Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A "recycled" eco-house?

Since playing with Lego at the aged of 4, all I ever wanted to do was build my own house. (This even led to me endeavouring to become an architect before my career took a mysterious turn towards accounting.) Having sold our family home & moving to a slice of paradise with a derelict old house, I have the exhilarating (and sometimes scary) opportunity of living my dream.
Severe budget constraints & an ever-increasing eco-awareness are resulting in quite an interesting architectural experience.
The first unusual development occurred when we were notified of the cancellation of our finance (FNB & ABSA both revoked all unused flexi-bonds when the global financial crisis hit.) Where we had previously planned on using elegant eco-architecture & alternative technologies, our options radically shifted to tyres, containers & recycled goods!
Hence, my latest project: converting an old shipping container into a playroom/guestroom. Insulation promises to be quite a challenge, since metal boxes are not designed for comfortable habitation! We'll be installing a set of recycled French doors & windows for ventilation & are planning 3 layers of insulation between the metal and the internal cladding as well as a living roof (i.e. a lawn on the top). Which of course brings us to challenge no. 2: waterproofing.
We plan to solve this one by rubberizing the top of the container, using plastic sheeting & creating drainage.
I found an old public swimming pool ladder for getting to the top & I can't wait to appreciate the stars in their full glory from the top of the container...
***
After 2 months of re-application procedures, we've regained our finance and our eco-house is back on track. Schedule has been abandoned, I have a renewed passion for reclaiming recycled materials & a very interesting guest wing in the making!
(photo's to follow soon)

2 comments:

ForestEdge said...

Being in the unique position of knowing both your "from" Sandton location as well as your "to" Off-the-Grid Forest location very well, I can only tip my hat to you, oh Glorious Goddess of contraction, accounts, worms and words! :-)

Image Alchemist said...

not to mention management consultant extraordinaire, video editor,landscape gardener, graphic designer, clothes and curtain maker, birthing two children at home in water...and oh being the most dedicated and patient mother I have ever experienced...
thank you my beautiful lover , wife and friend.
Congratulations on finally makeing the leap into the virtual world....may the world be blessed with your light!