Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 3:33 pm
Chris,
Since you asked (and I only publicly offer this for those who may find it of interest, those who do not can move on to the next post)... The company was Conecta Intl., in Roturara (sp?) up north. I think I prattled on about it in a previous post. Basically, the component is a 2 x 6 double T&G pine plank with holes drilled and spaced 50mm apart vertically along the length. These holes serve a multitude of purposes. They accomodate structural threaded rod tiedowns, high impact plastic "pins" between planks to prevent horizontal shear, as well as electrical and plumbing lines. A very Lego-like, efficient structural system that is also the interior finished wall, and in the Pacific Rim, the finished exterior also. In fact, the walls, windows and doors are assembled simultaneously without trained labor at a considerable cost savings. 2000 sf, incl garage, up and ready to roof in 2 weeks.
Our codes prevented full utilization of the incorporated hole feature in our house, and I did quite a bit of on site modifications. These issues were being examining and re-engineered before our operating capital (or lack of!) stopped further development. I'm aware of the Australian origin of the wool insulation, but it was a NZ firm we were working with and we also found a Canadian manufacturer. We also intended on using a NZ firm's technology, Conqra, who developed an incredible "floating" foundation system using a concrete and recycled polystyrene configuration which minimizes site excavation, especially on slopes and unstable soils.
My comment about the electrical addressed exactly the components you mention. My walls (interior & exterior) are only 2" thick and my budget mandated conventional (ancient) hardware rather than low profile or infrared technology. To keep outlets and switches flush, it necessitated creative design to solve the problem of my boxes being deeper than my walls! Running all electrical mains on the outside wall surfaces worked since they would be covered by insulation and cladding. I laid out the outlets and switches so the "ass ends" occurred in out of the way places such as closets.
What attracted and intrigued me initially, other than cost and ease of construction, was the application of this product in a Usonian sense. The wall system is more true to Wright than the common faux-usonian with stud walls and plaster. This was the first house I built as an owner, with a fraction of the effort some of Frank's clients (willingly) endured. No, I'm not making any correlation between me, original Usonian owners or assuming a substitute for a true Wright experience. That possibility ended with his demise, but my experience was similarly adventurous and personally satisfying.
I did not intend to imply we are not without knowledge of state of the art technologies in the USA. Only that as this discussion indicates, we basically do not build houses here any differently than we did 100 years ago, and many things are commonly done around the world that have yet to creep into the building trades here for a variety of reasons. The rush to seal (entomb) our houses for environmental reasons has resulted in more problems than we were trying to solve. We did a lot of research on why new houses were disintegrating, and other than shoddy work, without exception it became clear homes were not being built to breathe properly. Since we used breathing solid wood, our moisture issues concerned insulation and trying to minimize the finished wall thickness. We even considered a .25" layered bubble/polyethelene product used for satellite and frozen environment situations, as well as a ceramic paint as possible solutions to keeping wall thickness at a minimum. Frank would have a field day with todays products!
BTW, if no one posts sooner, the "screens" mentioned are sawn patterns (usually in wood) for ceilings and walls to accomodate windows or lights as a decorative element. This could be very costly, but you can see it in many of the Usonians. I'm not even sure how it may apply to your design.
I have to say here, I am no fan of faux-Frank and what is often self proclaimed organic architecture. Although many of these houses are "nice" enough, in my opinion they are totally devoid of individuality or soul due to their regimented quest to out-Frank Wright, succeeding only in being just one more style; the antithesis of organic design.
Since you asked (and I only publicly offer this for those who may find it of interest, those who do not can move on to the next post)... The company was Conecta Intl., in Roturara (sp?) up north. I think I prattled on about it in a previous post. Basically, the component is a 2 x 6 double T&G pine plank with holes drilled and spaced 50mm apart vertically along the length. These holes serve a multitude of purposes. They accomodate structural threaded rod tiedowns, high impact plastic "pins" between planks to prevent horizontal shear, as well as electrical and plumbing lines. A very Lego-like, efficient structural system that is also the interior finished wall, and in the Pacific Rim, the finished exterior also. In fact, the walls, windows and doors are assembled simultaneously without trained labor at a considerable cost savings. 2000 sf, incl garage, up and ready to roof in 2 weeks.
Our codes prevented full utilization of the incorporated hole feature in our house, and I did quite a bit of on site modifications. These issues were being examining and re-engineered before our operating capital (or lack of!) stopped further development. I'm aware of the Australian origin of the wool insulation, but it was a NZ firm we were working with and we also found a Canadian manufacturer. We also intended on using a NZ firm's technology, Conqra, who developed an incredible "floating" foundation system using a concrete and recycled polystyrene configuration which minimizes site excavation, especially on slopes and unstable soils.
My comment about the electrical addressed exactly the components you mention. My walls (interior & exterior) are only 2" thick and my budget mandated conventional (ancient) hardware rather than low profile or infrared technology. To keep outlets and switches flush, it necessitated creative design to solve the problem of my boxes being deeper than my walls! Running all electrical mains on the outside wall surfaces worked since they would be covered by insulation and cladding. I laid out the outlets and switches so the "ass ends" occurred in out of the way places such as closets.
What attracted and intrigued me initially, other than cost and ease of construction, was the application of this product in a Usonian sense. The wall system is more true to Wright than the common faux-usonian with stud walls and plaster. This was the first house I built as an owner, with a fraction of the effort some of Frank's clients (willingly) endured. No, I'm not making any correlation between me, original Usonian owners or assuming a substitute for a true Wright experience. That possibility ended with his demise, but my experience was similarly adventurous and personally satisfying.
I did not intend to imply we are not without knowledge of state of the art technologies in the USA. Only that as this discussion indicates, we basically do not build houses here any differently than we did 100 years ago, and many things are commonly done around the world that have yet to creep into the building trades here for a variety of reasons. The rush to seal (entomb) our houses for environmental reasons has resulted in more problems than we were trying to solve. We did a lot of research on why new houses were disintegrating, and other than shoddy work, without exception it became clear homes were not being built to breathe properly. Since we used breathing solid wood, our moisture issues concerned insulation and trying to minimize the finished wall thickness. We even considered a .25" layered bubble/polyethelene product used for satellite and frozen environment situations, as well as a ceramic paint as possible solutions to keeping wall thickness at a minimum. Frank would have a field day with todays products!
BTW, if no one posts sooner, the "screens" mentioned are sawn patterns (usually in wood) for ceilings and walls to accomodate windows or lights as a decorative element. This could be very costly, but you can see it in many of the Usonians. I'm not even sure how it may apply to your design.
I have to say here, I am no fan of faux-Frank and what is often self proclaimed organic architecture. Although many of these houses are "nice" enough, in my opinion they are totally devoid of individuality or soul due to their regimented quest to out-Frank Wright, succeeding only in being just one more style; the antithesis of organic design.
