With regards to solving the housing shortages –
This article is about ‘small buildings’, a topic which I have been learning about for more than seven years now. I have studied timber framed housing methods, & how to create low budget buildings that support existing dwellings; adding functionality in a stylised ways at low cost.
This is a 3D drawing of a setup I created in Invercargill, which involved adding two sleepouts & a large deck to an existing house. This was a low budget but attractive way to add warm, modern, private, stylish bedrooms without incurring massive costs.
Small Buildings usually have floors as large as 30 square metres & can be as small as you want to make them (usually with floors no smaller than 9 square metres). In New Zealand, Small buildings can be constructed & anchored to the ground under Schedule 1 of the Building Code – as work that does not require a building consent.
DEFINITION: Small Building
A well insulated structure with big windows; designed to catch the sun, hold heat, & provide shelter, accomodation, space for creativity or work.
Our challenge in the South is to find ways to expand on existing housing to make living affordable, approachable, & truly sustainable.
Many people who build end up going deeply into debt to create facilities. But this is not likely to suit in the medium term, considering economic forecasts, & the great need for expanded facilities with a limited budget.
Lots of people have substituted long-term building solutions for homes on wheels. Houses on wheels are awesome – but what I encourage is to establish security for people; & show them that there are ways to expand with long-term solutions at minimal cost! Even if the buildings created are small & only serve to provide extra rooms to a house.
THOUGHTS AROUND COMING UP WITH CREATIVE BUILDING IDEAS –
There are all kinds of possibilities
Figure out what you really want; deep inside your heart
Start by believing
Visualise the possibilities
Question traditional building methods
Investigate & plan your ideas
Talk to knowledgable people
Ask for advice on how things can be done
Develop your idea
Reach out to others for help