Comments on: Small House on Gabriola Island, British Columbia

By: Alex Kupczynski

Alex Kupczynski — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:26:56 +0000

Where can we get complete build plans? Will be building in Northern Wisconsin. Really like the smaller footprint and design. Thank you.

By: Michael Mehta

Michael Mehta — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:56:47 +0000

Hello Kabyetsiza: Thank you for question regarding the selection of building materials. All exterior walls were made from 2X6 wood studs made from regular spruce-pine-fir (SPF). This is probably the most common kind of framing material used in North America, and it relatively inexpensive. Since framed structures of this kind are mostly sealed off inside and out, and there are building code requirements to use house wrap or tar paper behind the siding – rot and termite issues are relatively unproblematic.

By: Kabyetsiza

Kabyetsiza — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:44:50 +0000

Thank you for providing info about your gorgeuos and cost effective house.
In Uganda there are brick structures mainly.What did it take to construct the first floor in terms of timber size/s?
Secondly, what type of timber did you use, and how was the timber treated against fire/termite/rotting prevention?

By: Konstantinos Tolias

Konstantinos Tolias — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:33:04 +0000

Great project! Small houses for big happy living I guess… Good insulation and low-e windows can make this unit provide everything a person could ask in a house (“shelter”). Very nice!
Back to basics, less is more! -I agree!

Konstantinos

By: paula

paula — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:56:15 +0000

I loved the ideas of having a bug window pretty much across the whole wall and a little terrace. I would probably add more windows on the other side too – to get a better view of the beautiful trees that you have in abundance.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:25:26 +0000

Evening Michael,

True that … it is an amazing place. I did a meditation retreat there once a few years ago at the Net Loft.

Thanks for the connection … you never know, I might just take you up on that offer.

Cheers

By: Michael Mehta

Michael Mehta — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:58:16 +0000

Thank you Michael. We do indeed feel very fortunate to have our property on Gabriola Island. It is a stunning place and has a real strong sense of community. If you ever want to make the move here, let me know and I will put you in touch with people who can make it happen.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:59:56 +0000

Hey there Michael,

Thanks for the reply … wow, you did a great job in landing that for sure. House prices are nutty in this area, same up in the Comox Valley.

But in any event I like what you have done, so enjoy it.

Cheers,
Michael

By: Michael Mehta

Michael Mehta — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:35:46 +0000

Hi Michael – thanks for your comments on the cost of building houses on the west coast of Canada. There is no doubt that real estate is expensive out here, and a small house placed in the middle of Saskatchewan or Manitoba would cost considerably less (but then you have to contend with brutal winters). In December 2009 the average house in neighboring Nanaimo sold for $373,000. It’s still possible to buy a .3 acre parcel of land on Gabriola Island for $50K. With my little house costing around $80K plus $20K for a septic field and electrical service, one could put up something like this for $150,000 (less than half of the average for Nanaimo).

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:05:15 +0000

First off, very beautiful … great location and wonderful job on the house.

Second, I do hate to point this out though. Yes, it is a small foot print and yes, it follows sustainable methods, but one thing that is left out is cost. I believe a lot of people would love to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but cost is one of the big factors in doing so.

I live on Vancouver Island, just north of Gabriola and it is expensive. I also have friends that live at Net Loft on Gabriola. To buy land, (especially on an island) and then build from scratch … this takes some deep pockets. So, yes I am all for this and it is beautiful, but just to also make note that this is costly.

Many thanks and enjoy your new flat.