Log cabin home

[Dean Lofthouse]

Good luck with this Dean, it's what my girlfriend and I would like to do in the future. In the mean while, we're building an off grid vehicle at the moment (just ordered my solar panels and massive leisure batteries actually!)

 

What's the system you're using for the sewage?

 

I can't remember the name of it Alex, it's similar to the bio disc plants but using an air pump as an agitator which is lower power consumption. The biodisc ones use about 1.3kwhs a day, the air pump agitated ones use much less I think and have no moving parts

[Justme]

I would check the pumps consumption Dean.

 

We looked at them & you have to remember that its not just the consumption of the pump but the fact that it will keep the inverter on 24 7 rather than being able to use a low power mode when nothing else is on. The idle consumption of the inverter soon adds up.

 

Our inverter cuts its output when the load is low enough yet restarts for the fridge or freezer (or a light turned on in the night) as needed.

 

Our total electrical needs average at just under 3kWh per day (sub 2.5kWh in summer & just under 4kWh in winter). Using a pumped system was a non starter as it would add far to much to that.

 

We dry compost the toilet waste & then the grey water is much easier to deal with.

[alex_m]

I can't remember the name of it Alex, it's similar to the bio disc plants but using an air pump as an agitator which is lower power consumption. The biodisc ones use about 1.3kwhs a day, the air pump agitated ones use much less I think and have no moving parts

 

Ok fair play, keep us updated. We will be using a separating compost toilet, so all waste is reusable and non toxic (those chemical toilets in caravans/motorhomes are nasty!).

Check out this company if you are interested in doing things that way.

Separett - Home

[Dean Lofthouse]

I would check the pumps consumption Dean.

 

We looked at them & you have to remember that its not just the consumption of the pump but the fact that it will keep the inverter on 24 7 rather than being able to use a low power mode when nothing else is on. The idle consumption of the inverter soon adds up.

 

Our inverter cuts its output when the load is low enough yet restarts for the fridge or freezer (or a light turned on in the night) as needed.

 

Our total electrical needs average at just under 3kWh per day (sub 2.5kWh in summer & just under 4kWh in winter). Using a pumped system was a non starter as it would add far to much to that.

 

We dry compost the toilet waste & then the grey water is much easier to deal with.

 

Just been back and had a look, your right. They are actually higher consumption and all systems are constant draw for the biological side to work.

 

I need to do some more research.

[codlasher]

I looked into the Klargester system and although it is a system that works and is recognised by planning departments I would seriously look into gravity, after all it is your friend in most cases!. Providing you have enough fall from your loo to the treatment of the effluent and thereon to the discharge point you don't need electrickery just space.....Long term and no more outlay is really the way forward, in my opinion....

It's the same with insulation. costs are painful now but when you are older that's when you achieve the payoff with minimal heat inputs....

Sitting here in the organised chaos that is my home/building site I wish you the best of luck....Scary but positive in the long run.

codlasher.

[kinney logging]

this is a very good thread . ive always wanted to build a log home

[Brett]

What sort of money is that one in the picture Dean ? Does the price include erection ?

 

Giggidy!!!

[mdvaden]

We will probably remain in our home for 30 years, but a log home would be one of few options that prompts me to move.

 

Here's some inspiration ... just an upper loft view ....

 

If you ever come to Oregon, check out Camp 18 restaurant east of Seaside, Oregon, along Hy. 26. One of the larger log structures in west Oregon.

 

I keep visualizing it as a home instead of a place to eat.

 

...

[Dean Lofthouse]

That's stunning..

 

This is one we also had in mind, I want hand scribed but the wife is not too keen and prefect the less rustic machined profile

[Dean Lofthouse]

The interior