ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604090037
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Cut Your Utility Bill
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
Q: I want to build a contemporary "superinsulated" log-home kit (about 2,500 sq. feet). I prefer one that uses some solar heating and cooling. What design and construction features should I consider?
A: Log-home kits are no longer just expanded cabins. Many of the new contemporary designs (up to 5,000 sq. feet) have 20-foot-high cathedral ceilings, multilevel fireplaces, lofts, sunspaces, etc.
The superinsulated designs you are referring to are "half-log" kit homes. The monthly utility bills for one of these is often just a fraction of those for a similar size conventional home.
Although half-log kits look like standard full-log homes from the outside, there is an insulated 2x6 studded wall under the half logs. Some have wall insulation as high as R-40 and roofs as high as R-60. With an air barrier wrap, they are extremely efficient.
With insulated studded walls, the interior can be finished with drywall, paneling or log siding for a true full-log look. People often finish several rooms differently for variety.
Many standard kits are designed for passive solar heating and cooling. These have large south-facing windows, sunspaces, clerestories and skylights. Attractive large roof overhangs and decks block the summer sun.
A large centrally located stone fireplace is often included to take advantage of the spacious open floor plans and natural heat circulation. This is not only attractive but efficient. Since the stone chimney is not exposed on the outside wall, more heat is given off inside the home.
The heavy mass of the logs, especially in full-log kits, is a real energy plus in the summer. This moderates the indoor temperature swing throughout the day, which saves energy and improves your family's comfort.
These homes are ideal for the inexperienced do-it-yourself builder/helper to lower the finished building costs. The insulated half-log design makes it easier to run wiring and plumbing than in a traditional full-log design.
There are many construction options to consider - log material, log profile, corner detail, etc. Although pine and cedar logs are most popular, oak, poplar, fir, spruce, redwood and cypress are also used.
The log profile determines the exterior appearance. Three popular ones are classic round, flat milled with tongue and groove and milled Swedish cope. Attractive corner styles include saddle notch and contemporary vertical posts.
For a buyer's guide of 16 half- and full-log kit home manufacturers, six floor plan layouts and exterior diagrams (some solar), price and size ranges, log profiles, corner styles and specification, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Bulletin Update 634. Include $2 and a business-size, self-addressed stamped envelope.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB