02-10-2014, 05:19 AM
Chris, we have a dodecagon house, and have stayed in several as vacation rentals over the years. First, I would have to say that there are many factors that would contribute to your appreciation of this type of house--or not. We love ours because the cupola funnels trade winds up and out. This would NOT be a plus in Volcano. Forget heating your "open concept" living room on a cold winter's night, say 58 degrees, up the hill in Fern Acres or Eden Roc...
Not all these homes are built by Multifaceted Homes. Some are stick built by owners or other contractors. We have a two bed, two bath. Single wall. If I had built it, I would have made it just slightly larger to accommodate closet space/sound and thermal insulation between the "outboard" bedrooms and the Living room/kitchen.
Building on a slab makes sense--in Washington State. Not on the Big Island (Maybe Volcano?)The breezes caught when the house is built up high negate the need for central air, which is very $$$$. Also, the space below can be used to dry clothing on a line even in wet weather or used as a garage...
I think the aesthetics are incredible. The design is strong, and if built right would shed wind loads that might damage other designs. That being said, fitting furniture into the design is difficult, if the house is small...
For the most bang for your buck, you could build a square structure (Seeb is right) post and pier, wrap around or semi-wrap around lanais for a little less. (Also see the thread on post and pier.) We enjoy easier maintenance as all the plumbing below is exposed, all the electric wiring likewise and the cable connections too. Adding to these systems or maintenance is a piece of cake.
Our outside walls (the 'facets', if you will) are 13'. Stairs are a personal thing. I'm older, 66, but the exercise is good. Delivery of a piano...not so much. You should stay in one of these structures first and see how it fits you. Check out VRBO; we rented Swearingen's, he has two of these, both different sizes, and built them himself.
When you're in the blank piece of paper stage you can incorporate ANYTHING: consider a MFH "Hale" built on TOP of your catchment (see thread on this) Or a separate, "pod" bedroom connected to a more conventional structure. Your property will suggest your structure, and/or your structure will suggest your property. Aloha!
bamboo2u
Not all these homes are built by Multifaceted Homes. Some are stick built by owners or other contractors. We have a two bed, two bath. Single wall. If I had built it, I would have made it just slightly larger to accommodate closet space/sound and thermal insulation between the "outboard" bedrooms and the Living room/kitchen.
Building on a slab makes sense--in Washington State. Not on the Big Island (Maybe Volcano?)The breezes caught when the house is built up high negate the need for central air, which is very $$$$. Also, the space below can be used to dry clothing on a line even in wet weather or used as a garage...
I think the aesthetics are incredible. The design is strong, and if built right would shed wind loads that might damage other designs. That being said, fitting furniture into the design is difficult, if the house is small...
For the most bang for your buck, you could build a square structure (Seeb is right) post and pier, wrap around or semi-wrap around lanais for a little less. (Also see the thread on post and pier.) We enjoy easier maintenance as all the plumbing below is exposed, all the electric wiring likewise and the cable connections too. Adding to these systems or maintenance is a piece of cake.
Our outside walls (the 'facets', if you will) are 13'. Stairs are a personal thing. I'm older, 66, but the exercise is good. Delivery of a piano...not so much. You should stay in one of these structures first and see how it fits you. Check out VRBO; we rented Swearingen's, he has two of these, both different sizes, and built them himself.
When you're in the blank piece of paper stage you can incorporate ANYTHING: consider a MFH "Hale" built on TOP of your catchment (see thread on this) Or a separate, "pod" bedroom connected to a more conventional structure. Your property will suggest your structure, and/or your structure will suggest your property. Aloha!
bamboo2u