Conceived of as a do-it-yourself starter home, this house takes advantage of a simple post and beam structure.

The frame is repeated until the desired space is achieved. The posts can be recycled telephone poles or steel frames from a metal-building supplier, making the construction process both cost-effective and environmentally conscious. This system was designed to encourage flexibility, giving homeowners an affordable way to expand or adapt the house as needs change.

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Large expanses of south-facing translucent walls—made from both polycarbonate and traditional windows—provide ample natural light throughout the year as well as passive heating in the winter. The polycarbonate can be applied to both the interior and exterior for improved thermal performance, often surpassing that of insulated glazing. In addition to energy savings, these walls establish a visual connection to the outdoors, bringing in light without sacrificing privacy.

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The frame lifts the floor off the ground, eliminating the need for a costly slab-on-grade foundation. Once the frame is erected, non-structural wood framing is used to enclose the interior space. This flexibility allows the home to evolve over time. The exterior deck, shown here, can later be enclosed to form an additional bedroom or study, demonstrating the project’s adaptability for future growth.

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Renderings by NotioImage