Construction and Materials: 2 Bedroom Round House Plans
Constructing a round house is a unique endeavor that presents both challenges and rewards. The circular form, while aesthetically pleasing, requires careful planning and execution to ensure structural integrity and functionality. This section explores the materials and methods best suited for building a round house, focusing on their durability, cost, and environmental impact.
Building Materials
The choice of building materials significantly impacts the construction process, the overall cost, and the environmental footprint of a round house.
- Wood: A traditional and versatile material, wood offers warmth, natural beauty, and good insulation. However, wood requires proper treatment to prevent decay and insect infestation. Round logs, especially, can be challenging to work with, requiring skilled craftsmanship for precise fitting and joining. Sustainable forestry practices are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of using wood.
- Stone: Stone offers exceptional durability and longevity, making it an excellent choice for round houses in areas with harsh climates. However, stone is a heavy material, requiring a strong foundation and specialized construction techniques. The environmental impact of quarrying and transporting stone should be considered, opting for locally sourced stone whenever possible.
- Concrete: Concrete is a highly versatile and durable material that can be molded into various shapes, making it ideal for round house construction. Concrete offers excellent strength and fire resistance. However, concrete is a resource-intensive material, contributing to carbon emissions during production. Using recycled aggregates and minimizing concrete usage can reduce the environmental impact.
- Straw Bale: A sustainable and eco-friendly option, straw bales offer excellent insulation and can be used for both walls and roofing. Straw bales are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious builders. However, straw bales require careful moisture management to prevent mold and mildew.
- Earth: Earth building techniques, such as rammed earth and cob, offer a sustainable and energy-efficient way to construct round houses. Earth is a readily available and renewable resource, reducing the carbon footprint of the building process. Earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, helping regulate the interior temperature. However, earth building requires specific techniques and expertise, and the construction process can be time-consuming.
Construction Methods
Round houses can be constructed using various methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
- Traditional Techniques: Traditional round house construction methods, often employed for log cabins or stone structures, rely on skilled craftsmanship and time-honored techniques. These methods typically involve hand-hewn materials and meticulous joinery. While these techniques can produce beautiful and durable structures, they require specialized skills and can be labor-intensive.
- Modern Innovations: Modern construction techniques have introduced new materials and methods for building round houses. These innovations often involve prefabricated components, modular construction, and advanced building materials. These techniques can speed up the construction process and reduce labor costs. However, they may compromise the authenticity and traditional character of round houses.
Construction Process
Constructing a round house requires careful planning and execution, especially considering the unique challenges of building a circular structure. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Site Preparation: Clear the construction site, excavate for the foundation, and ensure proper drainage.
- Foundation: The foundation for a round house is crucial for structural stability. Concrete foundations are commonly used, requiring careful formwork to achieve the desired circular shape.
- Framing: The framing of a round house can be achieved using various techniques, including timber framing, steel framing, or prefabricated panels. Circular walls require specialized techniques for connecting framing members and ensuring structural integrity.
- Roofing: The roof of a round house is a key element that requires careful design and construction. Traditional methods often involve a conical roof, while modern techniques may utilize curved or dome-shaped roofs.
- Insulation: Proper insulation is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient round house. Insulation materials can be placed within the walls, roof, and floor, depending on the construction method and climate.
- Finishing: The final step involves finishing the interior and exterior of the round house. This may include plastering, painting, flooring, and installing windows and doors.
Examples of Successful Round House Projects
Many successful round house projects showcase the versatility and beauty of this architectural form.
- The Round House in New Mexico: This iconic round house, built in the 1960s, features a distinctive dome-shaped roof and a circular layout that maximizes natural light and ventilation. The house is constructed of rammed earth, showcasing the sustainable and energy-efficient qualities of this material.
- The Earthship Biotecture in New Mexico: This sustainable dwelling incorporates recycled materials and earth building techniques, creating a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly round house. The Earthship’s design features a circular layout, solar panels for energy generation, and a rainwater harvesting system.
Interior Design and Furnishing
A round house offers a unique opportunity to create a captivating and inviting interior. Its circular layout can be a blank canvas for innovative design ideas, fostering a sense of unity and flow.
Design Tips and Ideas for a Round House Interior
Round houses present a unique set of design challenges and opportunities. The circular layout can create a sense of openness and flow, but it also requires careful consideration of furniture placement and decor.
- Embrace the Circle: Utilize the circular shape to your advantage. Consider using circular rugs, furniture, and lighting fixtures to complement the home’s architecture. Round tables and sofas can also help to create a sense of cohesion and flow.
- Utilize the Center: The center of the house can be a focal point. Place a statement piece of furniture, such as a grand chandelier or a sculptural art piece, to draw the eye and define the space.
- Create Zones: Despite the circular layout, you can still define distinct areas within your home. Use furniture arrangement, rugs, and lighting to create zones for different activities, such as a living area, dining area, and reading nook.
- Incorporate Curves: Embrace the circular theme by incorporating curved furniture and decor. Arched doorways, curved sofas, and rounded mirrors can add a sense of fluidity and elegance.
- Play with Light: Natural light is essential in a round house. Use large windows to maximize light penetration and create a bright and airy atmosphere. Consider adding skylights to further enhance the natural light.
Furniture and Decor Options
The right furniture and decor can enhance the beauty and functionality of a round house.
- Circular Rugs: Circular rugs are an essential element for a round house. They define spaces, create visual interest, and complement the home’s architecture. Choose rugs in different sizes and patterns to create visual depth and interest.
- Curved Sofas and Chairs: Curved sofas and chairs provide a comfortable and inviting seating area. They can be arranged in a variety of configurations to create intimate conversation areas or spacious seating for larger gatherings.
- Round Tables: Round tables are perfect for creating a sense of unity and togetherness. They can be used as dining tables, coffee tables, or even as a central gathering space.
- Arched Doorways: Arched doorways add a touch of elegance and grandeur to a round house. They create a sense of flow and transition between different spaces.
- Curved Mirrors: Curved mirrors can visually expand the space and reflect natural light. They can also be used to create a sense of depth and interest.
Sample Interior Design Plan, 2 bedroom round house plans
Imagine a 2-bedroom round house with a central living area that seamlessly flows into the kitchen and dining space.
- Living Area: The living area is anchored by a plush, curved sofa positioned in the center of the room. A circular rug in a warm, neutral color defines the space and provides a comfortable base for the seating arrangement. A statement chandelier hangs above the sofa, adding a touch of elegance and drama. A fireplace, strategically placed on the wall, provides warmth and a focal point.
- Kitchen and Dining: The kitchen and dining area are seamlessly integrated into the living area. A large, round dining table sits near the kitchen, inviting guests to enjoy meals together. The kitchen features sleek, modern cabinetry with curved countertops and a large island that serves as a prep area and gathering space.
- Bedrooms: Both bedrooms are designed for relaxation and privacy. They feature curved beds, soft lighting, and calming color palettes. Large windows allow natural light to flood the rooms, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Maximizing Space and Creating Flow
Round houses offer a unique opportunity to maximize space and create a sense of flow.
- Open Floor Plan: The circular layout naturally encourages an open floor plan, which can make the space feel larger and more inviting.
- Multifunctional Furniture: Utilize furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage. This helps to maximize space and keep the home clutter-free.
- Light and Color: Light colors and reflective surfaces can make a space feel larger. Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and create a sense of depth.
