It includes a lot of detail, including materials lists and panel attachment.

There is a wall down the center to support the ceiling/loft floor. It’s open on the window (solar) side using a built-up post and beam to allow a more open floor plan.

I’m open to any panel attachment ideas. I’ve got 5 methods on mind now that I will include in the plans so the builder can choose. I think one of them is similar to what you’re suggesting (SIP connectors).

It will be insulated. Good thinking on the reflective foil insulation.

Thanks for the good thoughts. It’s really great to have this level of input from the community. More heads are better than one.

For your 16′ x 16′ design how are you dealing with the support for the second floor? Without seeing the full framework I can not tell. It seems like the way your layout is setup that you would have to be spanning 16′ with the floor joists of the second level which is pretty far if you are just using 4×4 framing.

How are you dealing with fastening your panels together? They seem to be sheathed on both sides which makes it hard to attach them together with simple bolts unless the sheathing is removable. There are types of fasteners that can be used to attach closed panels together but they would add somewhat more to the costs of the structure than simple bolts would. One fairly simple approach is to use ordinary door hinges at the joints and attach the panels by inserting the pins into the hinges. You have to be pretty careful with the alignment of the hinges when the panels are built though. Please let me know if you want some information about sources of blind fasteners for panels.

Are you anticipating adding insulation to your panels? If these will be used primarily in a hot climate I would suggest that you consider using reflective foil insulation. This should be very effective at blocking radiant energy from the sun. If you are not planning to add insulation then I suggest that you consider leaving off the inner sheathing. This will save money, make the panels lighter for moving and will allow easier assembly with bolts.

Malcolm

I’m drawn to the idea of clusters that could be “connected” or even quickly reconfigured by adding/swapping panels. Obviously quite a few issues to be worked out, but glad to see someone else thinking about panelized construction (and yes – 4×8 is the way to go…).