Energy Concrete Structures, Eco Block Distributor
Email Jerry Cox 828-361-2757
Georgia Mountain Concrete
Email Brian Schmitz 706-897-0180
Just Wood Timber Frames, Timber Framing Expert
Email Jason 770-294-1703
Mountain House Plans by Richard C. MacCrea
Email Richard C. MacCrea 706-745-7550
Pella Window & Door Company of Georgia
Email the Pella Store 706-745-0688
ISG Resources, Inc.
Did you know that a recent study showed that the construction, operation,
This home is a culmination of years of research and planning.
We rethought all the preconceived opinions of the "mountain style home" and came up with some unique ideas.
For energy efficiency we provided a solar space.
The low winter sun heats up this two story glass room.
As the air heats up and rises, it will enter the upper level of the home.
This creates a cycle of air drawing the warmth through the entire home.
The plan was designed for this air to flow through every room before returning to the lower level of the solar glass room.
To protect our home from the winter wind, we bermed the north, east, and west sides of the home with earth.
This also keeps the home cooler in the summer.
To keep the warmth in the house, we used super insulated ICF walls provided by Energy Concrete Structures . (A web page showing information and photos of these walls). We will also save energy with high quality windows.
We even insulated the concrete floor to keep it warmer in the winter.
In the summer, the home will be naturally cooled by opening windows near the peak of the high ceiling to let out the heat.
To reduce construction costs, we reduced the size of the home.
Many homes have a lot of wasted space.
We carefully planned each room looking for ways to save space without making them feel small.
One of our solutions was to build in every piece of furniture.
We also used built in shelving for many of the walls.
This allowed us to eliminate some of the furniture.
Another way we reduced construction costs was by using locally harvested lumber, much of it from the trees we cleared for the home.
Instead of purchasing expensive trim, we purchased tools to make our own.
To save on flooring costs without sacrificing quality, we chose acid stained concrete.
We also wanted to set a good example in environmental conservation.
We don't like seeing our mountains being ruined with poorly designed homes.
Instead of planting grass, we will have wildflowers.
They only need mowing once a year in the autumn.
We planned a very small, private garden space outside the glass room.
This will include a water feature, a small patio, and a terraced flower garden.
We can afford to splurge on this area because it is small.
Placing the garden around the glass room adds to the living space and provides a beautiful view.
The rest of the landscaping is from native shrubs and trees, except for the herb garden, some berry bushes and grape vines.
We planned the home to save as many trees as possible.
Excavation was kept to a minimum to prevent erosion.
Water runoff from the roof will keep the garden pond filled and provide water for the plants.
Materials were carefully selected that have less environmental impact in their manufacture, and in our home.
The walls will be covered with homemade lime plaster tinted with ochre.
The woodwork is made on site from locally harvested lumber, finished with a hand rubbed tung oil finish.
Some of these materials are less costly, more durable, and far more beautiful.
By careful planning we were able to design all of these features into our home without giving up anything we want.
We feel that huge private bathrooms and bedrooms do not promote family togetherness.
So we put the emphasis on the living areas.
While the areas are small, they are more personal and comfortable.
We planned this home to be very energy efficient, and greatly reduce the harm to our environement.
But we did not have to give up anything to achieve this.
We feel that these ideas have made this home better, more livable, even more beautiful.
Floor Plan, upper level
Would you like to see this home under construction?
For a written proposal, including the cost of plans, make a free, no obligation appointment.
How to Contact The Mountain Home Show
Appreciation......
This web site contains information obtained from various sources.
The Mountain Home Show is not liable for the accuracy of this information.
Please contact the source of this information with your questions.
and maintenance of buildings is the largest source of pollution on earth?
Even if you are not concerned with the environment,
surely the increase in costs of electricity, heating fuel, and building materials has your attention.
Wood sheathing, metal, and concrete have all seen large increases in price.
Are there ways to save on materials costs, reduce heating and air conditioning expenses,
have less of an impact on the environment, while building with better quality?
You might feel that you would have to give up too much to meet these goals.
We decided to test this idea by building a model home designed for the mountains.
It is an experiment in extreme energy efficiency, economical construction, and environmental conservation.
All of this in a very interesting home that combines natural materials with a design that is modern and natural.
Floor Plan, lower level
Come to the next Mountain Home Show, and you will get an invitation to our open house.
For more informaiton, click on the link to "Detailed information about the home show."
If you are interested in building, you may also be able to make an appointment to visit.
Click on "Email Richard" to make an appointment.
Or perhaps you would like to observe the construction of this home on line.
Click on "Construction Diary."
You are welcome to visit often as we continually update it.
New Homes I have Designed
Remodeling Projects I have Designed.
My Procedures for Designing and Planning
Richard C. MacCrea
Home Planner
Email Richard
P.O. Box 446, Murphy, North Carolina 28906-0446
(828) 837-5787
Other Pages on this Web Site
The Mountain Home Show, Home Page and Site Map (How to find what you're looking for)
Detailed information about the home show (For guests and exhibitors)
Articles (About designing, building and remodeling a mountain home)
The Mountain Model Home (An experimental home that is extremely energy efficient)
The Mountain Model Cabin (A very small mountain cabin designed to sleep four comfortably)
Construction Diary (The joys and frustrations of building these two model homes)
Home Designing and Planning (How to get great plans for building or remodeling your home)
Email Us (Questions about The Mountain Home Show or Your Mountain Home Project)
The Mountain Home Show, P.O. Box 446, Murphy, North Carolina 28906-0446
The Mountain Home Show owes its success to the businesses that participate in the show. They arrange such wonderful exhibits. It is obvious that they take great pride in their work and our show.