Modular Treehouse Concept

SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION (typical three wing plan)

· 300m2 (3230 sq.ft) of accommodation · Living Room (seating 12 persons comfortably - can cater for large parties) · Master Bedroom with ensuite and dressing room · Large Double Bedroom with ensuite and dressing room · Double Bedroom · Single Bedroom · Study Room · Shared bathroom · Cloakroom · Separate W.C · Utility Room / Laundry · Pantry / Refrigeration · Large open plan kitchen · Flexible Dining Area for up to 12 + 6 persons · Lift (accommodating up to 6 persons at one time) · Staircase · Roof terrace eating area (with dumb waiter to kitchen) for up to 12 persons · Roof terrace grass relaxing area · Roof terrace children's play area · Optional roof terrace level Jacuzzi & Shower

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

The main body of the design is constructed from a steel reinforced GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) semi-monocoque system. These pre-fabricated transportable sections are supported on a tripod of steel column supports. The piled foundations that support the tripod legs are also specifically designed to avoid tree root damage and minimal ground surface impact. It is intended that the actual on-site erection time can be completed within four normal working weeks.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

When we talk about energy, we tend to think of producing a huge amount in one place and distributing it. However, the energy requirements of a family house are relatively low. It is said that the total energy that human beings use in a year is 1/15,000 of the solar energy falling on the earth. Rather than relying on limited fossil fuels, which in turn produce pollution the solution to our energy demands is to use the solar and wind energy efficiently.

One of the principle environmental designs for the house utilises a series of kinetic baffles on the belly of each wing that are specifically designed to increase the air flow around and under the house. These baffles (lightweight aluminium blades) oscillate 24 hours a day (depending on wind speeds) and are linked directly to a series of batteries which, in turn, are fed through an inverter to produce an electric current of 240 volts.

When the batteries are fully charged, the controller switches the excessive electricity to a heating element in the hot water cylinder. It is anticipated that on an average day it is possible to produce enough electricity for hot water & lighting. On a very windy day enough additional electricity will be produced to run a washing machine cycle as well as vacuum cleaning. To back up the wind-generated power, a series of solar cells are placed around the perimeter of the roof that also feed back to the central system. It is envisaged that for a typical year the power consumption will be 70% selfsufficient.

...continued