Do you provide brochures?
What are the prices for the plans?
Can I view a PyramoduleTM?
What materials can be used for the exterior and interior walls?
Do you have any interior photos?
Is the interior's natural lighting sufficient?
What are the window size
options?
Can skylights be installed?
Why is the maximum sized module only 20x20?
What vendors do you recommend for ordering materials?
How difficult is it to have vendors supply the materials required?
Can a deck or porch be installed?
Can one module be built and others added later?
Can you tell me about the dormer shown in the photo on your website?
What is the square footage of the modules?
What are the estimates of the cost per square foot?
Are these plans difficult to get approved at the building department?
What do you suggest as far as labor...should we hire a contractor?
What are the requirements for insulation?
Can we add other features and/or utilities to the design?
How is this different from a geodesic dome?
Can the loft be eliminated?
Can this structure be built on a concrete foundation?
What are the interior heights of each of the interior roof peaks?
How practical is this structure in sub-zero Northern climes?
How does the insulation and in-wall 'breathing' work in the angular
wall shape of this design?
How accurate are your cost estimates?
What are the dimensions of useable space in the loft for the three
sizes? And how much room is there to stand up in the loft for each of the sizes?
Is it possible to increase the size of the modules up to 30x30 or even 40x40?
Can one effectively use solar thermal mass heating?
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Q. Can you send us any brochures or drawings with
more information?
A. We no longer provide brochures, in order to keep down costs and overhead,
enabling us in turn to provide inexpensive building plans and manuals. Therefore,
all the information you should need is on our website. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email Wildwood Design Co.
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Q. What are the prices of the plans?
A. The prices for the plans and building manual(s) [for the Single or Clustered PyramodulesTM] are shown in the boxes on our Order Page.
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Q. Are there any existing structures built near-by
that I can visit?
A. Respecting the privacy of our clients, we cannot give out any information
as to the whereabouts of existing structures built. The only ones that can be
viewed are singular units (the two prototypes shown in the website) built in
Quebec, Canada (approx 60 miles west of Ottawa). Directions can be provided upon request.
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Q.What materials can be used for the exterior and interior walls?
A. Exterior: we call for 1x tongue and groove planking (plywood can also be used; however, it's more labor intensive as well as creates considerable waste of material), with either wood [cedar] shakes or shingles, or asphalt or fiberglass-impregnated asphalt shingles. However, a metal (aluminum alloy) roof can also be installed [over the sheathing base of the planks or plywood].
Interior: we call for drywall (a.k.a. gypsum board, sheetrock, or plaster board); however, t&g planks can also be used.
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Q. Do you have any interior photos?
A. We've taken numerous pictures of the interior, attempting to capture what
amounts to being the greatest asset of this design [in terms of aesthetics as
well as spaciousness and lighting], to no avail... which is why they aren't
shown on the website. This was the main reason that prompted us to have a model
built, where we could manipulate the lighting enough to give a better idea of
the interior.
See: Graphics
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Q. I would like to know more information about window
options, specifically skylights, as I am concerned that there is not enough
light inside.
A. Any or all of each of the windows on the three sides can be as large as the
following, pertaining to the three sizes of modules available:
6'-4" wide by 4' high (6'-8" high for glass storm door) opening for the
20x20 module.
5'-2" wide by 4' high (6'-8" high for glass storm door) opening for the 16x16
module.
4'-6" wide by 4' high (6'-8" high for glass storm door) opening for the 14x14
module.
Skylight(s) can be readily installed on any of the four sloping roof 'panels'
near the peak, as well as near either or both of the lower areas of the 'panels'--of course,
following the manufacturer's recommendations for installation.
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Q.Why is the maximum sized module only 20x20?
A. First and foremost because a larger module would require more than one person to build throughout most of the process; whereas a 20x20 only requires the help of a second person for about 5 to 8 hours. Secondly because the dimensions of the design, due to the angular walls,
are in all cases 6'9" larger [at the widest point] than the nominal sizes. (For example,
the 20x20 module is actually 26'9" x 26'9"...where the angular space gained provides for
installation of various utilities, such as refrigerator, sinks, seating, and furniture,
which frees-up otherwise occupied floor space.) The size of a 20x20 module is therefore much larger than one would imagine; where if any bigger it would lose the aesthetic feel of a modular design. Also, it looks much larger than it
really is, by virtue of an optical illusion created by the angular wall space. And this is the case when viewing from the exterior as well as the interior.
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Q. Do you have vendors that you recommend for the
ordering of materials?
A. Your local building supply outlets, such as Home Depot or Builders' Square
are recommended.
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Q. How difficult is it to have vendors supply per
specifications of the design?
A. All sizes provided are standard; some however aren't in stock in all building
supply outlets, and need to be ordered. Regarding the purchase of lumber, we
furnish a complete materials list for placing your order with your local lumber
yard. For your convenience, included in the List are the nominal sizes, lengths,
and quantities required, as well as the exact lengths you would
need to cut them to.)
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Q. We are also interested in having a deck or porch
attached to the house.
A. A deck or decks can be readily built, attached to the structure. The heights
vary with the terrain, but they can be estimated from 2'-0" to 4'-6" above the ground
(if the deck is level with the finished floor).
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Q. If we buy plans for multiple connected modules
can those plans be used to build only one module initially and the second added
later?
A. Yes, the plans were specifically designed and organized for that. Future
module(s) can always be added.
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Q. One of the pictures on the web site shows a small
dormer on top of the roof. Can you tell me anything about this? Is it a window
above a loft area?
A. Yes, it's exactly that. And it's a simple procedure to add on by anyone with
moderate building skills, as well as likely for even a layperson after their experience
gained in the construction process.
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Q. What is the square footage of the modules, including
the loft bedroom?
A. Note that the floor space calculated for the PyramoduleTM has to account for the
additional space gained in the angular walls, which can be used for seating,
counterspace, shelving, etc. For example, the 20x20 unit (which nominally represents
the [flat] floor space dimensions) is calculated as 23'0" by 23'0", whereas
the actual width is 26'3" x 26'3" at the widest point. Therefore, for calculation
purposes, the width is being estimated as 23'0" x 23'0" (which is the average
between the two sizes). (Note: for code estimates, the loft space usually cannot
be factored into the square footage required, due to stand-up heights available in the design.)
20x20
first floor: 23'0" x 23'0" = 529 s.f.
loft floor: 10'0" x 16'0" = 160 s.f. (total)
4'6" x 7'0" = 31'6" (at 6' height clear)
16x16
first floor: 19'0" x 19'0" = 361 s.f.
loft floor: 8'0" x 12'0" = 96 s.f. (total)
14x14
first floor: 17'0" x 17'0" = 289 s.f.
loft floor: 7'0" x 10'0" = 70 s.f.
hallway (generic): 10'0" x 5'6" = 55 s.f.
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Q. Can you give me an estimate of the cost per square
foot? Say for a 1700 square foot structure.
A. The following estimates are for materials only, and not the labor, since
this is a do-it-yourself project. The additional costs of labor can vary considerably.
A ballpark figure would be approx three and a half times the amounts shown.
nominal 14 x 14 = $15/sq ft
nominal 16 x 16 = $12.50/sq ft
nominal 20 x 20 = $9.00/sq ft
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Q. How often have building departments rejected these
plans and for what reasons?
A. Only 2 out of the 84 sets of plans we sold to date
(7/30/02) had problems at all, both of which were resolved. One was regarding the building inspector asking
our client to submit stress calculations for wind and snow loads, which was done by an engineer licensed in
their state (note: these cannot be universally furnished, due to each state requiring their own licensed
engineer to submit such calculations. Also note, each state's requirements varies, and are also at the discretion of the building inspector). If in
the event the plans are ultimately rejected by your local building department, please see our return policy below.
90 Day Money Back Guarantee
It is our policy to provide a money back guarantee (minus $25 for
shipping/handling/processing fees for each unit ordered) if the plans
and specifications are for any reason rejected by the client's local
building department. Proof of same must be submitted to us in the
form of a signed document by the building official, stating the
reason(s) for its rejection.
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Q. What do you suggest as far as labor in the building
one of these structures? Or should we hire a contractor?
A. You have three options:
1. You can either hire a construction company;
2. You can oversee/supervise the construction, using subcontractors; or
3. Do it yourself (since only minimal carpentry skills are needed,
considering the detailed instructions we provide are geared
to a layperson and not a trade professional).
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Q. What are the options and requirements for insulation?
A. The lumber sizes specified in the structure can accommodate R-19 to R-30
fiberglass batt insulation in the roof and floor, with R-11 to R-19 in the walls,
where R-30 and R-19 are recommended for colder climates, respectively. However,
if your area requires higher factors, you can easily substitute wider sized
lumber to suit. In this way you can achieve R-40 with fiberglass batts in the
walls, and up to R-60 in the roof if needed, with a combination of batts and
polyurethane boards [using 2x8 roof rafters in place of the 2x6's, for example].
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Q. If in a PyramoduleTM Home (i.e. a Clustered 20x20
with a 14x14), can we add two lavatories to the master bath? Also, can
we add two walk-in closets, a shower and a tub to the master bath?
A. Yes to all. The nature of this design allows extraordinary flexibility. Your
imagination is literally the limit!
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Q. We have been inside of a geodesic dome. How is
this different?
A. First, and most importantly, the dome is far more difficult to build. Also, the interior is less functional due
to the circular shape. There's also a significant waste of material in comparison
to the PyramoduleTM.
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Q. Is it necessary to have the loft for structural
integrity, or can it be safely omitted?
A. No. However, you can omit the loft floor itself, as well as most of the loft
joists (a minimum of three are required for structural integrity).
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Q. Are detailed foundation plans included? Do you
provide the option for building on foundation walls or on a slab-on-grade?
A. We provide details for pressure-treated wood foundation posts. However, concrete piers in the form of sonotubes
[cylindrical forms that are concrete filled after placed in gound] can also be used, as well as concrete or concrete block foundation
walls. The latter isn't something readily constructed by the layperson, as any
masonry construction requires special skills...so this operation would need
to be subcontracted.
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Q. What is the height of the interior roof
peak in each of the three module sizes?
A. From finished floor to finished ceiling [at the peak], the heights are:
20x20 module = 15'-4"
16x16 module = 14'-2"
14x14 module = 13'-0"
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Q. How practical is this structure in sub-zero Northern
climes?
A. Very. The two prototypes, as shown on the website, were built in Quebec,
Canada, where it's not uncommon to experience 40F below zero cold snaps lasting
an average of 2 weeks every winter.
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Q. How do you go about insulating the vast roof expanse,
providing for soffit ventilation, etc?
A. The soffit is non-existent of course, so there is a provision for a continuous
in-wall air cavity wrapping around the angular walls with openings at the conjunction
of the walls with the floor [at the base], and at the conjunction of the roof 'panels' with the ridge cap [at the top].
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Q. Have your cost estimates been pretty accurate?
A. Yes, within the margin of 15% of the estimate given on our website. We've
had no complaints indicating otherwise. (Many find these figures hard to believe.
The fact is that the cost of labor and various subcontracting costs represent the major expense
involved in residential construction--or any type of construction, for that matter!)
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Q. What are the dimensions of useable space in the
loft for the three sizes? And how much room is there to stand-up in the loft
for each of the sizes?
A. The loft's floor space in the 20x20 unit is approx 198 sq. ft. (11x18). The
actual stand-up space is approx 4'0" x 6'0" with a minimum of 6'2"
clear height, whereupon [beyond the 4x6 space] it tapers down. For example,
a queen-sized mattress (preferably a futon) will fit or a twin-sized bed.
Each with a night table on one side and small closet on the other.
The loft space for the 16x16 unit will accommodate a twin-sized mattress
(preferably a futon) and a night table. The actual stand-up space is approx
1'0" wide x 2'0" long with a minimum of 6'2" clear height.
The loft space for the 14x14 unit will accommodate a single-sized mattress
(preferably a futon) and a night table. There is no stand-up space above 5'10".
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Q. Is it possible to increase the size of the modules
up to 30x30 or even 40x40?
A. Larger PyramodulesTM can be readily designed and built; however, the main
reason we don't offer such is the upscaled labor involved for a layperson.
Coincidentally, it would also lose its current modular shape because of the
fixed size of the walls relative to [what would become] a massive roof as a
result of the larger floor space.
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Q. Can one effectively use solar thermal mass heating?
A. The best and most concise info we found on the web is at http://www.epsea.org/mass.html And, yes it
can be incorporated into the PyramoduleTM as the sketch on this website will
show. For example [utilizing (2) clustered 20x20's], you could use a number of skylites on
the south-facing roof of both modules with a masonry fireplace or wood burning
stove in one, with ducts leading to and registering in the adjacent module, which in turn would
also have stone flooring to collect and store the solar heat.
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