Author Archive: Brian Ashworth
Under Slab Membranes
This photo shows a plastic membrane underneath a slab. . . . but what sort of membrane? Vapour Barrier The Building Code of Australia requires the installation of a Vapour Barrier with the following characteristics Medium Impact Resistant Polyethylene Film 0.2mm…
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Free Form Owner Building
Bored with Brick Veneer? What if you wanted to build using natural materials in whatever shape you wanted? Well these people are hand building with ‘Cob’ which is a mixture of; Soil, straw, water, and sometimes lime. If you would like to find…
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Air Conditioning – Ducted, or Separate Units?
Guest post by Hubert Dwight Choosing between split systems and ducted air conditioning systems is no easy task. We understand that nagging voice in the back of your head that keeps asking “Will we go for a split systems or go for…
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Potential Acidic Sulphate Soils
Look to buy a block on a coastal plain, alongside a river, or a reclaimed wetland and you may see the area described as Potential Acidic Sulphate Soil (PASS). Well PASS doesn’t mean OK! Why, And Where It Occurs These types…
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Rebelling Against Large Windows
If you have spent time looking round this blog you will find I am not a big fan of the large windows that are standard in many new project homes. However I think this house may be going a little…
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More Storage Space . . . . or Too Much Stuff?
Read the House Magazines or watch TV Programs and you will often notice quotes like: “You can never have too much storage space.” Well I think that’s BULLDUST! If you think you need more storage space; then think about getting rid of some STUFF. Get…
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Low Bank Valuations
People building a new home are often shocked when their bank valuation is less than the cost of the land plus the build cost. Problems With Low Valuation The two issue are Unless your deposit is larger than the difference between the Final…
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Ready For Rising Sea Levels?
These remarkably conventional looking houses are actually floating on Lake Union, Seattle. Although they haven’t been specially built to deal with rising sea levels there are many places that are now starting to build floating houses in a big way! One…
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Solar Tube Options
Sometimes our homes are a little lacking in the light department. Even if there are lots of windows, if your property is overlooked at all, or faces the ‘wrong way’, you might find yourself craving that natural light. You may need to…
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Silo Home
How would you like to live in a Silo? What about his house in Utah, built by Earl Stein. If you want to find out more check out his blog about the house at: montesilo.blogspot.com.au For more Unusual House Photos, Wins,…
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