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Alex did a lot sketching as we hovered around which design elements would be crucial for our first building at Moosicorn. We opted for a 2-story barn-style structure with a workshop below and a 2 bedroom apartment/home above. This would allow us a great stage to launch further projects from and would be substantial enough to live in for many years to come. Once we were done with our design work we used the help of a friendly architect, John Kappler, to bring our ideas to fruition. Total cost for plan designs: $4,000.

Architect’s Plans

Barn/House construction Highlights:
Framing 24″ O.C. to allow for more insulation to control heating and cooling energy (uses less wood too)
Metal roofing and Cement fiber board siding that will both last for the life of the structure (no replacement materials needed)
Siding is pretreated (low VOC and will not need to be painted for over 20 years)
Radiant heat (efficient boiler system/eventually evacuated tubes to run the radiant heat)
Composting toilets
Recycled greywater system
Energy efficient windows
All site fill transported from local sources
Low wattage lighting (LED’s and CFL’s)
Energy efficient appliances
Integrated whole house kill switches for charging posts/electronics

Step 1: Clear site.

Step 2: Excavate.

Step 3: Pour foundation walls.

Step 4: Install plumbing.

Step 5: Pour slab.

Step 6: Framing.

Step 7: Windows, doors, and siding.

Here’s an idea of the upfront construction costs. Since we were living 5.5 hours away at the time. We hired a general contractor to show up for material deliveries, hire subs, perform quality walks etc… and we paid for all materials and subcontractors directly. This is not a typical arrangement, but one we thought would keep costs in check for us. Looking back on it however, we probably would have structured our contracts much better. This was one of those live and learn issues I fumbled with even though I had worked for a couple large production home builders.