05-08-2014, 07:39 AM
Feel free to pick my brain. Retired construction/home builder/commercial builder/Landscape Architect here. No one has all the answers BUT asking never hurt ~ ~ ~
Re: 'single wall construction' (SWC) ~ Fern Forest ranges anywhere from 1,800 feet (+/-) and 2,800 feet (+/-) and so, of course, temperature and weather patterns are a concern. Many of the older homes in Hawaii were constructed with only a single exterior wall, which is what is referred to as 'single wall construction'. The original purpose of SWC was to save on costs because virtually all building material has to be shipped in from the mainland. SWC is possible in Hawaii primarily because there is no need to insulate against the cold, which is where the 'elevation' argument come into play. Obviously the higher elevation you are, the lower the temperature ranges. Many of these single wall homes have louvered windows to throttle the cooling effect of the trade winds. Since the wood used in SWC is exposed to the elements, redwood or cedar is preferred for their termite and dry rot resistance. In the 1980's, the price of redwood and cedar increased, offsetting the cost advantages SWC once held. Since double wall construction (DWC) requires slightly less skill, single wall homes became less common. An irony about SWC is that they have less bugs, don't need air conditioning, and are cheaper in the long run. Single wall homes typically have no fiberglass insulation and often do not have any drywall, both of which are some of the less earth friendly of all building materials, which also speaks to the dampness issue as well. SWC, IN GENERAL, has no enclosed cavities (as in double wall construction) which can harbor moisture from humidity. A big problem in areas like Fern Forest is the CONSTANT humidity and mold issues that are a product of the constant presence of moisture. IMHO, single wall is THE way to go in these kinds of environs. People are surprised to note that MANY hales in Hawai'i have fireplaces or heating stoves. IMO, even if an area gets cooler, I would STILL stick with SWC and just have a fireplace for those overtly chilly evenings ~ ~ ~
Re: 'treated lumber' - Although there are methods to help prevent insects and decay from taking up residency on and in your hale FROM the GROUND, Formosan Termites do fly when spreading to form new colonies and consist of fertile males and females, which, of course, negates any ground protection related preventatives. I HIGHLY suggest treated lumber which in Hawai'i includes 'Borate' and other preservatives which you can look up or ask about with Honsador or Home Depot lumber suppliers. Sun, rain, and constant humidity can take their toll on wood as well. The BEST prevention is to build on posts and piers and to NOT allow any overhanging shrubbery, trees, or vines in the vicinity of your new hale. You've probably noticed not many hales are near trees and are surrounded with well-maintained lawn areas. This is an ideal way to build your hale. There are metal 'caps' that are built into posts and piers that kinda' look like dog 'cones' that keep bugs from crawling up and into the hale. The ONLY work if everything else is kept cleared off the posts ~ ~ ~
Hope this helped ~ ~ ~
Punanny
Re: 'single wall construction' (SWC) ~ Fern Forest ranges anywhere from 1,800 feet (+/-) and 2,800 feet (+/-) and so, of course, temperature and weather patterns are a concern. Many of the older homes in Hawaii were constructed with only a single exterior wall, which is what is referred to as 'single wall construction'. The original purpose of SWC was to save on costs because virtually all building material has to be shipped in from the mainland. SWC is possible in Hawaii primarily because there is no need to insulate against the cold, which is where the 'elevation' argument come into play. Obviously the higher elevation you are, the lower the temperature ranges. Many of these single wall homes have louvered windows to throttle the cooling effect of the trade winds. Since the wood used in SWC is exposed to the elements, redwood or cedar is preferred for their termite and dry rot resistance. In the 1980's, the price of redwood and cedar increased, offsetting the cost advantages SWC once held. Since double wall construction (DWC) requires slightly less skill, single wall homes became less common. An irony about SWC is that they have less bugs, don't need air conditioning, and are cheaper in the long run. Single wall homes typically have no fiberglass insulation and often do not have any drywall, both of which are some of the less earth friendly of all building materials, which also speaks to the dampness issue as well. SWC, IN GENERAL, has no enclosed cavities (as in double wall construction) which can harbor moisture from humidity. A big problem in areas like Fern Forest is the CONSTANT humidity and mold issues that are a product of the constant presence of moisture. IMHO, single wall is THE way to go in these kinds of environs. People are surprised to note that MANY hales in Hawai'i have fireplaces or heating stoves. IMO, even if an area gets cooler, I would STILL stick with SWC and just have a fireplace for those overtly chilly evenings ~ ~ ~
Re: 'treated lumber' - Although there are methods to help prevent insects and decay from taking up residency on and in your hale FROM the GROUND, Formosan Termites do fly when spreading to form new colonies and consist of fertile males and females, which, of course, negates any ground protection related preventatives. I HIGHLY suggest treated lumber which in Hawai'i includes 'Borate' and other preservatives which you can look up or ask about with Honsador or Home Depot lumber suppliers. Sun, rain, and constant humidity can take their toll on wood as well. The BEST prevention is to build on posts and piers and to NOT allow any overhanging shrubbery, trees, or vines in the vicinity of your new hale. You've probably noticed not many hales are near trees and are surrounded with well-maintained lawn areas. This is an ideal way to build your hale. There are metal 'caps' that are built into posts and piers that kinda' look like dog 'cones' that keep bugs from crawling up and into the hale. The ONLY work if everything else is kept cleared off the posts ~ ~ ~
Hope this helped ~ ~ ~
Punanny
Kaihekili