I plan on hiring an Architect/designer to assist me though the process of building this home, as all I currently have are 2D drawings. I am asking all these questions so that when it comes time to get this drawn up with proper blueprints/material lists, I will have the information I need to tell the architect how it is to be done. ICF Sounds far more attractive than rammed earth or adobe, mostly because it would be easier for me to find a competent contractor experienced with building such a structure. And concrete block construction is even better as that would probably work with a steel frame.

Finding an architect or builder that know anything about mechanical systems will be your next challenge.

Why would this be a challenge? These are commonly used equipment. What should i be asking for specifically?

There are many options. I would be surprised if more than two are offered by the average builder.

I don't understand, Are you saying that my layout is extremely unusual?

I'm saying you will likely end up with a powervented water heater and a two-stage furnace on propane.

Hah what? After all you have seen me go through, fighting off these people who are frowning at my steel frame decision, do you think I would just 'settle'? I don't want anything to have a high draw on my propane tank. Solar water heaters aren't that difficult to install. I will ask a few plumbers

I'm with you buddy. It's your money an your in America. Good on ya!

Dupe

trip

Looks like you are really with me, since you are saying it thrice. Hmm what sort of services do you offer?

We design hydronic radiant based HVAC systems all over N. America staring with a Manual 'J' heat load.

Okay! So I have been talking to some people, and they said that I can still get the strength and durability that I desire if I chose Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) and all the metal I could ever want because there's a ton of steel rebar used. Along with that are shorter and less expensive construction times and still a really high R-Value, especially if I went with the 2 in insulating layers. And so, it appears that I will be going with this. Steel is still also used for the frame of the roof anyway. I can still have whichever inner and outer finishings that I want as well, so I can get my fabric-covered fiberglass wall paneling.

It is good for a person to come to his own view at his own pace. I think you will be happy the many virtues of ICF construction.

Are you trying to say that I am finally seeing the light? I guess it was my lack of understanding of the building technology was what was holding me back. When someone actually took the time to sit down and explain things to me, it all came together. It is actually quite exciting, to be honest.

I have been a contrarian for some time, but it is seldom wise to get too far from the herd. We see a lot of SIP and ICF construction as is seems easier to assure minimum thermal quality, not to mention being bug-proof, quiet and hard to blow down.

http://www.foxblocks.com/media/8443/ICFsOfferShelterfromtheStormTechBrief.pdf

That was an interesting read. I am already convinced. With the money I will save on construction, I can put towards things that will increase my personal comfort.

Posted By Sabotender on 19 Feb 2016 07:31 PM
Are you trying to say that I am finally seeing the light? I guess it was my lack of understanding of the building technology was what was holding me back. When someone actually took the time to sit down and explain things to me, it all came together. It is actually quite exciting, to be honest.

You would have likely gotten more input here if you hadn't made this statement in your very first post "Please be aware that these design decisions are set and will not be changed for any reason,"

Now that you have seen the light regarding the construction of the shell of your home, I would suggest you contact TexasICF here on the forum. Here is his website: http://www.futurestone.com/

arkie6: Actually, someone else previously mentioned ICF. And I have already given the reasons why I said that in the first place. In another forum, the moment I mentioned that I did not want a stick-built home, everyone had an off topic opinion. In addition, no one here explained to me what exactly ICF was, I had to find out for myself. So, I doubt I would have gotten the information that I wanted. Furthermore, I am STILL getting what I want, since ICF uses the exact materials I am looking for in a home. It is possible that I may have clarified my statements better, but this is coming from someone who knows absolutely nothing about various building techniques. Which, I think was one of the first things I said to begin with.

Oh. Thanks for the link.