This is a project of a low-cost, evolutive, self-buildable bioclimatic house for temperate climates designed to be self-built by phases.
The project at the present state is in three versions, characterized by different relations with the ground: one version (named as A in the Sketchup's Scene list) sits on posts and is detached from the ground, one (named B in the list) sits on a foundation wall and is thermally coupled with the ground, and the last (named C in the list) sits on piers and is thermally coupled with the ground.
This thermal coupling is made possible by a passive air loop the basement (thanks to suitably placed concrete hollow blocks) and improves the thermal performance of the building, both in winter and in summer, since it creates an almost seasonal heat and "coolth" accumulation in the ground, making the thermal function of water bins not required at the ground storey and less required at the upper storey.
Solution B requires a substantial soil excavation on site and solution C just a little. Solution A requires no excavation.
The house is built with wood and its thermal inertia in solution A is mainly produced by water drums.
In the case in which the ground is thermally coupled with the house basement, the water bins may be substituted by a concrete screed at pavement level or may be reduced in number. This would allow a more rational use of space in the rooms.
Each of the three versions of the projects could be realized be one, two or three storeys high.
The project is conceived to require little manual skill, to be durable and to be realized with affordable materials. It is mainly built with wood.
Thermal losses at winter nights are reduced through thermal shades and shutters. Summer shading is pursued through exterior canvases tightened with ropes. Thermal insulation of walls and roof is obtained with non-load bearing straw bales.
The project is going to be modified by the author in the next months to improve its constructability and thermal efficiency.