mufutau55: Will surely ask and look around in Home Depot. But all I see is the mortar being used here too on hollow blocks...
Hajji M.
The attached brief video illustrates how hollow blocks are laid neatly and efficiently (mortar-wise), using a common trowel. It boils down to training and appropriate compensation for highly skilled block layers. This reminds me of the reasons why Togolese are deemed exceptionally good on plastering, tile-work, etc. Sometimes, it ain't the quality of the hammer, but the skill of the carpenter that creates shabby results.
pranil: The separate charge controller and inverter might allow you to have higher rating on either charge controller or inverter than possible in hybrid say 60 amp charge controller but 8 kw inverter . Also they are likely to be more durable individually due to long history of development and heat dissipation
personally I prefer the Hybrid as they are invariably smarter with PC monitoring , generator start control , software settings etc. .Also Most of them can be stacked or paralleled so you can increase your rating both on load side and connect different solar strings ( makes , watts) to the same battery
Personally I am using two hybrid inverters powering two circuits one inverter runs 1000 watt powering only electronics and sensitive application ( runs like giant UPS) and takes the battery and solar inputs but never charges battery or is NOT connected to generator input. The other inverter runs on 1200 Watt solar but runs my waterpump .and two AC's plus non sensitive loads like compound lighting . This inverter is in appliance mode shifting to grid or generator whenever available and simultaneously charging batteries. Both are connected to the same battery bank . so One inverter is essentially supplying the DC power through the battery bank whenever the grid or generator is running
without smart hybrid inverter such setup is impossible . Thsi allowed me to get rid of all the small UPS in the house essentially saving 200-300 watt load
wbr
Anil
Would you mind sharing the brand and model you chose for your setup. Thanks.
EgunMogaji: I think higher than 9 inches but I'm 8,000 miles away.
Thank you for the compliment on the design. I'm going back to old school. It's not even about USA, many of the old houses from colonial era, which I admire, have these vents.
I am bit closer to home, ATL vs Cali!!!! Our pre-war home in P.H. had those vented wooden windows!!! US homes with the standard wood frame readily allow for the duct work for central AC and whole house fans, especially for multi floor houses. My challenge on the ongoing design of my village duplex is how to cost-effectively incorporate HVAC ducts for the ground floor beneath a concrete decking. The same challenge affects adoption of central AC at home, even if we had "normal" electricity supply. Any ideas on the whole house fan for a duplex?
EgunMogaji: I'll just tell you the design that I have for my garage apartment.
The ceiling is 12 coaches high which is about 12 feet, that's pretty high. I'm not using POP so I'll loose very minimal height for the actual finished ceiling. Heat trap will not be an issue because there will be a solar powered whole house fan that vents directly into the attic. There will be two gable vents on either side of the attic wall where the hot air should naturally escape.
I'm also using casement windows that have projections at the top. These type of window will allow me to at least crack open the projected windows during inclement weather or at night. That in conjunction with the whole house fan will make sure that air is moved throughout the house.
You should go for whatever design, style that floats your boat. It's your house and you won't be asking anybody to finance it. If you get a good Architect and a builder that doesn't think he knows what you need more than you then you'll be okay.
Costwise, windows design is the same price, whole house fan is maybe $150 and gable vents can be constructed by local artisan. I talked to my local welder and he thinks he can make the whole house fan. My stuff might look expensive but they really aren't. I just have a knack to thinking outside of the box, and I take my sweet time.
Edit:
Picture of installer with window is from Nairaland, and not my own picture.
I thought that 12 coaches of 9 inch blocks is 9 ft. I really admire your idea of whole house fan and attic venting. I hardly see gable vents on our newer home designs.
Here are the components of polystyrene 1. Polystyrene fascia 2. Head beam ( you need it with or without the polystyrene, so I don't add the cost to the total cost of the job).
For the polystyrene, there are different sizes and design. the beauty of this is you can take your design to their company for production. We have 250 x 250mm which cost about N2,800/m We have 450 x 450mm which cost about N4,500/m And you can ask for special production which cost less. Note: I normally ask for special production which cost less.
You will need binding wires Pay for installation.
For a bungalow, 250 mm x 250mm is adequate For a duplex 450mm x 450mm is adequate For a taller building 600mm x 450mm is ideal.
Major cost are : Cost of polystyrene Cost of installation Cost of transportation
For a typical project (minus) head beam 4200 + 1000 + 350 = N5,550
Assuming your building has a perimeter of 100m, then it will cost you N5,55, 000 (excluding head beam).
Thanks for advancing our understanding of this alternative. Those of us who are not keen on a "concrete necklace" parapet may find the illustrative cost of polystyrene very attractive. For our further education, would you mind highlighting any potential benefits in the structural design/cost of a house that has this lighter fascia. In other words: any significant cost savings on load bearing structures such as columns, slabs and beams when using polystyrene vs concrete "necklace"? Thanks again!
mufutau55: If you have enough pillars on the building and the precast is hanged well for you then it will be safe and the least cost. I did the cost comparison and mine was not small... Contact Abdulwastecx to help you with cost comparison. if the cost difference is minimal then it's a very good idea and lightweight. I actually love it.
Hajji M.
Would you kindly share your cost comparison? Thanks.
Polystyrene fascia is cheaper than insitu cast concrete fascia (paraper) by almost 30% to 40%. It is faster to install and construction is neater. Light advantage is another major importance.
As for other structural use, like polystyrene rib in ribbed slab construction, it is a good thing to use for suspended floor in residential houses, hotel, school etc. It is cheaper than concrete slab and also faster. It also contribute much less load to other structural members like beam and colum
I sent you a message on Whatsapp and will call you soon. Regards.
danny34: THANK U 3STRIKE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR U, FOR THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE....................HOPE WE CAN DO IT AGAIN............... THANKS....................THANKS....................THANKS.................
DO YOU HAVE A PAINTING NEED? WE ARE THE RIGHT ONE FOR U WE ARE GOOD AT WHAT WE DO.............WE ARE AFFORDABLE..................WE ARE ONE CALL AWAY............. WE ARE DANNYPAINTERS......................
I greatly admire your outstanding neat job on this project and will contact you in due time on my upcoming project near Enugu. Well done!
abdulwastecx: I am still on the polystyrene fascia I will be highlighting all the important things or activity to carried out for those that will like to use this method for their future work.
Polystyrene comes in three meters each apart from the ridge or Valley. All other part comes in three meters.
Polystyrene is measured in linear meters and not per meter square.
Polystyrene can be bought in standard size of 450mm x 450mm or 300mm x 300mm. It can also be made on special order.
The 450mm x 450mm goes for around N4,500 While 300mm x 300mm is sold for N2600
The polystyrene also comes with a special cement used to join the point of contact between polystyrene.
I have wondered why most are not embracing polystyrene as an alternative material for parapets, window and door dressing, decking etc. I am planning a project and would like to identify where and how to efficiently and effectively use polystyrene. How does the total cost of the fascia compare to concrete parapet? Also, how can I contact you to discuss possible involvement in my project.
spyder880: The side, please note that the frontal block columns were left un-plastered for a reason, so we can do some stone works design on it..........
Nna, I have been following your various projects since last year. Congrats on your great work; thanks for all the lessons. I live abroad and have engaged an architect in Enugu to design a duplex to be built at my ancestral compound at Obe (along 4-Corners to Agbani Rd). As part of my design input, I need to indicate the dimensions of the single, double and decorative-fixed Windows. I am torn between this our new Nkanu house and the ones used on the "Port Harcourt Mansion"below: https://www.nairaland.com/attachments/2981591_20150902234537_jpeg041a0abfe6aadee5bebec69582308f6c
Would you be kind enough to tell me the dimensions of the Windows for the P.H. Mansion (including the tall decorative front window)and our ongoing "Spyder-Nkanu Mansion"? Keep up the blessed work. Joel
Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by Juokorow(m): 9:36pm On Jun 15, 2016
