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Ashland City, TN

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New Construction!

I want to build a small home, with a minimalist effect (straight lines and built-ins with open floor plan) What are the advantages/disadvantages of Glass exterior walls vs.concrete or wood and which is more cost effective over time.

4 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Unless I'm missing something, it seems to me that glass walls would be prohibitively expensive, and also really hot in your climate.

on May 19, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

First what do you consider "small". I've been following along with the Tiny House Blog for a few years now and have pulled some neat Ideas from the hundreds of posts that Kent has posted over the years.
http://tinyhouseblog.com/ ...»

The trouble with windows is they are not as Thermally efficient as a regular insulated wall. Designing for looks rather than comfort can pose its own challenges.
I have seen some pretty cool modern designs that were built from old shipping containers...this is great "recycling" option and may fit in with your minimalist ideas.
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/remodeling-desi...

on May 21, 2012 · Like 1
Cooper S Ashland City, TN

Thank you KMS, this gives me options. Not sure if am ready fior the "TINY" home floor plans as yet. Seems that the walls will always be IN YOUR FACE, I need the open floor space with walls for bathroom/ privacy only. screens can be usefull for other walls if necessary.

on May 21, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I agree with your point of view on many of the "tiny" house plans. Many of these are designed to be built on trailers and often have a narrow 8 foot wide floor plan to allow to be pulled on the highway without special permits etc.
I got to tour one of these last month at an open house in Boulder. Compared to my cabins (200 sq feet) and this houses 130 sq feet. Mine cabin seems huge by comparison. This is due the mostly open plan I have and the lack of more dividing walls.

on May 22, 2012 · Like 1