Commercial Steel beams for residential structure

[ducky]

I am a fan of modern architecture and would like to build a passive solar home with large open spaces.  I am thinking monolithic concrete or concrete blocks, probably a mixture of both and large steel beams.  Has anyone built a home with these materials or have some info that might be helpful?  I would love some input.


edit: added:  The walkout basement is for the barn, mostly open space...

[glenn kangiser]

I have only seen one steel beam used in one of our houses and it was optional by owner choice. 

Anything of steel used in a house will have to be designed by an engineer.  It is not something in the normal codes, therefore it pretty greatly increases expense.  Not impossible though.  I do structural steel installation for a living.

to the forum, ducky

[glenn kangiser]

Bishopknight is currently working on a nice passive solar home of his own design here -it is in the owner builder section.  He used earth berm, blocks and slab - no steel though.  He got the open areas with trusses.

[ducky]

I am planning on having my plans approved by an engineer, I would like a walk out basement and loft space plus working with concrete, I think it is a good idea.  Also, my sister had nightmares with her earth block home because the foundation had not been properly engineered, so I would rather be safe than sorry.

[glenn kangiser]

That is a good idea.  Most engineered solutions will be safe ones.