Fantasizing

I think one of the most entertaining parts of building a house is the "fantasy" stage.  This is where you start to sort out all of the details about what you will build and how you will build it.  So, it's important to have a philosophy.  Mine is simple:  Build a small, energy efficient house with quality materials using Thai methods when they do not compromise quality, aesthetics, or safety.  I'll design for minimum wasted space and ease of maintenance but with an eye toward aesthetics. 

There are a thousand choices to make.  Colors, materials, layout, electrical systems, plumbing systems, security systems and the list goes on.  My challenge is to find systems that can be purchased and built in Thailand without extreme difficulty or expense.

First, I decided to take an unusual approach and build the roof first.  Peter, another teacher at Rajabhat, was the first to suggest this approach.  He had noticed many projects that began with the roof.  At first it seems a bit unconventional but then it starts to make sense.  The local building codes allow walls on the property line but the house must be 2 meters from the edge of the property.  Building the roof first will require that concrete footings with pillars be built around the boundary of the property.  Then the roof will go over a portion of the property. 

With the roof in place, I can pour the foundation.  This shouldn't be a problem because there will be a 5M spacing between the roof pillars.  In my opinion, the foundation is the most important part of the house.  You can fiddle with almost anything else but once the foundation is poured you're stuck with it.  So, I've given it considerable thought.  I started with the idea of a slab on grade type foundation because it's cheap, strong and easy to build.  However, I have gotten opinions from several locals that the clay content of the local soil makes a slab a bit risky.  So, I've decided to modify my design to use poured footings with columns spaced for support of the floor. 

Another challenge is to allow sufficient time for the foundation to cure before the crew starts building.  I think I've figured that out.  While the foundation is curing, my work crew will be building the perimeter wall and installing the doors.  By the time they're finished with the wall the foundation will be well cured.  And when the building material is delivered, it can be locked up inside the perimeter walls. 

After a considerable amount of research, I've decided on K-Block (http://www.k-block.com/en/default.asp)  The generic name for this is autoclaved aerated concrete.  For more details check http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Foundations/autoclaved-aerated-concrete#benefits  Briefly, while the material cost is higher, the labor costs are lower and the finished cost is only slightly higher.  The big benefits are thermal and sound insulation which are both substantially better than typical brick or block construction.  And, it's easy to work with using common hand tools.  Because, I'll be building the house under a free-standing roof, I won't have to be too concerned about load bearing walls.  A minimum of rebar reinforcement at corners and around openings will do the trick.  I'm considering using tinted plaster to avoid the need for painting and re-painting and also to let the house "breathe". 

I plan conceal all pipes and wiring inside the interior walls but I've planned the house so the two meter offset on the back of the house will allow surface mounting of plumbing and electrical on the outside rear wall.  This is the area where I'll put all of the services such as air-conditioning exhaust units, pumps, water storage tanks, and the electrical service panel.  Because the roof covers the area it will also serve as the laundry room and clothes line area. 

Some materials are really a bargain in Thailand.  I plan to use ceramic tile on the floors and marble or granite countertops throughout.  There are several big building material retail warehouses here with a wide variety of fixtures and materials.  Stainless steel is also quite reasonable here so I plan to use it for doorknobs, the kitchen sink, vent hood, towel racks, etc.  It's also possible to get quality cabinet work done. 

I really like the simple approach taken in Thailand to hot water.  Each bathroom will be equipped with a wall unit that heats shower water.  I don't like to take baths so I won't need a bathtub.  Maybe someday I'll put a Jacuzzi outside.  I can't decide if I want hot water in the kitchen sink or not.  If I do, I'll put a demand heater under the counter.  City water is available but city water is not always drinkable so I'll have to put in a filter system for the water.  City water pressure is low so I'll have to put in a booster pump and a storage tank to ensure a reliable supply of water.

60 amp, 220v service is available.  It's not uncommon to see grounded sockets which are not grounded.  I plan to have grounded electricity throughout and will probably install a whole-house surge arrestor at the main cut-off switch.   And, I'll put in a GFI breaker box.  I'm considering computer controlled switches throughout but may have to go low tech if the budget gets tight.  I'll probably prepare for a sophisticated sound system by running conduit in the living room floor for wires and power to the central seating area.

I'll have to sort out my plans before I get the drawings made by the municipal engineer.  I'm fortunate in that two teachers are currently building houses and they're a little ahead of me.  As a result, I get a "preview" of problems and challenges.  One of the big challenges is getting accurate and detailed building plans.  That's my next step.  

Contact me:  mailto:digitalnomad@digitalnomad.org

© Copyright 2000-2006  Merrill Hartman