51–60 of 402 posts
Why have the chimney outside? It's very inefficient... https://www.quora.com/Why-do-American-houses-often-have-the-...
Not to mention wood fireplaces in the home and the noxious byproducts they produce is likely to shorten your lifespan considerably.
The Progresso Pier in Mexico was build over 80 years ago with SS rebar, and reportedly has not needed any renovations. A pier built 20 years later using mild steel rebar has been almost completely destroyed by the ocean.
I wish more large infrastructure projects would use it. The up-front costs can be 2x higher, but the lifetime savings win out in many situations.
https://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/10/progreso-pier-worlds-l...
I doubt this house would make it to 50 years in places with a moderate climate. The lack of insulation makes it way too expensive to use as a dwelling or office (ignoring that you could not get a building permit in many places because it would not be able to meet energy efficiency guidelines). It is mentioned as a detail to be worked out but it is a critical detail. Around here not being able to be made energy effici…
Yeah, this comment struck me as a more major detail to be worked out compared to the other many details listed. Most of the others had multiple options with different drawbacks and benefits but either would work. This seems like we still haven't reached a solution for the exterior walls.
This is interesting. About to do a major reno on an old home (early 1900s) and definitely had questions about making upgrades that would last a long time. One of the greenest things that you can do to a home is not build a new one as I understand it. Another one would be to build it so it lasts ... not like this throwaway society we live in. That said I don't think I can do steel girders to extend the life of the hou…
> One of the greenest things that you can do to a home is not build a new one as I understand it. I would need evidence for this statement. There have been many great advances in technology over the years, to the point that I can see old insulation/wiring/plumbing to not be worth repairing and replacing. Not to mention if any of the previous stuff used harmful materials such as lead and asbestos. I also think it is u…
Maybe I am telling myself that - I'm not sure. My argument does resonate though.
New builds require the destruction of the old material, sourcing of new material, energy and time spent to put that together. And if you don't get a good build is all going to have to be rebuilt in the not too distant future whereas the house I have has lasted over 100 years and is still in great shape - I figure I can get another 100 with the proper maintenance/updating etc.
Stainless steel girders? I see this is a no costs spared build. At one point the author even considered Inconel girders, but practical considerations on builder experience with exotic alloys made that a bridge too far. Even so he is planning to have builders come in an brick up the entire frame before the rest of the house is built. I did like that he realized one of the most important aspects of keeping a house arou…
Stainless steel is also much more brittle than construction steel. And this matters a lot. Not only in case of earthquakes but also just in construction where you have large tolerances. Construction steel will bend plastically, while a more brittle steel can just crack. Welding stainless steel is also inviting issues, but possible in principle.
Build with stone blocks. Even if it gets knocked over the blocks just need to be reassembled to be useful whether as a wall, a tower, a road, or another house.
https://youtu.be/WuYvDuOQ-5M?t=375
Indeed if the author would just follow Matt Risinger's channel they would get quite a few far more practical ways to address their concerns.
Expert in a vacuum vs. experience in the field. Also a prime example of "no plan survives contact with the enemy".
Why have the chimney outside? It's very inefficient... https://www.quora.com/Why-do-American-houses-often-have-the-...
Stainless or ceramic chimney liner slows that process down, but neither will last a 100 years let alone a 1000.