Still looking for a piece of property that fits 85-90% (or better) of what I’m looking for. Actually found a piece that was hitting all the checkboxes…even has a developed year round spring on it. Sounds awesome, right? Problem is, there are nice neighboring properties that have documented access to use that spring as well. So, my choice is either buy it and have nine neighbors tromping through my property to use the spring, or buy nine neighboring pieces of property, remove the easements, and then sell those nine properties. That’s a bit of a stretch. So..still looking.
But I was thinking about what kind of structure I’d like to put in. I rather like a multistory tower-like structure. My first thought was something along the fire tower or blockhouse design. Here’s some examples:
I liked the idea of a relatively easily securable lower level and the ability to take advantage of the views offered by the presumably remote location. But as I was scrolling through, of all things, Pinterest to see ideas for small cabin-like dwellings I found another family of small, elevated, easily securable buildings – railroad switch/signal buildings:
They are, essentially, the same structure but without the overhanging deck. Again, though, we are back to a strong, easily secured first level while providing a non-bunker-like second level. Most of the ones I’ve been looking at are older, brick designs but they are all just a concrete rectangle with a stick-built structure on top. I would think that creating a windowless concrete rectangle out of ICF would be a great deal easier, in just about every way, than using brick.
Either way, I’m liking the idea of these two types of structures. Their common denominator is that they were built to satisfy the need of observation of the area around them. The fire tower for obvious reasons, and the signal/switch stations to see the rail traffic.
Im sure they have their own logistic or structural downsides, but at the moment I’m rather taken with both of these designs. I’m not saying that anything I’d build would be a copy of these…just the the ideas behind them would probably be a large influence on what I’m thinking of. Inspiration, if you will, for a design that may go in a different direction but still give me the features about these structures that I like.
Would it be feasible to use shipping containers for the lower level, then build a structure on top of that?
Perhaps. I know that from everything I read, weight needs to be distributed on the corners of the container for the most structural strength. But, and I hate to say this, there is a certain aesthetic value that I think the containers lack. I know that form should always follow function, but I rather like the looks of the brick/stone facades.
Weight on the corners- only if you are loading the container to max capacity. As a home little weight is inside. They can stack just about anywhere. Simple weld to tie them together. The second story can also be re-enforced easily with a bit of welding and supporting post. Out side of the container can be modded several ways. Have footings built and build a stone wall, tied to the container with welded on tabs to join them. Containers come in two types- un insulated and insulated. The insulated would be great in really cold areas (or hot like mine- 110 daytime temp remained 76 inside while in direct sunlight), but that comes at a cost- interior space. That is why ICF would be much better (containers are very constrained). Cost of transporting the panels would come into play and limiting size. Concrete block would be much easier. Even better you can design systems for SHTF times. Like inner and outer walls tied together with mass like gravel or rammed earth for insulation and protection from light arms. Easy enough to build the footer just a bit bigger and have what ever you want for the outside wall.
I assume you would have a “out of sight, out of mind” hole somewhere close to bug out to when bad sorts show up admiring your taste in dewellings………..
Agreed. Those fire towers with two stone levels and one wood on top look great.
Shipping containers sweat too much and also outgas chemicals from prior leakage.
Round, tall grain silos? Inexpensive, narrow windows, interior plan up to you. Brick or stone or cement outside at your leisure as well as wet or dry moat. Sets up fast and inexpensive.
That could be kind of cool – a circular staircase (on the inside), a platform hoist in the center to get heavy loads upstairs.
Rather like a lighthouse. And with a roof mounted antenna system for catching the waves.
I think that using the basic design idea and looking at cast reinforced concrete walls and ceiling for the first level and CRC framing for the second floor would meet the bill. My only suggestion would be to watch how much glass is used on the second floor. The insulation factor is as important as the structural factors. Glass is not very bullet and shrapnel resistant and without multi layers has little insulation value. I like the idea of an observation deck around the second floor. You have a good basic design just needs a bit of tweaking. TTFN
I was thinking the same thing in regards to tothe first level being a completely enclosed concrete box, w/ concrete roof.
Don’t forget the murder holes…for historical accuracy.
I’d strongly suggest that the second layer like the frontier tower forts have an overhang and concealed “Murder Holes”.
If a pack of folks got up against the wall and wanted to burn you out those murder holes might be useful.
That and they are not expensive to build in.
you might want to look at these guys: http://www.terra-dome.com
The concrete earth sheltered dome as a base and a small stick built house on top,
The dome load is designed to take it and the owner/engineer has a home like that.
Those are some nice ones though I’ve always leaned towards the old Spanish Mission style if I had a chance to really build what I wanted. Those are the ones built around a center courtyard and the only large windows or entrances being on the inside. Originally designed to help deal with Indian raids.
Yeah, Ive been looking at those two but the footprint is harder to achieve in a region where flat land isnt very prominent.
A suggestion, look at Jeff Coopers Sconce, the home he built at Gunsite
During my younger days, I spent many summers staffing a fire lookout in the Sierras. It was built atop a cinder block foundation approximately 15′ in height that served as a garage and workshop. The footprint I would guess was 30’x30′ with a large roll-up garage style door that would allow Unimog access.
The living quarters were just like the pictures you showed with with a 6′ walkway on all four outside areas. Lots of windows with steel shutters to secure the windows when not in use, or fire danger. All outside surfaces were covered in steel and super insulated.
The structure had a well and septic, along with full bathroom and kitchen. It was heated with wood and the fridge was propane. I spent three wonderful seasons there and was saddened when I returned to the location and found it was sold for next to nothing with 5 acres and road access. I would’ve paid 10x what it sold for just to relive those wonderful times.
Don’t forget about old age and or physical damage when looking at stairs.
But I guess if its in the hills that may not be a concern, gotta climb anyways?
Plan for an elevator in the interior design. It isn’t hard to allocate 2 closets above one another and add the utilities when you build.
If you do a 2 story structure like that ya gotta do the wrap around covered deck on top.
You will spend a lot more weekends there having coffee or dinner on the deck than you will shooting raiders.