Links we’ve found helpful during our build.

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structural

How to calculate load bearing beams:
https://www.hunker.com/12484662/how-to-calculate-load-bearing-beams

Rafter span calculator:
https://awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software/spancalc

National Design specifications for wood construction:
https://www.awc.org/pdf/codes-standards/publications/nds/AWC-NDS2015-ViewOnly-1411.pdf

 The Shelf Sagulator:
(An extremely cool tool for determining how thin your shelving can be without sagging)
https://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/

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material weights

Good table of plywood weights:
https://www.inchcalculator.com/how-much-does-plywood-weigh

Good table of framing lumber weights:
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/green-kiln-dried-pressure-treated-lumber-weights-d_1860.htm

Table various building materials weights:
http://demolitionforum.com/material-weights

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embodied energy

Good article on embodied energy:
https://www.pmcarchitects.com/sustainability-content-paul-mcalister-architects/your-carbon-budget-understanding-embodied-energy

Takeaways:

  • Only 5-10% of a homes total lifetime energy consumption is embodied energy
  • Longevity of a structure is the biggest factor in reducing embodied energy
  • Increased thermal performance can rapidly offset high embodied energy

Another article on embodied energy:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/all-about-embodied-energy

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r-values and insulation

Excellent resource on avoiding global warming impact of insulation:
https://www.buildinggreen.com/news-article/avoiding-global-warming-impact-insulation

Excellent article on whole wall R-values:
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2017/07/10/closed-cell-foam-studs-waste

R-values of common building materials:
http://www.coloradoenergy.org/procorner/stuff/r-values.htm

How compressing insulation changes R-value:
https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Compressed_R_values.pdf

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 rain screen + siding

Rain Screen installation:
https://hammerandhand.com/best-practices/manual/4-rain-screens/

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doors + windows

Choosing window flashing:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-backyard-test-of-peel-and-stick-flashings

Good French door install video:
https://youtu.be/Gr46nuFA1Bw

Marvin coating comparison tool:
https://www.marvin.com/support/energy-data

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plumbing

Environmental and economic life cycle assessment of PEX and copper plumbing systems:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305823758_Environmental_and_economic_life_cycle_assessment_of_PEX_and_copper_plumbing_systems_A_case_study

PEX or Copper: Which is more sustainable?
https://www.phcppros.com/articles/158-pex-or-copper-which-is-more-sustainable

Comparison of PEX and Copper for Potable Water Piping:
https://bacwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BAPPG-Technical-Memo-Copper-vs-PEX-25June2014.pdf

Good view of a pumped tank system:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZl5iefn9bQ

Video with excellent links for on/off grid tiny house plumbing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGKLy1gPmg

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solar

The basic idea for the thermosyphon solar hot water system is here, sizing recommendations seem accurate:
http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/solar-hot-water/flat-plate-collector.htm

Solar hot water resource:
https://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/waterheaters-figures.html

20 sq ft flat plate collector suppliers:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/titanpowerplussu2-solar-flat-plate-collector-p-501608.html 
https://nlsolarheating.solartubs.com

Build it solar, a giant mess of great information:
https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/Components.htm#Storage

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wood fired hot water

The most reputable wood fired water jacket system is the Axeman’s Fire Flue
http://www.axeman-fireflue.com

There appears to be an Amish knockoff of the axeman’s fireflue:
http://woodstoves.co/141-fire-flue-water-heater.html

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wood stove

Tiny wood stove:
https://www.tinywoodstove.com

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