Ideal Home 2006 Update
From Competition Entry to Construction
By Klaus Mayer
Principal, Mayer Sattler-Smith
Our strategy for the successful entry to the 2006 Ideal Home design/build competition was to offer a design that would utilize the full potential of the systems proposed. We tried to keep the design simple so the new ideas and systems would be very clear; for example, we’re using structural insulated panels (SIP's) as the shell and roof with cut-outs only for windows or doors.
In this more recent phase of the project, we've been challenged to marry the "ideas" of our Ideal Home with the realities of the construction environment. This requires an open mind, geared at achieving the goals stated in the competition entry by the most economical means possible. When the real hard bid numbers came in, every detail of the design was scrutinized.
We had several meetings with Cook Inlet Housing Authority to address the feedback of the competition judges as well as audience members at the housing forum in March. Based on the audience and judges comments, we incorporated an additional window towards the street in the master bedroom and windows in the garage doors for added natural light in the garage.
During the pricing phase we "value engineered" the frost-protected shallow foundation to a more common foundation wall for potential cost savings. We adjusted the floor plan to accommodate universal design principles in all rooms. Our original concept mentioned that this was possible without major reconfigurations and, as it turned out, we could create an "accessible" home with only minor changes in cabinet design and bathroom layout.
The building is well under way; the concrete slab was recently poured and the in-floor heating system coils have been installed. We will set up the SIP's soon and have the building protected against the elements before too long. The panel system will prove to be very effective offering a short set-up time. Then the "finish trades" can work in a protected environment to complete the Ideal House 2006, and we hope to see you on an open house tour before the end of the year.