first sketches

It's storming today so I dug out the trusty grid pad and started sketching out floorplans.  The biggest issue I seem to be running in to is that damn heat-sink wall.  I may have to abandon the earth ship ideals if I'm to get the type of structure I want.  Although this one could still be banked with earth and enveloped with a living roof.

Given that the island (more than likely where I will end up building this) is damp and cold for most of the year, I think I would have to go with a stone foundation and build in a geo thermal heating system.  This would allow more freedom when it comes to the windows in the structure - and keep the floors toasty warm (when my feet get cold my legs ache and I get just miserable).

 
To get enough windows facing south to take advantage of the heat sink wall without going with a completely glass southern exposure I drafted the front of the house 18' tall , which slopes back to 10'.   All around I think the walls should be 24" thick with the exception of the heat sink which is 4'.   Also I added a "tunnel" exposing some of the structure to allow for a door for the north side of the house as well.

Our summer house was a 2 storey 20' x 24' affair and was easily heated with a single small wood stove, so although I do like the look of a fireplace, I would most likely go with that option in conjunction with the geo thermal.

The living area is certainly open, and would function as a green-house and living/study area.  I love the sculpted in bookshelves, and they would most likely become a feature throughout the house.

The other interior sketch I started on is the open kitchen.  I feel the arch I have on the floor plan is too large and may be edited out to just be floor to ceiling walls instead.. but that does remove a large portion of the support structure - smaller arches or perhaps framed glass doors to separate the areas my be in order.

As I was doing the sketch the size of the windows became painfully apparent and I am realizing the kitchen area is going to be quite ill lit by natural means.  Geo thermal is looking better all the time I have to say.  Just tack on another $8000.00 to the construction cost I suppose.

Again you will see sculpted in shelving and counters.  The ceilings I think I want exposed natural wood beams with board showing behind, stained or left natural I haven't decided yet of course.  The soil in Prince Edward Island is quite red, I hope a white wash will cover it adequately.  lol worse the soil in Alberta is quite black..