new puna house design

[benthudd]

We are planning on hydroponics to help cut down on food costs. One of our systems may be passive. Here's hoping that keeping our gardening in a greenhouse might be less of an encouragement for mosquitoes?

[Tink]

I think I would lean towards aquaculture instead of hydroponics, as the fish would eat the mosquito larvae and add to the nutrient level in the water for your veggies above organically instead of chemical amendments added for plant nutrition.

Community begins with Aloha

[cinnaminnacat]

our home garden in the new house will be using lots of no soil growing methods: greenhouse, vertical green walls, aquaponics, etc.
hawaii soil has aggressive nematodes, among other pests.

(we are commercial fruit growers on the mainland, so for us, this is really a major rethink about how to do things. )

punawebs forum on gardening is good. youtube has lots of good videos on setting up alternative growing methods.

[Turtle]

Thank you imagtek. I have been reading this forum for awhile now, and finally decided to make a post. Thank you cinnaminnacat for starting this most helpful topic.

[cinnaminnacat]

re: flooring on a second story

i discover that there is waterproof (so they claim) laminate. i dont know what it costs, maybe alot.

anybody know anything about this "waterproof laminate"?

[benthudd]

Maybe something like vinyl plank flooring (e.g., Allure from Home Depot at http://www.homedepot.com/b/Flooring-Viny...g1Zdg3Zdfz)?

[Rob Tucker]

There is a water proof and termite proof material I use and sell for sub floor material. It is called Armoroc. 3/4" thick T&G structural cement panels in 4'x8' sheets. You can set tile to it without prep. Costs about $4 psf delivered in quantities of 25 sheets or more. Doesn't warp, rot, splinter, check or burn.

[cinnaminnacat]

lots of really good discussion...many good ideas

thanks to all.

/--/

garage or carport?

i am concerned about an enclosed garage for pest infested, rainy puna. especially when the garage is likely to become full of junk and cant be kept clean.

it is sounding like, however, that enclosed garages are becoming expected in a new house in puna.

personally, i (think) i prefer a carport in puna which is easier all around. the wet cars dry off better. (i would prefer to have the junk stored somewhere else)

but, people are asking me, how do you expect to secure your car when you are gone for awhile without the enclosed garage. why not do it so you have a permitted space for an easy expansion.

my thoughts: considering how easy it is to break into a garage, is the idea of an attached garage with the expectation of valuable stuff stored in it just inviting trouble?

its also about the layout of the house and site. i dont want people following me into the house through the garage. so ugly.

also, this is rural puna and hawaii, not a california tract suburb.

what do you all think?

[lquade]

hadn't read through this topic in awhile so here goes.
both my homes i put about 25 pounds of pure boric acid (cheap if ordered on line and get 100%) on every horizontal surface before i sheet rocked. every fireblock, every rail. i put it under all cabinets before they were installed. i sprinkled it on attic insulation. still no roaches in the old house (40 years) and none here in new house either. your only chance to do it is before the interior walls go in so don't forget.

idea for floor covering: i bought the paint intended for cement garage floors with the flecks in it. (it is epoxy really) you have to totally clean the wood before painting. it almost looks like the old fashioned linoleum and is almost totally waterproof. when you spill water on it, it just puddles up. many people have asked me what is this?? i put it throughout the house to get through final until i could afford floor coverings, and it is wearing well. and, 4 years in the new house and so far have only put the 'real' floor in the bathroom and the lanai . only comes stock in grey and tan but they will mix any color for you.

[cinnaminnacat]

interesting..

i have seriously thought about stained concrete for the lanai and utility areas on the lower floor. the 2nd floor (if we go with 2 for view) is more of a problem, but rob says that tile is still possible.

we are listening to everybodys input. the site has some hi/lo spots, so house plan and site plan have to be coordinated, has some interesting possibilities, but some "issues".

how do people feel about 2 story houses in general for lower puna?

thinking about garage or carport , lanai, kitchen+ utilities, and bath on first floor + bedrooms with baths on top with view deck? there are lots of other possibilities given the site contour and that i am beginning to have problems with stairs.