So my fantasy life has taken me towards building a tiny home on cheap land with no services. I have an irl friend who is into this idea as well - perhaps setting up a commune. Not really, but like a shared vacation/camping spot.
Thoughts on aircrete or foam concrete? Insulation is good. Resistance to rot, mold and infestation is a key point for a structure that might sit for long periods. Fire resistance - might be in an area prone to fire.
Thoughts on construction method
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Pour perimeter foundation - normal concrete
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Build a 2x4 frame with vertical members only at the corners and adjacent to windows and doors
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Pour aircrete panels something like 6-8" thick and 12-18" wide and the length that goes from 2x4 post to 2x4 post
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In pour of the panels either have holes for the 2x4 posts or notches and set panels horizontally on edge for the walls - also a notch in the form so the panels fit together like tongue and groove boards. (panels reinforced with steel mesh)
Wood posts would ensure that the building goes up square. Joining the posts with sill and top plates would keep the building from falling down and stuff. Absolute max size would be 400sf, but thinking of much smaller - like 150sf footprint. Pitched roof - like 14-16’ tall at the tall end with a loft.
concerns
- even with whatever coatings, concrete structures look kinda bad
- it’s really hard to make aircrete that doesn’t get a crumbly or something
- even for a small structure - ends up seeming like a crazy amount of concrete
another plus
- aircrete panels could be made at home in the city and brought to the site.
For the roof I’m thinking very thin wood or steel framing with maybe some spray foam and/or polystyrene and tongue and groove wood siding on the inside with corregated steel on top.
Comments from anyone - obviously - but also paging @zikzak