Building Ideas

WALKING HOUSE is a modular dwelling system that enables persons to live a peaceful nomadic life, moving slowly through the landscape or cityscape with minimal impact on the environment. It collects energy from its surroundings using solar cells and small windmills. There is a system for collecting rain water and a system for solar heated hot water. A small greenhouse unit can be added to the basic living module, to provide a substantial part of the food needed by the Inhabitants. A composting toilet system allows sewage produced by the inhabitants to be disposed of. A small wood burning stove could be added to provide CO2 neutral heating. Walking house forms various sizes of communities or WALKING VILLAGES when more units are added together. Walking house is not dependant on existing infrastructure like roads, but moves on all sorts of terrain.

Each unit is equipped with the basic systems for maintaining everyday life for a maximum of four persons. But it could easily be scaled up for larger family structures. Furniture is an integrated part of the structure. The module can be constructed from numerous materials. It is based on a framework made of steel, aluminum or wood and can be covered with steel, aluminum, wood or even semi- permeable textiles. Windows are made of polycarbonate. Insulation could be anything from thin plates of Polyethylene to wool.

Walking house could easily be equipped with specialized modules for various forms of productions like greenhouses, small factories etc. A Walking house or a Walking village could supply means for the inhabitants to make a living in this way while moving through the Landscapes and cityscapes. As an example a Walking village could be specialized in foodproduction or special modules for fishfarming, greenhouses and so on could be part of the construction.

Technical specifications:
Basic module:
Height: 3.5 meters
Width: 3.5 meters
Length: 3.72 meters
Weight: 1200 kg
Max speed: 60 meters/hour
Component list:
Plating and framework wood and plywood
Legs made of steel and mechanical components
12 linear actuators
solar panels
micro windmills
polycarbonate plates
interior equipment

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Bloomframe Folding balcony
A unique design! With the click of a button window is transformed into a great balcony! Hofman Dujardin Architects has recently submitted his design draft to prestigious RedDot design award.

Inside or Outside?
Unfortunately, nowadays often the construction of an apartment with balcony is completely omitted to save space. With Bloomframe balcony, everyone can decide if he or she needs a balcony right now.

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m-ch is a micro compact home project. The m-ch has a timber frame structure with anodised aluminium external cladding, insulated with polyurethane and fitted with aluminium frame double glazed windows and front door with security double lock; graphics can be applied for sponsors, exhibition and business use. The m-ch measures 266cm x 266cm x 266cm. The ceiling height is 198cm and the door width is 60cm. The unit weighs 2.2 tonnes.

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Metal roofing is one of the most popular trends and so there is a major demand on metal roofing materials at the moment, more than ever has been before. Metal roofing materials are durable, lightweight, fireproof and will not degrade in any weather. Besides, it is easily repaired and neutral to environment. Most metal roofing materials are guaranteed to last for at least twenty years and will very rarely need reconstruction. You can combine any number of metal roofing materials to achieve the best effects for your home roof.

There are two groups of metal roofing materials:

1. roofing steel
2. non-ferrous metal roofing

Roofing steel

Steel is used for most metal roofing. This material is made to withstand most of the extreme weather conditions and any environmental factors. However, it can be heavier than other forms of metal roofing material, which may cause an imbalance in certain structures. Conversely, it is more durable than some other metal roofing materials.

Stainless steel

Non-ferrous metal roofing

Aluminum is light-weight metal roofing material, it will never rust. Aluminum roofing is cheaper then zinc-titan or cooper roofing. Besides, it can be any color.

Advantages:

• lasting (100-150 years)
• proof to corrosion
• does not require maintenance
• colorfast

Zinc-titan can be applied on any inclined surfaces (more than 5%) and any forms. Service life in the city environment – 90-100 years and 40-70 years at sea coast.

Advantages:

• does not require maintenance

Copper
Sheet metal in the form of copper and lead has also been used for many hundreds of years. Both are expensive but durable, the vast copper roof of Chartres Cathedral, oxidized to a pale green color, having been in place for hundreds of years.

Lead, which is sometimes used for church roofs, was most commonly used as flashing in valleys and around chimneys on domestic roofs, particularly those of slate. Copper was used for the same purpose.

Advantages:

• very long-lived (150-200 years)
• roofing copper is made in tapes, therefore it is possible to make a roof without a technological aperture