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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Alaska - super-insulated homes
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KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 01:04am - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Interesting article with comments on build, foundation, etc.





Arctic
New 'super-insulated' homes rising across Alaska's North Slope
Suzanna Caldwell January 3, 2015

For Alaska homeowners, plumbing "freeze-up" is a recurring fear, maybe even more so for those living on Alaska's frigid North Slope.

...


The homes have their own sewage treatment systems. Kooley said that can reduce the cost of connecting to North Slope Borough utilities.

The homes are also built on "skiddable" foundations that allow them to be easily moved or adjusted as the permafrost they rest on shifts.

Kooley said most communities on the North Slope do not have easy access to gravel, which is commonly used in home foundation construction. The skiddable foundations do not require it, an added benefit since gravel absorbs heat and melts permafrost, leading to more foundation troubles.


http://www.adn.com/article/20150103/new-super-insulated-homes-rising-across-alaskas-n orth-slope




Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 07:29am
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Too bad that they do not discuss the build method, materials used and the technology employed... Here is this Great Thing we accomplished but we won't tell you how or with what... Maybe it's just me but that Really Ticks me off !

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 08:06am
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Hmmm... Reference Articles:

From, The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) Located in Fairbanks, Alaska,

The REMOTE Wall System, designed for extreme cold climates Check out the PDF Docs on the right side of the page... Some Good Stuff there !

Plans & Schematics

I just read through some of their articles and it's interesting that I am building my cabin in a similar method to what they call the REMOTE wall system, although not as heavily insulated on the exterior side. Luckily I'm not in Alaska so I can get away with it. Many Good Ideas and Plans there that can be applied to points South of Alaska

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 10:49am
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The beauty of added insulation is that it just keeps paying back for the life of the building.

NorthRick
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 11:27am
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Realize that North Slope Alaska is different than the rest of the state. It's the area located north of the Brooks mountain range and is above the arctic circle. It's relatively flat, treeless, windswept, and cold. In the winter (8 months), you often cannot tell where the land ends and the Arctic Ocean begins. White scalloped snow as far as you can see.

It has to be one of the most brutal places to try and live.

The CCHRC does have some good stuff regarding buildings in cold climates that can be applies to less severe building locations.

NorthRick
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 11:27am - Edited by: NorthRick
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somehow posted twice

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 11:57am
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Insulation is my friend... Keep the heat or cold out and the heat or cool in pending on season... Either way, it's all about comfort while keeping energy use down (regardless of type) for heating & cooling.

bobrok
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 04:50pm
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Reread the thread title.
What do any of these comments have to do with insulting your home?
Zip, zero, nada.


Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 05:14pm - Edited by: Steve_S
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At least we are NOT Insulting TITLE: "Alaska - super insulted homes" homes and I put reference links to help anyone that may be interested.

Didn't mom teach ya that "if'n ya ain't got nothin nice to say, don't say a thing" ? Off Topic wanderings can be enlightening too.

Here's a link to help anyone wanting to chill and relax:
1.FM - BLUES RADIO http://185.33.22.13:7040

bobrok
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 05:30pm - Edited by: bobrok
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My o/t wanderings don't last long here, historically.

I'm jus' feelin' a li'l frisky 2- nite!

P.S.: love the blues, but I really love americana genre.

Topper
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 05:38pm - Edited by: Topper
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Quoting: Steve_S
Too bad that they do not discuss the build method, materials used and the technology employed...


adn = Alaska Dispatch News -- this is a newspaper article.

150 gallons of heating oil for $200 - $300. That's $1.33 to $2.00 per gallon! We pay more than that here in Fairbanks...

The photo was taken somewhere other than the North Slope.

What is that "white" at the top of the wall, just under the eaves? Frost from heat escaping? Dunno...?

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 08:39pm
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Quoting: bobrok
Reread the thread title.
What do any of these comments have to do with insulting your home?
Zip, zero, na



Oops.

drb777
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 09:56pm
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Quote: "The homes are also built on "skiddable" foundations that allow them to be easily moved or adjusted as the permafrost they rest on shifts."

This "style" is an oilfield adapted method, made commonplace since most oil and gas operations are temporary, needing to be winch-skidded & truck hauled. And because surplus pipe and welders are integral to the business.

I also used this method for my cabin for the strength, durability and low cost. Not practical or cost efficient for most, but it worked very well for me.
pipe skid foundation
pipe skid foundation


AK Seabee
Member
# Posted: 21 Nov 2015 11:30pm - Edited by: AK Seabee
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Good catch Bobrok. I didn't catch it until you pointed it out.
(I spelled your name wrong on the first post)

Don_P
Member
# Posted: 22 Nov 2015 09:41am
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I think I've worked on one, some designer thought it looked good on paper and then I was in the local store listening to the gossip and yup, it's a super insulted home.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2015 10:02am
Reply 


Interesting article on insulation...

http://blog.lamidesign.com/2012/01/what-you-don-know-about-mineral-wool.html

dmanley
Member
# Posted: 5 Jan 2016 03:38pm
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I found a book entitled "Superinsulated Truss-Frame House Construction" by Mark White. It's out of print so it might be hard to find. Great stuff on insulation and building in Alaska. I used the design to build our 12 x 16 cabin in upper East Tennessee.

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