High platform

[Jake]

Re to high platforms mentioned on other threads, the one real rational for me to do it would be if building on a slope and to take advantage of the slope to build over a small barn/livestock shed. In that instance it could have a real advantage. I have both goats and chickens and the high platform over them could be a real advantage, ala the Swiss log homes and barn combos. For this I would like the high platform with one side abutting right to the ground. And the other over the top of the pens. With the platform a roof over them.

Better then now with a path through 6' drifts to reach the pens, when the paths are open and dont need opening. Also the yurt over the pens would give a lot of wind protection.

Might find myself looking for a good slope for the homestead.

[Jafo]

I like the idea of a high platform myself. It just increases your storage capability regardless if you use it for chickens, firewood or surfboards. It also makes maintenance easier, say if you wanted to add more/different floor

insulation

, or add a pipe.

[Jake]

Good points re: the maintenence.

I dont have much use for a surfboard, but if I had one that'd be a good place for it.

Otoh, a tobaggon sled like I use now to move chicken feed and straw to thee pens would be right at home there. It all depends on the lay of the land for me. High for highs sake has more cons then pros for me.

[stephanwik]

Originally Posted by Jafo

I like the idea of a high platform myself.

We've got one of our 24' yurts on a 3m high platform bolted to the rock. We've had to put in significant bracing and double joists (2 x 8) to create enough stability. We've also added some steel cables connected to anchor bolts in the granite.

We get high winds off the North Sea here and the entire platform shook rather worryingly in the first gale. It's fine now.

Lesson: make sure you brace enough

[Jake]

Thats some very impressive bracing!!

But, it'd be even more impressive to not have enough and have the yurt and yourself blown on out to sea! Really spoil your day!

Know your home area is very true.

We have moments of gale force, but not of yours duration.

I know of two possible sites for building on that could do a platform with barn/shed under part of it. I like it better then my present place.

This site is great for generating working ideas. !

[stephanwik]

Originally Posted by Jake

Thats some very impressive bracing!

This will give you an idea. Note the 7m high stove pipe and brave girl erecting it..

[Jake]

Awesome !!

So is the height !