Lots more thoughts on design...

Been working some more on the design and taking the best from the architects' ideas. I am returning to the idea of a separate "hanare" (building/tree house), mainly because of the views that the gap between the two buildings allows out to the lake from the second floor. The space underneath the study is, oh yes, the rotenburo (or outside hot hub)!

I think this all works pretty well although now that I have my indoor/outdoor space between the two buildings I don't need it so much in the entrance courtyard, so may revisit some earlier options.

I am thinking that I will build the "hanare" entirely by myself, while the main house will perhaps be a factory-made kit that I put together with a carpenter and some friends on the site.

All the felled trees around the property can be used for decking and fencing.

Working on getting more detail on the plans....

Have been working away using the !Punch software to get a better feel of the space in the house. These images show some furniture and other features. Note the grass roof, porch swing and 3f observation deck!

New Design Ideas

Some new ideas that have been inspired by the latest architect sketches. Small shape changes with a courtyard entrance way into two volumes. Haven't worked out the way that the roof or 2nd floor work but these ground floor designs were measured on the land FIRST and then transferred onto computer. The measurements in the floor plans are thus very accurate and the positioning takes into account the views that I am now understanding having opened up the tree lines. Otherwise the room layouts and 2nd floor designs will be similar to the latest architect sketches (link above).

I used !Punch software for these mock ups.

Google Earth helps to map out possible lake views

Along with the general land clearance work it is becoming important to understand the possible lake views that can be opened up in the near future so that the house designs can be tailored to these views.

Julian and I have been using a variety of methods to transfer bearings onto google earth and to clear a path for a strategic tree felling line. We are hoping that once a line to the lake is opened up it can then be broadened out.

Here are a couple of screenshots showing the predicted lake views once the trees are felled.

View #1
1st Floor/Ground Floor projection

View #2
2nd Floor Projection

Julian helps with land clearance

Flying in from the UK, poor Julian didn't have much time to get over his jet-lag before he was put to work. On a couple of hot summer days Julian and myself got to work clearing a view to the southeast. Together we felled around 10 large oaks and now the sky to the southeast has opened up with views of the distant mountains and golf course. I will post a video walkthrough to show-off the first major views from the site! Thank you, Julian!!!

This picture also shows the makeshift "shed" that stores the tools on site. Made up of cut logs from the site, the "shed" is technically the first "building" on the site!

New Design Sketches

Some new design ideas from the architect team that integrate the tree house into the main building. Some nice ideas here. Any thoughts greatly welcomed!

SEPTEMBER 12th 2010 UPDATE: See how these sketches look in a mock-up 3d design

Considering importing a Thermobuilt house

I have been considering using the the Florida Company Thermobuilt for some time now. Great innovative construction idea with super insulation properties. The above video shows how a thermobuilt house is put together. My architects are currently in contact with the Thermobuilt founder Carl Hebinck.


I will keep the site updated on how these talks proceed. Ultimately, it would be great to source and cut the EPS here in Japan, but the efficiency of the global shipping network may not mean this is cost effective for just one house.