The Structure
44 ˚ 29' 18.20" N 67deg. 51' 32.55"W
The safety specs for the container's load data are remarkable. When used as an architectural element, shipping boxes are very robust.
Containers are relatively inexpensive, available in "as new" condition, easily deliverable. They are an instant, secure and weather tight storage facility for the project.
Corners of the containers feature various detents that allow for strong, high tensel structural conections with a minimum of fabrication. The steel rails are easily drilled and threaded for any needed fasteners.
These images are some of the architectual details. Septic tank conection cast into the slab, steel posts supporting the framing of the second level decking constructed of pressure treated 6x6 and 4x6 timbers fastened with 12" spikes and 6" lag bolts. Steel posts were lag bolted to the slab.
The Well
One of the most vital parts of developing the contruction site is a Well. Our first attempt at creating a well was done by dowsing. I had been show how using wire the thickness of a coat hanger bent at 90˚. That ended in locating a suitable spot 200' from the building site. The original well was developed first by digging a 12' hole by hand throught marine clay ending at ledge and an area of hard pan. Was finished by a local contactor with a backhoe ending in a spring feed water supply. Unfortunately the water was high in manganese and was abandoned. A new well was drilled by a man named Ronnie Shannon that learned his trade in Oklahoma as a wildcat oil driller. The current well is remarkable. located 75' from the container is 250' deep with an extrordinary output of over 200 GPM plus.
The next phase of the develpment of the water system is a trench from the casing to the container which acts as the machinery space. The well casing has to be drilled and fitted with the well supply line conection. I am considering using a 120 Volt well pump as the system will be powered by a small generator. Another consideration is a stainless ball valve accessible inside the well casing from the top cover to allow drain back for winterization.
The Plan
Using free drawing software I have made an attempt at a visualization of a vague idea of what might be possible. Considerations include single story, a story and a half with a loft or a full 2 stories. Other ideas include a hinged deck area that would hinged to foldup using a winch for protection of windows,sliders and a doorway.
This project is an experiment in off the grid, low impact, innovative construction methods using hopefully wind, solar and cogeneration to power, heat, cool and manage various systems. The last puzzle piece is to be able to view and monitor the site and various sensors and maybe a camera remotely, not unlike a remote weather station but with more interactive features (IOT) read sensors turn things on and off etc. It’s a hobby science project and an invisible retreat hidden in 13 acres of wilderness, wildlife and pristine ocean.
Inspired by Buck Fuller and other minor gods of tech.