
Hi all, I hope your summer is going well.
I hit a milestone this weekend. My goal was to have the inside finished 90% (I have trim and celilings to put in, the trim will come piece by piece, the ceilings this fall.
Here are some photos I shot tonight.
This is the "Big" side (14 x 24) the living, guest, and kitchen side of the layout
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2666346418_2e6f2c579e.jpg?v=0)
Here is the view from the door with the ladder stairs hidden (I followed Hal Nash and went with an attic ladder)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2666353628_34c606c9ed.jpg?v=0)
and with the ladder stairs down:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2666352038_32f532bcf1.jpg?v=0)
A kitchen island works well for the cooking area
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2665526409_8cc49e7a19.jpg?v=0)
The full length windows are twin-wall polycarbonate. There is one on each of the long walls of the two cabins.
And then, the little side (14 x 18)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2665553121_023d754d8d.jpg?v=0)
On the little side, I used the ladder plans here, for the ladder to the sleeping loft.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2665524501_32e1d44c50.jpg?v=0)
And one final view -- the little side is an office / studio / library...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2666373702_7d41419f8a.jpg?v=0)
That looks great, Fritz. Nice job.
You're doing a great job. :)
http://materialicio.us/2008/07/21/the-building-of-a-dogtrot/
Hmm, looks awful familiar! ???
;D
Hi to all, and I hope you've had a great fall and a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. I see I've been away from the forum for quite a while, when I posted to this thread, I got a red warning saying "unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic." I guess that means I need to come around more often.
It was a year ago Thanksgiving week that I got the housewrap / Tyvek around the cabin, which then was a framed, roofed, and sheathed shell with no windows. Finally this weekend, I managed to get the final two gables shake shingled. I have about a day's work of window trim to finish -- but I've been enjoying my time and procrastinating so long that I may need to wait until a sunny winter day to finish up.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3073881221_2e45c952f4_m.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3073883517_0bf3e3467e_m.jpg)
I've now lived in the cabin for eight months. Most of my construction stopped after my last update (July). Last month, I insulated the ceiling and put T & G siding on the ceiling, saving the bottom row that meets the side walls for trim work to be done over the winter to help prevent cabin fever. I built the loft joists as double 2 x on each side of the rafter for aesthetics so I have several small sections to cut and nail. My collar ties (for the section without lofts) are higher than the loft joists, and they make a great place to store my remaining lumber for inside work -- off the floors and still inside with climate control.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3074720828_730e387c0b_m.jpg)
I guess, too, I can offer an update on how livable the space is. First off, a huge tip of the hat to John for his plans and how-to along with every member and contributor here. THANK YOU. There isn't a single day of building that I don't borrow or lean on something I've learned in this forum.
For hot water, I have the Aqua Start FX 125. I have instant hot in the bathroom and shower and I use a 20 lb bottle of propane in about 90 days. I live alone and have few overnight guests (I have had tanks both re-filled and also done tank exchange.) As an FYI, look closely at the tank exchange services, some tanks are filled with 17 pounds, others are filled with 15.)
I have two separate water feeds into the cabins -- one on the little side for the shower and sink -- connected to the Aqua Star. The other feed come into the big side for the kitchen sink. I did this to minimize the amount of expose water line. My water lines are pex, and surrounded by 2 - 3 inches of foam insulation. I hope that is enough. This first winter will tell me alot. If I have problems, I'll build a pedestal out of wood and fill it with R 19 all around, but my guess is the foam will work.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3074749204_3fe2bf5c06_m.jpg)For kitchen hot water, I use an 8 cup electric hot pot. It's very fast to boil water and gives me enough to wash dishes, or start off cooking.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/3073915297_be2fd680b8_m.jpg)I have a Lopi Sturbridge gas stove for primary heat in the big cabin, it is LP and rather than a big tank, I cycle though 20 lP tanks. Yes, it is more work and higher cost -- but its a trade off for chopping and hauling wood. I have it on a programmable thermostat. When I am here I keep it about 60 - 65 inside (I like it cooler than most people) and overnight and away, I keep it at 50. Once I know my first year usage, I may opt for a 250 gallon tank next year. As of now, I get between 20 and 25 hours of use per tank. I supplement it with an electric space heater.
The little side, for now is heated by two electric space heaters which I have cycle so they dont both run at the same time. I keep one in the bath room to keep the ambient temp above 65 to keep the composting toilet composting.
Learning to live in a small space requires creativity. I'm learning to take advantage of corners and walls and hooks.(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3073916883_18e623f449_m.jpg)
Thanks for the update, Fritz. The dogtrot is looking great. We also have the HX125 LP and haven't run it out of hot water yet. It has been superseded with a newer model by Bosch but we haven't found any problem.
Remember the pix and don't be a stranger. :)
Very nice Fritz. I've wondered how you were doing.
Fritz thanks for checking in. I kept going back to your thread to see if there was any updates. Nice to see another "dogtrot" on the forum again. Glad that you are satisfied with your work as that makes it all worthwhile.
Absolutely beautiful! Southern Homes & Gardens has nothing on you man! That is exactly the clean look I am hoping for!! Absolutely beautiful!
What, if anything do you use for A/C?
A ceiling fan on each side and lots of windows.
I have 13 opening windows and 4 fixed pane. We were in the high 90's for a few days this summer. I find that I am much more tolerant of the weather and elements than I ever was when I lived in a suburban climate-regulated house. I don't mind the heat (as much) and I don't mind the cold (as much) as I used to.
The little side is shaded by a nice tree from early afternoon through sunset. I'm planting a tree to provide some shade for the big side, but wont see the benefit for a few years.
A winter postcard, taken today:
(http://www.smallfarmlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/img_3600.jpg)
Here's wishing you all the best building and planning during 2009!
Thanks Fritz. The place looks nice with the snow.
Fritz,
I've gone back and re-read the entire thread on your house, it's one of my favorites here on the forum.
I have a question about your gas heater. You said you are going through 20 lbs of LPG every 20 - 25 hours. Is that correct? In cold weather that a 20 # cylinder a day, if it runs continuously. That seems like really high gas consumption for the size of the house.
Did I miss something?
Hi, sorry I missed this reply until now.
the 20 - 25 hours is actual burn time. That kind of use lasts 3 - 5 days depending on outside temp...so I run between 4 and 10 hours a day depending. My average use has been a tank every 4 days through December.
Also, depending on the setting on the gas stove - i can have it set to low or high and that affects usage. The Lopi is not terribly efficient: Overall Efficiency 80.1%, AFUE 67.8%
The other variable is the fill of the 20# cylinder. I do a tank exchange, and some of the these services are filling tanks with 15 pounds of propane, and others fill with 17 pounds. I now try to do the exchanges at stores selling the 17 pound fills. It's harder to find places doing tank fills rather than exchanges.
Fritz, We just bought the same Lopi LP stove as it was half off at our local fireplace/BBQ store and seemed like a good quality unit for the money. It'll be used to heat an area of our barn which is 12'Wx20'Lx12'H until we get the cabin/home built.
It looks like you went with a horizontal exhaust without any rise. Do you find the exhaust outside vent gets too hot? We're deciding if we should go straight through the wall or go up higher before going though the wall.
Your place looks great!
I don't know how hot it gets on the out side -- I imagine too hot to touch -- like the stove itself. I am guessing that with an inside rise you have more surface to radiate additional heat into the space...which could be a plus.
I found the installation to be very easy and quick. Like many items like this, the first few hours of use had a oil smell as the oils from manufacturing burned off....do that with the windows open if you can.
Did you get the optional blower? I did not. I figured that I could put a fan near by if I really wanted to.
Didn't get the blower option on the Lopi. The stove was used in the store as a demo so I shouldn't have to worry about burning off the new smell so that's a plus.
We really like your Dogtrot design. We'll be going with a modified Dogtrot as the place will be in an L-shape with a open area between the main section and and office/bedroom.
Frozen pipes. Not what you are thinking ???
I have two water supply lines in the dogtrot: one to each cabin. Both protected by heat tape and when the ground thaws, I'm going to retro fit an enclosure buried 4 feet in the ground -- like a meter pit -- to further protect the lines. But wait until you read this:
We've had a few days of -15 degrees in early January. And a few stretches of 0 and single digits. The little side cabin -- with nearly 3 feet of exposed water line, protected by heat tape, has performed flawlessly. On Thursday, January 22, I left Orlando, Fl (it was 32 in Orlando!) and returned to Iowa (it was 51!) On Saturday morning, the 24th, at 5 am, (temp of about 0 degrees) I flipped my small cabin faucet and --- nothing. No water. Frozen! >:(
So i began what turned into a nearly 13 day fix. I started by replacing the heat tape. Then, I started pouring hot water next to the pipe and then scooping it away -- along with the thawing dirt and clay around the pipe (the reason for the retrofit to come). Over a day or two, I dug by hand down nearly 3 - 4 feet, completely exposing the water line, and then applying heat via light bulb (250 watt brooder warming light) space heater (1500 watt blower) and several choice - but "hot" words and phrases.
Nada. Zilch. Dryer than an alcohol-still free county.
Last Saturday we hit nearly 55 degrees. Still frozen. Monday, I put a light at the base of the hand dug hole and it ran non stop until Wednesday with no water.
Now the odd thing is the water line to the big cabin -- just 35 - 40 feet away -- and where we split off for each feed -- was still running. And I checked my water meter frequently to be sure I didn't have a line break (no spinning meter = no water usage, a good thing).
I had been in contact with my line contractor who assured me that he had never had a line freeze (he is the best in the area and installs the lines for the water association, he also assured me his work was "guaranteed forever" and that surely it was frozen just beneath where I had dug.)
We made a plan to bring a back hoe out Thursday. Wednesday night, on a whim, I cut about 20 feet (an arbitrary length) of copper ground wire from some romax and I disconnected my flex hose to the water heater and had a straight shot down the supply line. I fished the copper wire to the end -- 20 feet, without hitting ice.
Things that make you go hmmm ???
Thursday morning, with temps in the 40's, he began to dig. He dug at the edge of the deck where the line sweeps back towards the main line. This is 10 feet from the point where the water line exits the ground and goes up into the floor..... The first hole he dug was 3 - 4 deep and 8 feet long. Then he probed the non frozen soil for the water line. We didn't find the line.
The second hole was another 8 foot extension of the first. With frost teeth on the back hoe bucket, he scraped at the frozen 24 degree soil. On the third scrape, about 3 - 4 inches under the surface, I waived him off to stop: the bucked had just severed the very frozen water line.
(http://www.smallfarmlife.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/93__320x240_IMG_3688.JPG)
Over the wet spring and summer, the line had formed an upside down U and had floated up to the surface. Why any water flowed at all this winter is a miracle.
So, he dug down to where the line was buried 5 feet, and we cut out and replaced the section and then re-buried it. As we talked through the original installation, we remembered that he had used a smaller wheel driven trencher for that section of line, before returning the next day with a larger, track-driven trencher. The smaller trencher made a narrower trench and likely didn't have as much dirt fall into the trench on burial.
More photos and a similar story here: http://www.smallfarmlife.com/2009/02/06/frozen-pipes-the-conclusion/
Hi all, here' a summer update. I did a walk around and took images from all 4 sides of the dogtrot. I ended up taking the eastern exposure in two shots.
Western Exposure:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3626166255_2693c054b8.jpg?v=0)
Southern exposure
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3626166263_4b29cc3142.jpg?v=0)
Eastern Exposure (each cabin)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3626166269_9b066baf4b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3626166277_24be94dddd.jpg?v=0)
Northern exposure
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3626166281_b780b07786.jpg?v=0)
fritz I must admit that it looks a little greener than the one you posted in December. From the photographs it appears that your most severe weather is from the east.
Hi Fritz, great home! How do the polycarbonate windows work in the cold. Are they as energy efficient as you thought? Do you swim in your pond? I live on a 3 acre pond and l swim most days it's above 75. Do you have problems with weeds and algae? If so do you try to eradicate them? If so how?
Redrover -- you have a very keen eye. There is a story about that. The east side was the last side that I put siding on....but I had 2 sheets up last spring, the balance went up in fall so I had weathered siding and new siding, and I knew if I stained it, it would always look un matched. SO I have not stained it - will do so this week, now that the tone - patina has mellowed.
secordpd,
the polycarbonate (longer windows) are okay --- not awesome but not awful. I am pleased. There are things I could hve done to make it more energy efficient all the way around, but with a few compromises, I am happy.
As for the ponds, I have two, the smaller older one, and a larger 1.5 acre one that is about 10 - 12 years old. Both get some algae. I have added grass carp -- who wont do much for algae, but help some with chara I think.
I have seen a build up of black anaerobic muck in the little pond, part of the aging process.....so I've added some bacteria to see ho it helps this season.
Yea, my pond needs some work, to many over fertilized lawns abutting it. I put a fountain in and it definitely seems to help, esp with circulation. Trying to figure a way to get some of the weeds out of my swimming area. Was raking them out while on my raft in the middle but that is brutal on the body. Let me know how the bacteria works. I've thought about using, but kinda pricey...
(https://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu314/secordpd/DCP_0733.jpg)
I am not a pond expert at all. But my thinking is, the fewer chemicals, the easier it is to control. Most of the pond adivce on line is aimed at artificial ponds with liners -- but there is a site I think called PondBoss (do a search?) that has a great forum.
Grass carp should control your weeds, aeration is supposed to help reduce algae. If you have the thick black muck of plant decay, then the suggested fix is bacteria. If it works and if I remember, I['ll post back in a few weeks. The package says initial results in 2 weeks, up to 90 days or longer for a fix.
Wow Great Job!! Thanks for the post you have really given me ton of new ideas. To be honest I was not crazy about your layout when you started. Just filed them under different strokes. But now I love how you did it. Will pass it along for sure to a friend or two that do cabins.
rlr [cool]
by chance do you have estimated cost to get to where you are now?
Any updated interior shots? Anything major you would change having lived in the cabin for a time?
Thanks
I am the kind of person who drives budget people crazy, I have not kept any kind of collected records on my costs. I know, that would drive many people to homicide! d* I could run my bank records and identify all the charges if I had to.
Okay, lets see: I bought most everything at retail or on sale -- I didn't do what many people do by re using or recycling. If my memory serves correct I'm between $20k and $30k to date. I spent about $3K in 2006, about $9k in 2007 and $13k in 2008.(Which includes most of the IKEA furniture)... So call it just over $50 a square foot for interior space.
On top of that there is the almost weekly trip to a Lowes or Home Depot and $100 for this tool, that item, and the other thing...some of which is reusable, some of which is one time use.
I purchased things as I could, and built cheap, with the idea of upgrading in time. For example, I bought the cheapest exterior doors ($100 each) knowing that in the next year, I would upgrade to nicer doors, and then reuse these cheap doors in a shed.
Likewise on windows and siding. I have cheap vinyl windows and t-111 siding. I imagine -- based on what I have seen, the t111 may warp in 10 years. If it does to the point of looking really bad, I can re side and then decide if I want higher quality windows. That may not make sense to some people -- but it worked for me. In other words, I couldn't afford to go top drawer to start with, so I know I was setting myself up for expense down the road. But I also do not have a mortgage on the cabin.
I will take some interior shots soon....I still do not have all the furniture I would like and there is lots of trim to do.
As for living and changes.....hmmm.....The breezeway space is interesting. I used lattice for the roof there...the original design had a drop ceiling and a continuous roof line (see the first image in this thread of Steve Atkinson's original design.
I like the open lattice roof, but some rainy days, it would be great to sit on the deck under a closed roof and watch the rain. I *may* replace the lattice with cedar tongue and groove in a year or two. I do not want to close it in or even screen it in. Even in the coldest below zero weather, the walk from one ot the other is nice.
I will change out the exterior doors --- in summer, there is a screen door -- having a glass exterior door will help the space feel less closed-in in winter.
Living in a small space requires a reduction in "stuff" ... and a reduction in consumption. Collectors, garage salers, chronic eBay users, and nick nack lovers need to really think about living in less than 600 square feet. I have enjoyed (most of the time) living and building in the same space. Some days, moving the power tools to make lunch, or stepping over building materials to get dressed takes its toll. Having the 16 x 44 deck makes a great "workshop" in decent weather. That has been a major plus.
Ooops, forgot this. This is probably obvious to the experienced builders, but I highly recommend finishing the ceiling before moving on to walls. If I build again, I would say, do the shell, then insulate, finish the ceiling - then do the rest. I insulated the ceiling and finished the ceiling almost last..and made work much harder on myself.
Oh, and this fall, I am replacing the lattice skirting with solid skirting, both for warmth and for looks. In the end, I dont like the looks of the lattice, but that's just a preference thing.
Thank you. I look forward to following your progress.
Laundry? (done in town?)
How is the gray water system doing this far?
Thanx for the tip about doing the ceiling first, its info like that which makes this such a valuable website. That is probably info you would not know unless someone experienced it and shared ;)
soomb: yes, laundry is done in town, about a block from my office is a laundromat which offers a wash dry fold service for $1 a pound. I drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. Gray water system works great, Art Ludwig's Greywater Oasis is THE book for learning about greywater systems. I use about 300 - 500 gallons of water a month and am on a rural water system. My well is contaminated and is a shallow dug (25 foot) well which is traditional for this part of the state. it was not worth trying to keep up, the risk of re contamination is high.
At some point, I will also post photos of my revisions to bringing my water lines into the cabins with a post and pier foundation. I think I found a pretty slick solution based on ideas from this site and poking around.
secordpd: I try and remember to share back -- so many people have helped me over the years year. Feel free to ask either on line or via email private message.
I began (and still am) a novice. But if I've done it, right or wrong, I'll share my experience....
Hey Fritz, how did the bacteria you added to your pond work out? Did it help? I wish I could afford to keep my fountain running all the time, I think that would really help with the stagnant water at the bottom, and get more oxygen in there.
Hi all! Hey Secordpd.
Short answer, I don't know, ??? but I'm optimistic?
I did two rounds: 10 pounds in early July or Late June and then a second 10 pounds in early August. I added an aerator also in early August.
I am seeing less black muck at the edges on the bottom, still have water meal on the top, which seems to be slowing, but it is not gone or cured.
The real test may be next summer if it returns. I'll try and post an update in early fall.
Awesome job fritz.
Another inspiration for me to do something on a small scale.
Fritz, any updates?
Hi all, and thanks for the nudge. I confess I have nothing really visual to share but I may later in the year. I've now been in the cabin full time just over 2 years. It continues to be the best decision I've made and to be honest, the "work" still seems like fun.
This winter was filled with lots of snow -- but the higher snow was a good wind block around the foundation and that encouraged me to replace the lattice skirting with a solid skirt. I think this is an obvious choice for many people...I liked the look of the lattice originally, then it lost it's appeal. And the warmer cabin this winter sealed the deal I may get this done this summer or fall. At the same time, I removed the lattice dog trot roof and am looking to put a solid roof up. The lattice was great there as a roof -- but there were times I wished I could sit outside during rain and not get wet....so I'm looking at my options.
I had no water line freeze this year. [cool] And I did install a full size LP tank and used 150 gallons of LP between December and March. As always, your mileage may vary. The lp stove warms the big cabin, an electric space heater warms the little side. I've thought about a small pellet stove or a second lp stove for the little side.....I may shp around for a cheap used one.
The composting toilet has continued to work -- I did mange to overload it when I had a handful of guests who drank a lot of beer.....I mean, a lot of beer. One thing to consider if you use a composting toilet is what to do if you through a party.... I have the largest Sun Mar model, rated for use by 4 adults --- best advice may be to encourage the guys to discover their inner "wild thing" and have them pee in the woods.
The pond aerator ran all winter and this summer will be a good test to see how much less pond meal and bottom scum I have.
True confessions: I still have interior trim to finish, around windows and I am replacing one of my temporary doors (on the small cabin) with a full pane glass window.
PPS> every so often I think about building another cabin here -- a guest writer's retreat...Okay okay, I'll finish this one first....but then...... hmmmm
I'm planning on lattice (painted) around part of my build, but I was going to put something solid up first and paint it dull black so it would look like just lattice. Just a thought....
Hi Fritz, good to see you still have the desire to build another building after (almost) finishing the Dogtrot. That must mean you had fun...
Well, I came back to to visit because I'm thinking of adding onto my shed and was thinking of doing a dogtrot type structure, so I can have the covered middle area to work on projects outside in good weather, like making screens for my screen house addition, etc.
I'm thinking of doing a double shed roof, with the clerestory windows facing south, with a small overhang to block the high summer sun.
Glad to hear your pond is doing good, what do you have for an aerator? Did you buy it all built or did you put together yourself? Is it a compressor? What size? How Much? What kind of diffuser? What does it cost to operate? Sorry for all the questions ??? .. was thinking of adding one to my pond, but not quite sure if I want to trade my fountain (looks & sounds so nice) for an aerator.
That's what I like about the plans from here, you can mix and match so many things and come up with what fits your needs. I use the deck all the time for building and projects.
MY aerator seems to be doing well, I still have black muck on the bottom -- but I think it is improving. I know there are lots of companies who sell aerators, but I bought from this man in Wisconsin and his service and products are top rate. His Web site tells you the pros and cons of his products -- which lets you know what they can and can't do.
http://www.fishpondaerator.com/index.html
Mine is the medium pond size. Hope this helps!
Thanx Fritz, great website, I've looked at many aerators, but their prices look pretty decent. Those Thomas Ind. compressors r suppose to be pretty good. Wish I could put a micro hydro system in to power it all.... Talked to some neighbors that live on the pond (3 of them engineers!), maybe we can work something out.... ;D
Fritz,
Anything new?
Hi and thanks for asking. I continue to work on interior trim (very off and on, and mostly off) and am still pleased with how a piece of trim really improves the final look or a wall. My exterior projects include replacing the lattice skirts with solid skirts and a new roof for the center breezeway. I had lattice there, and want a lightweight, solid material to provide some shade and rain resistance -- so i can sit outside in the rain and stay dry.
I'm sketching plans for a new cabin here -- I've decided to build a "Writer's Cottage" as a retreat for graduate students and creative types. I'm going to located it on a corner of the property, just off the road. I'm still working on ideas and plans -- and hope to be in the ground by April and walled in and finishing the interior mid summer. At this time, I'm playing with a 14 x 24 foot print (Little house) and will post some floorplans and ideas as they come together.
Are you going solid roofing over he breezeway or a polycarbonate?
Thanks for the updates.
I've browsed some ideas....anyone have thoughts? I was thinking corrugated polycarbonate. I considered T & G 1 x 6 but since this area is supported by 16 foot 2 x 8, 24" on center, I think lighter weight material is the way to go.
The "fun" will be screwing the final piece...I need a sky crane to reach it.
Fritz.. just poking you for progress and pics
Happy New Year all -- I glanced at my profile here, hard to believe more than 5 years since my first post!
Long story: I was standing looking at the polycarb roof panels, with echos of friend's suggestions of colors in my head, when I spotted some old school corrugated sheet metal. So thinking about putting on the skirts around the foundation and this breezeway roof, I bought the metal. It's still a bit glossy, but I think with time, it will gain a slight patina. Some landscaping around each cabin will help, too.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5306770437_c4a88e8f4a.jpg)
The metal roof is a tribute to the original design (see earlier in the thread) and I imagine it will have it's friends and foes. It is nice to sit out in a gentle rain and enjoy it -- in a stronger rain....IT IS VERY LOUD.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5307362172_97652658d8.jpg)
The solid roof seems to have shifted the wind dynamics a bit for the small diamond window over the little cabin sleeping loft. In the prior two years, I've left it open in most rains and never had a soggy pillow. After the solid roof, I've had the rain come in -- could be coincidence, or a shift in how wind flows over the structure.
I am still slowly working on interior trim. I did find a few old barn floor boards in the barn. These are about 80" by 26" and nearly 3" thick...So I cleaned them up, and finished them with a Dainish oil and turned two into tables.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5307400926_297c079125.jpg)
Have a great 2011 everyone.
any updates
Not sure about updates to the dogtrot, but I believe fritz is hard at work on a second project on his land: http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=11112.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=11112.0)
Yes, the new project link is above and in my sig.....but, never satisfied, I decided to take the cabin kitchen "upscale" ...a dented mega fridge and a 6 burner stove for weekends when all the guests what something different for breakfast.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olzIngew_ks/TopxKq_eTrI/AAAAAAAABG4/U1Wkw_4GycM/s640/1315263615304.jpg)
One other pic from earlier this summer
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xrDOmB0y1hA/TeEBEoXYuZI/AAAAAAAAAcE/E50sgOWAeLs/s800/2011-05-26-19-20-39-674.jpg)
Fritz that puts your barn in perspective regarding the location. Picture is worth a thousand words. ;D
I'll get some other shots this weekend, the new barn is going up just at the left edge the the above photo. We're almost done framing the ground level and ready to move up. I forgot how awesome the projects are here --- I started poking around the forum and getting lost in everyone's great work.
Hi All, I updated my blog with a little photo tour of the dogtrot. You can see all the photos here
http://www.smallfarmlife.com/2011/12/18/the-dogtrot-at-two-mile-ranch-2011/ (http://www.smallfarmlife.com/2011/12/18/the-dogtrot-at-two-mile-ranch-2011/)
Here's a preview
(http://www.smallfarmlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-12-18-13-30-27-917-768x1024.jpg)