Before You Build - Essential things to consider!
Before You Build - Essential things to consider!
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It is very easy to get carried away when you have or find land to build on; maybe you’re staying in temporary accommodation, living in a van with children that are driving you mad, or you have a dream date in mind to move in. However excited you are to start, there are some key essential things to consider before you begin to build and that’s what I want to introduce to you today.
Eco Design
Eco Design
When we design buildings holistically and ecologically we take into consideration all aspects of the ecosystem the building will become a part of. It is not just about what we want the building to be but also what does the environment want and need the building to be in order to have a long-lasting and happy life together. By listening and observing our environment we can create builders that work in harmony with nature and respond and adapt to the climate they are in.
Climate
Climate
If you do not have a deep understanding of your climate DO NOT START BUILDING!! I can not emphasis that enough. It is one of the fundamental flaws in current building methods and results in using an extortionate amount of energy/fossil fuels to heat and cool our homes throughout the year.
If we do not know our climate we can not know what house or structure to build, simple as that.
Imagine trying to get dressed to go outside but you have no idea if you are Thailand or England...there is no way you can be prepared and protected from the elements.
Your specific climate will determine all aspects of the house design; the layout, shape and orientation, it will determine which foundations to use, what materials and methods to use for the walls, insulation, floors and what pitch and eave your roof will need to be, among other things.
Observe
Observe
The first principle of Permaculture is 'observe and Interact'. To look at nature as an inspiration and aid in our designs. Before we design a house it is recommended to spend 1 year on the site observing;
The seasons and how it affects the site
The climate; sun and shade, rain, wind, temperatures, humidity
The flow of energy though the site - e.g where does water go when it rains?
The existing eco systems and wildlife
The natural topography and slope
Other external energies that affect the site - wild animals, fire hazards, noise pollution etc
Understandably for many, the thought and prospect of not building for one year is unbearable or just not practical. Luckily now we can obtain a lot of climate data online which can give us an overview of what we are working with but none of this outweighs the intrinsic knowledge of personal experience and first-hand observation. So, no matter how rushed you are I urge you to send as much time on your site as possible, it will bring a closer connection and understanding to the landscape which can never be achieved through online information.
With all the information you have gathered I would then advise you create a sector analysis of the specific site , mapping all of the external energies which will effect the site, this will be crucial in the house design.
What else?
What else?
The more research you can do before you start the less likely you are to be faced with surprises down the line.
My advice is to research;
Local planning department for future developments
The history and previous usage of the site
Soli and drainage - create a soil test
Flooding and fire
Traditional building techniques of that area
Building restrictions and regulations - what are you up against and what are the loop holes in the system
People in the area who are building with natural materials
I hope this has been a helpful introduction to getting started. There are lots of things to consider before you build but planning and preparing, observing and researching are essential.
Stay tunned for more in-depth coverage of the information and our step by step guides coming soon.
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