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Stone, Wood, Brick Or Steel? - Page 2

WOW that is very strong. I have been playing with the software I downloaded and it seems to focus on energy to build and operate a building. Point to note steel building seem to cost a load to build and operate(3to7 times a brick or wood structure) So this might be why they appear only in commercial buildings.

I am surprised at no insulation as the wall must retain and emit a load of heat into the living quarters thus increasing the air conditioning costs. The air exchange that some have built in make good sense. So perhaps the answer to the question asked really depends on where the home is built as to what materials they use. Out west I have seen home built 3 and 4 stories deep into the ground(poured concrete with steel beam reinforced. They used fiber wire to make lights so as to keep operation costs down. They also installed many solar and wind generators. The cost to operate the home in 1996 was 6 to 12 dollars a month. Was a very interesting case study (it was built by Environment Canada and Union Gas).

Rather off topic, but... Sorry but I must ask with the earth movement ground source heat pumps would be unwise. Does any one tap the local water systems to cool their homes? ie pump a compressed gas through a pipe submersed in water and recoup the cold via a heat exchanger inside the home.

Steel Brick Wood Stone

Krakyn, despite our homes being strong, they are often not so technologically advanced (re: offtopic). The Caribbean is very humid with an average of 90% everyday of the year, so no matter how you build you are going to feel it. Concrete walls do get hot, but that is where design comes in. For instance, if one designs most of the openings (windows and vents) to easily accessible on the eastern side of the home then the Caribbean trade winds will flow easily through the hom thus blowing hot air out. Other than that people here are used to the heat and will always go for concrete too because it keeps out the criminal element. Building a house in wood is not only expensive, but looking for trouble from those who will want to get inside.

Interestingly enough, it used to be that home owners here would build roofs using wood lats and galvanize, but now everything is about steel and with the advancement in technology the wood element is become less and less apparent since flat sheet steel can be used for nice designs and bent easily for curves.

Stone, Wood, Brick Or Steel? Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

From what we have said JB I think the real drive on materials and the building structure is the environment in which you live. Not just the weather environment but the geographic of the area ie local materials and social issues.

Thanks for the insight JB I have really enjoyed the topic.

Page 2 Steel Brick Wood Stone

Yes, geography plays a big part on house structure type and size. One thing I have noted is that in the UK, at least the parts I have been, the houses were mostly built with clay blocks or stone. They are very strong, with a weaker inner structure out of wood. I have witnessed holes being drilled through the walls (especially in town flats) where a sponge like material is pumped in and filed until it becomes insulation within the walls.

Also, in the case of fire it is ALWAYS better to build with concrete and have a steel roof. When a fire is large it can throw flames from one house top to another. If the house next door is largely made up of wood then the rest of the story can tell itself.