WikiHouse: Open Source Home Building

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WikiHouse: Open Source Home Building

WikiHouse will be shared via a Creative Commons license for anyone to adapt and improve. A WikiHouse is fabricated from locally sourced plywood cut on a CNC mill from openly shared template files, and assembled with minimal skill by local people.

[Via Ponoko]

28 thoughts on “WikiHouse: Open Source Home Building

  1. ducksauz says:

    While this is a neat project, someone who actually builds houses should probably get involved. They’re using a spacing of 600mm (23.62 inches) between the “studs”. Standard stud spacing is 16 inches on center and most everything in construction is based around that fact. With their spacing, when you went to put up sheetrock and cladding, you’ll constantly be trimming ends to get a sheet to fit.

    1. Mats Engstrom says:

      In Europe, or at least in Sweden, 600mm cc is the standard….

    2. Russell Allen says:

      Actually, the spacing varies between 16 inches “on center” and 24 inches “on center” depending on location and use. Floor joists, and load-bearing walls will be 16 inches, and ceiling joists and non-load-bearing walls will be 24 inches. These are common cost saving measures. You only put the materials and strength where it’s needed. Just like an engineer.

  2. Rahere says:

    But if it is European, they’re breaking the law putting a main power socket next to a major pool of water (the toilet)…plus the plug’s a 110v American.

  3. Rahere says:

    But if it is European, they’re breaking the law putting a main power socket next to a major pool of water (the toilet)…plus the plug’s a 110v American.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Where are these meant to be erected and how are they to be used? Like ducksauz I’m very skeptical of their supports. Interlocking plywood pieces holding up the roof over my head is not something I trust (especially with Canadian snow load!). I’m guessing they are just putting this on a slab on grade? I understand it is a design project, but if you are going to talk about it as a viable home then I would like to see the basis for the decisions they have made.

    1. J. says:

      Use LVL beams for the roof. They’re plywood. :)

  5. Halfvast Conspirator says:

    They need to think about using structural insulated panels, get rid of a lot of the studs and framing, and is more energy efficient.

  6. Halfvast Conspirator says:

    They need to think about using structural insulated panels, get rid of a lot of the studs and framing, and is more energy efficient.

  7. J. says:

    Very little information on the WikiHouse website. I was hoping for at least a mailing list so we could be notified of updates.

  8. Ian Wilkinson says:

    i like the idear. will be exciting to see where this project ends up as all work in progress it will need some work eg buileding codes per country etc etc mabby even the doors and such could be made the same way? just think sending your house off to get cut then picking up your house and putting it together makes any man wont to go get a hammer and belt some wood ;)

  9. Anonymous says:

    As an architect, the amount of waste from milling out sheets of plywood for studs seems enormous. Home construction is already incredibly modular. The modules are just 2x4s (etc) and 4×8 sheets of ply and Sheetrock. Plus, nails are cheap and bolts are not. It’s an interesting project but it seems a bit like reinventing the wheel.

  10. Robert Jones says:

    I’m a huge fan of Keep It Simple Stupid.  This seems a little over engineered.  I think I’m with Halfvast, structural insulated panels seem to be the way to go.  This system while beautiful design wise, seems like a lot of waste material.  Maybe there would be less waste on smaller items like open sourced furniture plans. 

  11. James McBennett says:

    Over time, we might see a zero waste drawing develop. I think this is a fantastic project with alot of potential. Below are three examples of zero waste digitally cut products.
    StudioLO Chairhttp://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/studio-lo-chair.jpg 4Foldlow (cut and assembled)http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/08/4foldlow-2d-plan.gif http://www.pleatfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/4foldlow-table-by_george_rice_2-e1264335524766.jpg Knife and Fork by Giulio Lachettihttp://www.designboom.com/eng/interview/iacchetti/2.jpg 

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My interests include writing, electronics, RPGs, scifi, hackers & hackerspaces, 3D printing, building sets & toys. @johnbaichtal nerdage.net

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