From start to finish - the design and construction of an eco-modern home

[jeremybell]

It's still very much in the early stages of design, but I've started to document the design and construction of an eco-modern house I'm building in Toronto. We don't have much to show yet, other than a few drawings and cool cardboard model... but I think she's moving along nicely.

Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.360winnett.com

[Xoote]

It looks good.

[jeremybell]

Thanks Xoote!

Just a quick update - We've submitted our plans for our building permit, however we're now investigating the usage of ICFs (nudura) to the roof. Price-wise, it appears to be very similar to traditional stick framing + spray foam throughout. It'll probably be a little more, but we're investigating how much more. We're also moving out of the house tomorrow, and we've tentatively scheduled a demolition date of August 4th (although I'm expecting that'll change if we decide to proceed with ICFs to the roof).

More info can be found here: http://www.360winnett.com

[Paul Clerkin]

Following your trials with interest as I'm thinking of adding to an existing old house

[missarchi]

the drawings are very clean however are you worried about noise between the floors???
you might want to look at that in some places... Even if you have carpet its still not that
great unless its a holiday home??? and you have very quite teenagers...

[jeremybell]

well, it's certainly not a holiday home... although I wish I had the coin to afford such a place

I can't say we're too worried about the noise between floors - what's your concern? I assume the opening above the stairs will allow more noise than usual to transfer between the floors... but I wasn't expecting it to be overwhelming. We're also spray foaming all external walls, and are installing sound proofing insulation in the bathrooms, etc... but that's it. We'll have carpet on the top floor, and floor rugs in other areas... so I asusme that'll help as well.

All in all, I can't say we were too worried about it (but now you've got me thinking. hmm....)

[missarchi]

it just depends on your kids... and you guys...
carpet will help alot but mabye not enough in some places ...
my parents did an extension and I lived above the living room and I liked to listen to music and it didn't go down well at all... I was studying at the time and builders assured me but it was not enough...

I would just have a quick look at the room relationships...
kanuf have alot of information on acoustic floors and walls...
http://www.knaufdrywall.co.uk/files/zfhnsaphub.pdf
you will have a similar company where you are.
if you have not got the cash I heard egg cartons help...
don't be too worried if 40db is ok but look into it quickly...

[jeremybell]

Well, the house came down on Monday. It's nothing but a hole at the moment...

For those interested, I cut together a quick video of the house coming down: http://www.360winnett.com/videos/demolition/

We're hoping to have the footings poured next week, and the foundation walls should be going up soon after.

[Paul Clerkin]

Nice piece in the Toronto Star on Jeremy and his wife
http://www.thestar.com/article/491789