Cordwood House Plans - Plansmanage

Cordwood House Plans: Building a Sustainable and Unique Home

Cordwood construction is a centuries-old technique that uses small pieces of wood, typically rounds, to build walls. This type of construction is not only sustainable but also highly energy-efficient, making it a popular choice for those looking to build an eco-friendly home. ### Advantages of Cordwood Construction There are many advantages to building a cordwood house, including: *

Sustainability:

Cordwood is a renewable resource, and it does not require the use of large, heavy machinery to harvest or transport it. This makes it a more sustainable option than concrete or other traditional building materials. *

Energy efficiency:

Cordwood walls have excellent insulating properties, which can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can save you money on your energy bills. *

Affordability:

Cordwood construction is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other types of green construction. This is because cordwood is a locally-sourced material, and it does not require a lot of specialized labor to build with. *

Unique aesthetic:

Cordwood homes have a unique and charming aesthetic that can make them stand out from the crowd. The uneven texture and color variations of the wood give cordwood homes a rustic and natural look. ### Challenges of Cordwood Construction While cordwood construction offers many advantages, there are also some challenges associated with it, including: *

Time-consuming:

Cordwood construction is a labor-intensive process, and it can take longer to build a cordwood home than a home made from traditional materials. *

Skill requirement:

Cordwood construction is not as common as other types of construction, so it can be difficult to find experienced cordwood builders. If you are planning to build a cordwood home, you will need to do your research and find a qualified builder. *

Material availability:

Cordwood is not always readily available, especially in urban areas. If you live in an area where cordwood is scarce, you may need to pay a premium for the material. ### Design Considerations for Cordwood Houses There are a few things to keep in mind when designing a cordwood house: *

Orientation:

The orientation of your home is important for maximizing energy efficiency. Ideally, your home should be oriented so that the majority of the windows face south. This will allow you to take advantage of the sun's heat in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer. *

Window placement:

Windows are an important source of light and ventilation, but they can also be a source of heat loss. When placing windows in your cordwood home, be sure to consider the orientation of the home and the amount of sunlight that each window will receive. *

Insulation:

Cordwood walls are naturally insulating, but you may still need to add additional insulation to meet your climate's requirements. Be sure to choose an insulation material that is compatible with cordwood construction. ### Examples of Cordwood Homes There are many beautiful examples of cordwood homes around the world. Some of the most famous examples include: *

The Earthship:

The Earthship is a series of experimental homes built by architect Michael Reynolds in Taos, New Mexico. The Earthships are made from a variety of recycled materials, including tires, cans, and bottles. *

The Cordwood Castle:

The Cordwood Castle is a unique and beautiful home located in Buena Vista, Colorado. The castle was built by artist and builder Mike Oehler over a period of 20 years. The castle is made from over 100,000 pieces of cordwood, and it features a variety of unique and whimsical details. *

The Cordwood Cottage:

The Cordwood Cottage is a charming and cozy home located in Gloucestershire, England. The cottage was built by owner-builders David and Jane Lang using traditional cordwood construction techniques. These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and unique cordwood homes that exist around the world. If you are considering building a cordwood home, there are many resources available to help you get started. With careful planning and execution, you can build a cordwood home that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and beautiful.