What is the most cost affective non-traditional method for building a house?
Answers:
There's a lot of interest currently in building houses based on used steel shipping containers. Several conversion kits are available, and the designs look great--very clean and modern. I typed "shipping container house" into google and came up with a bunch of hits--one of my favorites was http://www.thedwellhome.com/design_jones.html Used containers in my area (I live close to a major river port) start around $1200.
Other answers:
I don't have the answer but I hope some one else will have some ideas that I can get also.
I don't have the answer but I hope some one else will have some ideas that I can get also.
Build it out of garbage, those plastic water bottles.
sod houses. They're great.
Probably mud mixed with cow dung and Straw...good luck with that.
You get 8 sticks, tie them together at the top. Then you spred them all out into a cirlce, cover it with leather (canvas will work too) and you have a teepee. The most affective, non-traditional method for building a house.
You could also dig a hole in the side of a hill. Very non traditional and cost effective. Just dont do it on private land or state property. YOu might goto jail.
just get a box :)
honestly there are some really nice manufactured homes around these days ... really!
pull barn 32x64 gamberal style for around 22,000 this is not concrete etc..this will give you a little over 4000sf
Air dry clay. Think adobe huts and I have even seen people to use glass bottles or other trash like that and then fill the gaps with cement. Best wishes
A bermed house. Poured concrete, earth and sod covering the roof and two sides. This is not only cost effective but produces a structure that is cool in summer and warm in winter. Look for information on bermed structures using any good search engine.
If I lived in a more arrid climate, I would seriously attempt a used tire and mud house. Saw one built on Discovery or some other channel. Lots you can do with that. There is also the "compacted earth" method, which also needs a dry climate. The adobe houses I used to see as a kid in Arizona are perfect. Free dirt, build house.
Local permitting and zoning will probably be a pain in the butt. Building inspectors sometimes have tunnel vision.
rock,treebranches,and mud
At the California State Fair there was an exhibit of a complete home built of straw. I'm not kidding, straw. See this: http://www.balewatch.com/
Hay bales. I have seen it on tv once or twice. Very cheap and very easy.
Having lived all over the USA and done some exhaustive research about alternative housing, there are many choices that are not only cost effective but long lasting and safer than traditionally built homes; a few are even portable.
* A DYI Dome- takes a few math skills, some sewing skills, aluminum pipe, nuts and bolts
* A Traditional Mongolian Yurt- some basic carpentry skill, cotton duck fabric and rope
* Rammed Earth- good basic clay soil, slip-forms and basic carpentry skills required
* Teepee- Good straight poles, canvas and instructions on how best to erct it
* COB- A combination of straw and clay or adobe dirt, rocks and basic math skills
* Straw Bale- Depending where you are, the straw is not cheap and planning and zoning will not allow you to build a traditional one (you will need a strong back)
Easy is a relative word but I can tell you that most of the above are work/play intensive. However, ALL of them have wonderful qualities. Check them each out and talk to people who have built them themselves.
dig a hole, cover with tarp and enjoy