Japanese Students Design Home Heated And Cooled By Fermenting Straw

© Waseda University

We know that composting is good for our gardens, but what about heating our homes? Harnessing the heat generated by the composting process to heat our homes sounds like a far-fetched idea, but it's been proposed before and experimented with quite successfully decades ago.

Students at Japan's Waseda University built this intriguing prototype that is heated by composting straw encased within acrylic boxes that make up the house's perimeter walls.

© Waseda University

Seen over at Inhabitat, this simple home uses a simple, low-odor composting technique called "bokashi" (meaning "fermented organic matter"), the fermenting straw releases a lot of heat -- 30 degree celsius (86 degree Fahrenheit) heat, in fact -- for up to an impressive four weeks.

© Waseda University

Designed by student designers Masaki Ogasawara, Keisuke Tsukada and Erika Mikami, the "Recipe to Live" house is located in Taiki-cho town on Hokkaido island, a place that is known for its dairy farms (and lots of locally-made straw).

In the summer, straw will dry inside transparent window shelving which act as "heat shield panels," thus releasing moisture that will help cool the ambient temperature. During winter, the fermenting straw will give off heat thanks to the microbial process that gradually breaks down the organic matter.

© Waseda University
© Waseda University

Of course, this "living house" will require extra care as the straw will have to be changed a few times per year, but this is a fascinating concept that takes advantage of the energy created by a natural process. More over at Inhabitat and LIXIL (Japanese).

Source:- http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/japanese-students-design-home-heated-cooled-fermenting-straw-waseda-university.html

Student Fed Up With $800-a-month Rent On Campus

Student fed up with $800-a-month rent on campus builds his own tiny house and uses solar power and compost toilet to live off the grid - and saves himself $6,000

• Christopher Cerk, 21, disliked renting on University of Michigan campus
• Calculated he could save $6,000 by building his own home
• He constructed the dwelling in his spare time with $13,000 of materials
• The 170 square foot mobile hut has solar panels to charge the electric stove as well as a compost toilet and propane heater 

A student who's had enough of paying out $800 a month to live in a campus dorm solved his problem by building his own tiny house from scratch.

Christopher Cerk, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Michigan, said that living right next to his institution didn't suit him - and was a waste of money to boot.

So, rather than keep paying out almost $10,000 a year on rent for a room he didn't want, the computer science major took matters into his own hands.

See the video here:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3223702/University-Michigan-student-builds-lives-tiny-house.html#v-4466388067001

Great outdoors: Christopher Cerk has ditched his rented dorm room in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for this 170sq ft 'tiny house' that he built himself

Cerk learned how to make the dwelling from YouTube tutorials. It has a compost toilet and solar panels to power laptop chargers and a stove

Cerk spent $13,000 of his own money buying materials for his own diminutive dwelling, which measures just 170 square feet, the Ann Arbor News reported.

The home, which took him more than a year to build in his spare time, has a compost toilet and solar panels for electricity. 

He estimates the power supply will be enough to keep his cell phone and laptop running, as well as to power an electric stove. Cerk said he will start having his girlfriend over to stay soon.

He said he had no handiwork skills before he started and learned everything he needed from YouTube tutorials. 

According to Cerk, he would have paid $19,000 over the next two years to rent a room near the university's North Campus in Ann Arbor.

By building the house instead, he says he can save $6,000 - and will still have the house afterwards to tow someplace else.

Living large: Cerk is pictured here enjoying the interior of his home. The cost of his raw materials will be paid off after around 18 months in the home, compared to regular University of Michigan rent, he said

Cerk has now started living in the house, which he hauled from his family's home in Traverse City and has parked up on a lot belonging to a local landowner, who will provide him with water and some other amenities.

He has kept the exact location of the lot secret because of ambiguous local housing laws - which could see his tiny dwelling land him the wrong side of the authorities.

Cerk told the Ann Arbor News: 'Around freshman year I didn't enjoy living in the dorms so I wanted to do something different. I started researching different ways to live. I wanted to put all the money that would be going towards rent in Ann Arbor to something else

He added: 'Living off the grid will be interesting because I'm not hooked up to anything, but I think it'll be all right. This is really no difference than a normal house, if that was off the grid. I think most people could (adjust) pretty easily.'

Secret location: Cerk won't say exactly where his home is because ambiguous housing laws could bring him into conflict with local officials

Cerk said he is confident he will be able to live happily in the house - though has expressed some concerns about dealing with the winter cold and summer heat.

He has a propane heater for the winter, but admitted that in the hottest months his best solution is to spend most of his time in air-conditioned buildings on campus.  

Efforts elsewhere to build smaller houses are gaining interest but are pitted against local size rules.

Supporters say the mini-homes are cheaper to build and less costly to maintain. But detractors say they can be fire hazards and may reduce the value of nearby homes and property.

However, tiny-house initiatives to help the homeless have sprouted up in places like Eugene, Oregon; Olympia, Washington; Austin, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; and Huntsville, Alabama. 

Source:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3223702/University-Michigan-student-builds-lives-tiny-house.html

A Very Mobile Home!

Couple who were fed-up with the cost of renting spend £10,000 to create the flat of their dreams – in the back of an old white VAN 

• Adam Croft and partner Nikki Pepperell from Gloucestershire found the cost of renting a home too much to bear 
• Unable to buy a house, the couple spent £3,500 on a Ford Transit Luton van and decided to convert it to a home
• After a year and £6,500-worth of restorations, the couple live in the solar-power van - which even has a shower
• They have also quit their jobs and now plan to go travelling around Europe in the van for at least a year 

Most young couples know how expensive it can be to rent a place to live and to get on the property ladder.

But one pair from Stroud in Gloucestershire have found the perfect home after spending £10,000 converting the inside of the back of an old white van into a place to live.

Adam Croft, 29, and his partner Nikki Pepperell, 32, found the cost of renting just too much to bear and wanted to create the flat of their dreams.

Scroll down for video 

Adam Croft and his girlfriend Nikki Pepperell inside the back of their extra-large transit van they have converted into their new house

The couple spent £6,500 transforming the inside of the van into a home, which comes complete with a kitchen, where the couple can cook their meals 

The pair kneel down to show how their oven works in the converted Ford Transit van, which they bought for £3,500 after being unable to afford rent

Despite being a van and not connect to a mains water supply, the van still has a sink with water, which the couple can use to fill up their kettle 

The small compartment also has a bunk bed for the couple to sleep in and they have already spent several nights in their new home 

So, after being unable to save any money, the couple splashed out on a £3,500 Ford Transit Luton they bought on Ebay.

They then spent the next year converting the van into a place to live, shelling out £6,500 while living with their parents.

Now they have a brand new solar-powered home, complete with a kitchen, shower, toilet and a bedroom.

The van also boasts windows, a porch, new flooring, full insulation and even a sofa to relax on.

The couple have now gave up their office jobs and now intend to spend at least a year travelling across Europe, and possibly may never return.

Mr Croft, who finished the project last week, said: 'The main idea behind it is that we found it far too expensive to rent here.
See video at:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3146971/A-mobile-home-Couple-fed-cost-renting-spend-10-000-create-flat-dreams-old-white-VAN.html#v-4334036496001

As well as a kitchen, the van has a small sofa, where the couple can relax. They also installed brand new flooring and added finishing touches such as cushions and throws 

In order to keep warm in the colder weather the couple have also installed a fire, while in the summer they can open the windows they have also had installed

The couple don't have to go elsewhere to use the bathroom, as the van comes complete with a small toilet and shower cubicle 

Mr Croft, 29, and Miss Pepperell, 32, had become fed-up with the cost of renting and bough the van after wanting to create the flat of their dreams

'It was also so we could go away in the winter without being tied down.

'Pretty much all of our wages were going. At the end of the month, once we had paid for the running of the car and living costs, we wouldn't really be left with anything.

'We were thinking about how we could live without struggling - it was a joint idea.

'It was one of those things we had been talking about. There were a few points when we thought "is this a good idea?"'

The project was kick-started last June when the pair returned from New Zealand and spent a week on a boat in Falmouth, Cornwall.

They were jealous of the freedom their friends had and wanted to do something similar themselves, but knew a boat was out of the question.

Major electrical work had to be carried out on the van in order for the lights and other electrical appliances in the home to work 

Mr Croft and Miss Pepperell spent over a year converting the van, while they lived with the parents, spending £6,500 on the renovations 

The work to fit out the van was carried out by the couple themselves, with them using drills and saws to give the house its wood-effect interior

Short on money, they moved back in with their parents and began working on the van, spending money when they could.

Mr Croft, who owns Cotswold Bells and is a landscape gardener, added: 'We both had a tiny bit of savings.

'We were working and building it in our spare time.

"We did it completely ourselves. I haven't done any building work and it was the first time Nikki had picked up a drill.

'It was just about getting on with it, watching YouTube videos and learning as we went.

A 3D model of the white transit van, which shows how the back of the van is the living, bedroom and kitchen area, while the front is the cab for driving 

The old white transit van cost the couple £3,500 to buy and they have spent a total of £10,000 converting it into a place for them to stay 

'We had a massive struggle because we were doing quite a lot through the winter. We found we had a leak.

'We couldn't get stuff on the roof to cure the leak because it was always raining. We also didn't have a garage to store it in.'

The pair have already spent a few nights in the van but have delayed travelling while they sell off all their belongings.

They are hoping to hit the road in the next two or three weeks and plan to keep a diary of the trip at www.thevandiaries.com.

Source:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3146971/A-mobile-home-Couple-fed-cost-renting-spend-10-000-create-flat-dreams-old-white-VAN.html

Politicians Scramble To Offer Their Homes To Syrian Refugees

SENIOR politicians are scrambling to offer their homes to desperate refugees fleeing war and persecution in Syria.

REUTERS

A migrant carries a child as they wait to board a train after crossing the Macedonian-Greek border

Labour leadership contender Yvette Cooper and Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon have joined thousands of Britons who say they would invite Syrians to live in their homes. 

It comes after Bob Geldof, the Pope and Finland's Prime Minister, Juha Sipila, said they would open their doors in response to the increasingly distressing scenes being seen on beaches across Europe and on the borders. 

Asked if she would join the ranks, Ms Cooper said: "If that is what it took and that is what was needed then of course, I think lots of people would be." 

Ms Sturgeon, meanwhile, said she would "absolutely be happy" to. 

She added: "I have actually been overwhelmed myself over the past few days with messages from people across Scotland saying that they personally would be happy to give a home temporarily or for a longer period of time to somebody fleeing Syria."

But she stressed it would be "part of a bigger wider, or organised approach". 

GETTY

Nicola Sturgeon has said she would welcome refugees into her home

If that is what it took and that is what was needed then of course, I think lots of people would be

Yvette Cooper

Green party leader, Natalie Bennet said: "I only live in a one bedroom flat so I don't think it would be suitable for long term. 

"But if it is necessary, I would be happy to provide them with the living room floor which is the best I can do."

Ordinary people are currently leading the way in responding to the ongoing refugee crisis, with the organiser of one petition calling for volunteers saying she had received more than 2,000 offers in just three days. 

Another online campaign asking landlords to open up properties had last night reached 158 confirmed offers. 

Dr Zoe Fritz, a consultant at Cambridge University Hospital, set up her own database encouraging people to give up a bed to those fleeing war and persecution. 

The mother-of-two said: "My heart has sung at the things people have written. It has been extraordinary the generosity people have had."

Her petition has attracted an outpouring of people wanting to help. 

GETTY

Yvette Cooper has joined thousands of Britons to say she would house a desperate refugee

Mary Quinn of Consett, in County Durham, wrote: "I have spare bedrooms and want to share my home with people who are desperate enough to leave their home behind."

The massive outpouring of public support came after the British Government was accused of not doing enough in the face of a massive humanitarian crisis. 

The world was rocked by images of three-year-old Syrian Aylan Kurdi's lifeless body washed up on the shores of a Turkish beach. 

Speaking after his customary address in Rome, Pope Francis called on every parish, religious community, monastery, and sanctuary in Europe to take in one migrant family.

He said the Vatican would set an example, with two of its parishes each taking in a family of refugees in the coming days. 

AP

Aylan's death has prompted Britain to take in more refugees

Pope Francis said that it was not enough to say "have courage, hang in there" to those marching towards what he described as "life's hope". 

Rocker Geldof, meanwhile, hit out at the British Government's response to the crisis in a foul-mouthed tirade calling it a "f******* disgrace". 

The Boomtown Rats front-end said he would open the doors of his family home in Kent and his flat in Europe to house refugees. 

Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to today set out details of the Government's plans to let thousands of Syrian refugees into Britain. 

His dramatic U-turn - to be detailed in the Commons as MP's return from a summer break - will see Britain take on refugees directly from the camps in the countries bordering Syria. 

Ministers have refused to reveal how many refugees will be allowed into the UK - but some have speculated it could be as high as 10,000. 

Source:- http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/603480/Refugee-migrant-crisis-Syria-politicians-offer-homes-war

I Can’t Sell My House, Can I Rent It Out?

Some people are finding that they can’t sell their current home at the price they want but they still need to relocate.

Most lenders will allow you to rent out your home providing you inform them. Read here how to do it.

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Using a letting agent

You don’t need an agent to let your property to tenants, but it can mean plenty of potential headaches are minimised or even eliminated.  

You'll be charged between 10% and 15% of what you get in rent each month by the agent so don't forget to factor this into your calculations. 

Letting agent services

Most agents offer two types of services: 

Basic service This is a tenant-finding only service. Once you have your tenant, you'll need to manage the property and tenancy and you'll be required to liaise directly with your tenants. 

Full management This includes a full inventory of contents, regular inspections, arranging maintenance inside and out, as well as sorting payments and handling any complaints. It usually costs between 6%-15% of your annual rent. 

Professional agents use a contract. As a landlord you should always read the contract carefully and make sure you're not agreeing to any unreasonable terms or charges or taking on all of the responsibilities.

Tax facts

You will have to declare what you get in rent to the taxman but you can deduct expenses. 

Keep a record of everything you spend which includes letting and management fees as well as the cost of any repairs.

As tax is a complicated issue, it might be best to seek professional advice.

For information on the tax implications of property rental take a look at www.directgov.co.uk

Source:- http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/i-cant-sell-my-house-can-i-rent-it-out

Bedroom Garage Conversion

Converting A Garage Into A Bedroom

Another bedroom can be a really useful addition to any home especially if you have frequent guests or simply not enough bedrooms to give the kids some independence. Whatever the reason converting the garage into a bedroom is a really great idea especially since the conversion will also add value whilst increasing your living space.

Just look a the difference in price between a 3 bedroom house and a 4 bedroom house and you start to get an idea of how much of a financial impact a garage conversion will have. If you still have doubts just give your local estate agent a call and find out what what your home is worth with and without the extra bedroom.

Will A Garage Conversion Add Value?

Absolutely Yes! Converting that garage to make a habitable space is an excellent investment as it will add considerable value to the price of your property. Providing the garage conversion is done to a good standard you are likely to see added value between 12% / 18% which is far more than the cost of the conversion.

If in doubt give your local estate agents a call and ask them what the likely sale price of your property would be with or without a garage conversion.

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Do I Need An Architect Plans For A Garage Conversion?

Another Yes! Many homeowners are confused on whether they need plans for a garage conversion as many conversions do not require planning permission. The fact that a garage conversion falls within permitted development means that you do not require plans for a planning application but you will still need plans for building regulations approval.

Almost all garage conversions require building control approval as they are turning storage into a habitable living space. Some of the areas that will need approval are the new garage roof, the removal of the garage door, new brickwork, window installation, insulation, electrics and in particular the building control surveyor will need to ensure that all the new energy saving regulations are complied with.

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Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garage Conversion?

At least 95% of all garage conversions do not require planning permission. That said, if you live in a conservation area or an area subject to Article 4 legislation you will need to make a planning application.

One other area where you might need a planning application is on new inner city development properties where you may well have a clause in the deeds or lease of the property that stipulates that you must retain the garage because of parking congestion fears.

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Do I Need Building Regulations Approval?

Yes, almost all garage conversions will require building regulations approval. A building notice must be submitted to your local building control office at least 48 hours before the works commence. You will also need to pay the appropriate fee and provide plans for the conversion.

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Should I Get A Lawful Development Certificate For My Garage Conversion?

Lawful development certificates are a slightly contentious issue as in principal you don’t need one providing that you are certain that your garage conversion falls within permitted development. Having said that no one is prepared to give you a cast-iron confirmation that your conversion is in fact legal and when you go to sell your property you will most probably need to be able to prove that the conversion was a legal build.

That being the case, it would probably have been easier to submit a planning application right at the start as a Lawful Development Certificate applications costs more or less the same as a planning application. If you are planning to sell over the next few years and you have already extended or converted your property under the permitted development legislation then you can expect some problems and delays with the sale.

Source:- http://garageconversionssupermarket.com/bedroom/bedroom.html

HAPPI For Hippies: What Sort Of Homes Are Baby Boomers Looking For?

Yep!  I want one of these!

========================

A personal viewpoint written by Julia Park, architect and Head of Housing Research at Levitt Bernstein Architects. Julia is co-author of Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation and passionate about raising housing quality. These thoughts are offered as a personal perspective.

Are we missing something?

Increasing general awareness, boosted by the HAPPI project , is making a huge difference to our attitudes towards housing for older people. Extra Care has moved on in leaps and bounds over the last five years but for me, and many other 50-75 year olds, it still doesn't feel like the answer. Something is missing.

Today's younger olds are the hippie generation - it's not immediately obvious - we're not wafting around in long, floral dresses or tie-dye tee-shirts and sandals - in fact we're more likely to have been wearing a business suit for the last thirty years, but we maintain many of the values and aspirations that shaped our lives, and we know what we like. The problem is that when it comes to housing, we can't find it.

Levitt Bernstein is keen to work with others to explore this gap in the market. We want to develop (virtually and physically!) a housing model which appeals to these sociable, active and creative getting-olders who appreciate style and quality, care about others and the environment, but above all, want to continue to have a good time.

What does this housing look like?

It's certainly contemporary and it's also stylish, but not flashy or opulent. Materials and finishes are natural and neutral, (bamboo flooring, wool, cotton and linen fabrics, low VOCs paint etc.), bathrooms are big and beautiful (for pampering now and the wheelchair later) and kitchens are sociable spaces (designed for foodies and their friends). There's space for hobbies (his and hers, hers and hers, or his and his) and plenty of storage - even a 'wine cellar'. The spaces are interesting three-dimensionally; flexible and open plan but with some sliding walls and plenty of light. Great soundproofing is a must because all the neighbours party too.

We're talking more urban than rural so it's likely to be a flat or duplex with a large, private balcony or roof terrace in a group of say 20-35. Well insulated and with renewable energy technology and under-floor heating. It goes without saying that everything is wheelchair friendly and there's at least one lift (though most prefer to use the stairs...).

What goes with it?

There is no 'hotel reception desk' and not much communal space. There probably is a small 'fitness suite' (more yoga than treadmill), possibly with a sauna, and there's definitely a party room with a kitchen, big table and access to outdoor space. There's a small, furnished flat for overnight visitors - up to five free nights a year and after that, you pay, or they take their chances outside in the tepee. There's play equipment, a buggy, high chair and travel cot (to borrow for visiting grandchildren) and maybe a recording space/practice room too. But absolutely not a hairdressing room or assisted bathroom thank you. We'll get by with a little help from our friends - and friends are why this works.

You'll find some car parking and maybe a car-club. Good cycle storage, space for a couple of Harley Davidsons and basement storage for bulky things that we're not ready to part with. Designed as a live/work environment (definitely in that order) so there are a few studios to rent if you're still coming to terms with retirement. One or two largish 'workshop style spaces' suitable for painting, pottery, wood-carving etc. and the rest about 10m2 (the size of a spare bedroom) - perfect for desk-based work, sewing, book-binding and the other lovely things that we yearn to do but haven't for the last 30 years... These are grouped (around a light well maybe?) with a shared loo and tea-point (or close to the party room) and designed to be convertible to an extra flat or two if take-up is low. We'll do life-drawing, watch films, have a book club and drink a bit more than we should.

Outside space is shared and so is the gardening. You'll find another big table, a barbeque and deckchairs - maybe a hammock for those with a point to prove and the tepee. Trees, bat boxes, a veggie patch (oodles of rocket and beetroot) and a shed. Planting is more miscanthus than marigold and the ethos more organic than organised.

Who lives there?

A complete mix of working, partly-working and not-working singles and couples. The sixties weren't about long-term commitment so expect a number of divorcees. Interesting, fairly affluent, and left of centre; the sort of people who believe they'll never grown up, but know only too well that they will grow old.

And that's the point - we don't mind losing our hair as long as we don't lose our identity.

What's stopping us?

Co-housing is the obvious vehicle but it's hard work and not everyone lasts the course. Before you know it there's a 'steering group' (because democracy and decision-making rarely go together) a 'project leader' (because someone needs the final say) a 'secretary' (because memories aren't what they used to be) and so on. Suddenly it all starts to feel a lot less like fun and still not a JCB in sight.

Better therefore to find a developer and a design team who get it and are prepared to take a bit of a risk.

Aside from the very real practical issues of finding the land, raising the cash and getting planning permission, two big questions are among the biggest barriers. The first is deciding what to call this housing; the second is deciding whether or not to set an age limit - and, if so, what it should be. These are not unrelated and both have an emotional/psychological effect as well as planning implications. In a world that seems obsessed with 'branding', do we actually want our home to have a label or our lifestyle summed up in a catchy strapline? Does an age constraint put off more people than it attracts? Would a modest discount for the over 50s be helpful or exemption from stamp duty? It would certainly do no harm but it would be nice to think that if the product is right, the right people will buy it.

One final, selfish thought. I love being an architect but we do spend our lives honing our skills to please other people and swallowing the compromises that often implies as gracefully as we can. Just for once, perhaps all we need to do is become our own client - design for our 'older selves' and trust that there are enough people out there who want the same thing. I'm fairly sure there are.

Source:- http://www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/type/resource/?cid=9568