I've been kicking around an idea for a long time. And I can't get it out of my head. I want to build a "tower house" a bit like the tower shown in the attached picture. I'm after the panoramic views that it could offer. It would need to be about 5 stories tall to get up above the trees (6 if you include the flat roof, which would be a lookout platform of sorts).  And maybe 30x30 or 35x35.

The tower in the photo is about 8 stories tall (including the crow's nest on top). I don't need quite that much height.

So a few of my questions are...

(1) Anyone on the boards have experience with anything like this?
(2) Can ICF construction safely accomodate something like this?
(3) Can a structure like this be engineered to be safe even in high winds?
(4) What keeps something like this from falling over or sinking under it's own weight?
(5) Am I out of my mind for even thinking something like this?

Thanks for any brainstorms you all care to share. .... *especially* if it's just to say, "Your idea won't work because of....."

I believe you could build that with ICFs, but it would have to be totally engineered. How much that would cost I'll leave to the experts to debate, but I bet it would be a lot.

And yes, you are out of your mind. So what? Don't let that stop you. You want it? Build it! Leave an enduring mark upon the earth!

yours/
peter.

People are building 15 story condo's out of ICF, not a problem.
Know a guy who has to build an eight thousand square Castle, radius walls including cannon turrets on the top, nothing is to crazy.
If you want it, build it.
You already have your answer to being able to withstand high winds, I am sure the building in the picture being above the trees had to withstand them, and I bet it isn't built out of ICF, which will be stronger.
To keep something from sinking under its own weight is a good footing, real big with lots of rebar. The CN Tower in Toronto is really tall, been standing under its own weight for a long time now!!
Like Peter said, engineering is the key. Most important is to search out an engineer that has done lots and lots of ICF. Don't just go to any old engineer who doesn't have lots of ICF experience because they may not be comfortable with it and want to either make you go conventional or even worse, over engineer!!
Let us know how you make out.
Paul

I've appreciated your replies, guys. Thank you.

I'm excited to know that I may be slightly loony, but that my ideas are still feasible...

But how do I get from "Point A" to "Point B"? I mean, where do I start/who would I contact to get a true idea of what's involved in a project like this? I assume that I'd have to find an architect, but I'm sure that a walk through the yellow pages is not the way to go. I assume I'll need to find someone who does this kind of unusual/extreme ICF engineering all the time.

And honestly... I don't know if a 5 story "tower house" is going to cost me $100,000 or $10,000,000. Ha ha... and if it's anywhere NEAR that latter figure, then I'd better start coming up with some more realistic ideas QUICK! :)

Thanks again fellas... I appreciate any constructive thoughts you have on this.

Brainwrek,

Be sure to add money to your budget for a residential elevator.  Since the elevator shaft has to extend above the last floor serviced, it will have to become a part of your design.  Locating the shaft in a central location might look the best.

Alton

where do you live and where are you building?, some people on this site may have a engineer for you, someone they already use, if you were in my area (Barrie, Ont.) I would have the perfect guy. You could start there. Next contact the local ICF distributors and ask them who they would recommend, they should definitely have a good go-to guy for you. You could also contact some of the ICF companies direct, they may already know of a project like yours already complete.

I'm thinking about building this on the south shore of Lake Texoma on the Texas/Oklahoma border. Anyone know of good ICF contractors/engineers in this part of the world?

I know several engineers in Dallas. I've been installing for a few years or so, I'd take a stab at it.
Ian

Buy an old shaft from an elevator testing facility

Hey Brainwrek, have you found anyone to help you with your project yet? We have been building ICF houses in north Texas going on 15 years now, we actually have an ICF house on preston point.
Kevin

Impossible? That's nothing compared to this project...
take a look. Could you imagine living in this building.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2008/06/24/5975046-ap.html

Before you go much further, be sure that your local building code or deed restrictions permit such a structure.  Code or not, it may be advisable to get your neighbors on-board with your idea.  Building is difficult enough without adding legal complications.

I suggest you look for an architect that has experience with buildings of at least that that height, some residential experience and is not afraid of innovation.  Dallas is a likely place to look.

At 5 stories, a hydraulic elevator should work.  Even if a traction elevator is used, the machine room can be mounted to the side (side slung) of the shaft or adjacent to the shaft at the bottom floor (underslung).  These avoid the overhead machine room, but at extra cost.  There are now "machine-room-less" elevators where the motor is mounted on the cab.

If you build a 28 or 30 ft square shaft (comfortable from a structural point of view for flat slabs..do you need column free space?), how many usable floors do you need or want within it?   Your engineer will likely ask for at least 2 for stability.  As you think about costs, your floor area to facade area ratio may not be too good.  How big is the penthouse on top?  An elevator (remember, it must be big enough for your furniture), a stair and space for pipe risers consumes space.

At 5 floors, you may need a booster pump for domestic water (or a pump and storage tank) depending on your water pressure.  You will also need a crane, a good bit of scaffold and maybe a small material hoist in order to build it.

There are no reasons ICF can't do the job if engineered correctly, but I can't tell you if it will be the most economical way to do it or not.  It looks like an interesting project.  You should have some great views!

Good luck,

Bruce

We are building a ICF home on a lake near Oxford, MS.  It will be a ranch with walkout basement.  Hope to start October 1, 2008. My wife is handicaped and we are stongly considering a elevator for her to better able to reach the basement and the travel by scooter to the lake.

Any references you have for elevator companies, price, type, etc. will be appreciated.

Thanks, Dean

Dean, I don't think you get 'any' responses on this forum about that. You need to re-post on another forum. Maybe Gen. Res.

First off, based on my experience with designing and building my own ICF house, you are putting yourself way behind the 8 ball with this kind of major design decision yet to be made and still hoping to start Oct 1 this fall. If you don't have this kind of detail worked out now you better play it safe and smart and delay start of construction for a few months at least.

Have you considered, or designed already, other aspects of handicap accommodation such as wide doors and hallways, ample room in bathrooms, no curb showers, low profile thresholds, etc.? If so, great. If not, you really need to take time to research wheelchair and walker friendly construction. You'll be glad you did. It'll make life a lot easier and the cost to incorporate them in new construction isn't that much.

Now for the elevator bit. I've tossed around an elevator idea in my mind for several years but have never pursued what's available or what the cost would be. But, if I include a second floor or basement in the next house I build, I will seriously consider an elevator alternative. That is, a minimum 4 foot, or maybe even 5 foot, wide stairway with a stair lift. I believe it would be a whole lot less costly than an elevator, and stair lifts have been on the market for years. I'm sure you could get one custom built, if it doesn't already exist, large enough to carry a wheel chair.

Just my thoughts, for whatever they're worth.

To expand on what Bruce said- better check to see if you have height limitations in your area for residential structures- many areas do.

I built a ranch house (no basement) in 2003 (not ICF) with all the handicap accomodations which has worked out very well for my wife.  The floor plan of the home we plan to build will be very similar but with walk out basement.

The research I've done so far on elevators appears there are several available to fit our needs.  Just looking for the best price, type, etc,.

Dean