Comments on: Mike Irish’s Passive Solar Cottage

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:02:17 +0000

What makes this design passive solar? Just because you have large windows on the south facing wall does not make this unit passive solar.

By: 2leftfeet

2leftfeet — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:44:34 +0000

Agree, lofts are clever but can be impractical for late night bathroom trips, esp for older people. This is a lovely little shingle home, I hope Mike posts completed pictures!

By: di

di — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:34:39 +0000

I’m not quite sure about this floor plan, because there is a lot of non-functional space at the entry.

I’d prefer windows east-west-north-south, such as arched windows at the gables and perhaps another glass slider along the back wall.

Maybe an under-counter kitchen at one gable and the bathroom at the other gable.

Try a futon couch or daybed. To save space, use a gas heater. Does it come with a kitchen sink?

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:13:10 +0000

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the rebuke. Point well taken. It is just that some seem very expensive (i.e. $400/sq.ft.) which I think is excessive. Definitely, making a living for the builder is important, I agree completely. H.

By: Dale Barnhart

Dale Barnhart — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:32:34 +0000

Mike,

this is a lovely rendition; can you deliver to East Coast? Perhaps a 30′ long model would allow more valuable space. Dryvit exterior would be a smashing touch as opposed to shingles – as all wood requires constant upkeep. Please let me know when finished and I highly commend you on keeping the price so moderate. Bless you!!!!

Dale

By: LB

LB — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:30:14 +0000

I stubbornly still drag my body places even though down the road, lofts may be out: but there’s a need for loft and non-loft.

Wish I could remember where I saw the storage bins you can pull down from above and they safely glide down & offer one a chance to utilize upper area in a home as this for lots of STORAGE if you choose to not go loft.

Dang. Even in an apartment of any size, I’d love a Murphy: I hate wasted space like nobody’s business. Once knew someone that built a small staircase to her loft: safety banisters, storage under the stairs as well as a walk in closet -enclosed with glass french doors- beneath the bed.

Anyway: I love Mike’s work and the Janzen springboard. Loves!

By: Blake Voss

Blake Voss — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:35:10 +0000

Just to add balance to this argument/discussion: I like the idea of a murphy bed. Some people can’t climb into a loft bed (any more).

By: Tiny House Living , Archive » Passive Solar Cottage

Tiny House Living , Archive » Passive Solar Cottage — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:09:07 +0000

[...] Passive Solar Cottage [...]

By: Kent Griswold

Kent Griswold — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:20:05 +0000

Thanks Mike, as soon as it’s ready get me the updated pictures and I’ll get another post up. If someone is interested from here let’s both encourage them to contact you. Thanks for keeping an eye on the comments.

Kent

By: mike irish

mike irish — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:13:50 +0000

Hi Kent,
It is on craigslist. I am trying to get some imput on finishing touches. It could be ready to roll in a week.
thanks,
mike