Platform ideas?

[Groovyyurts]

all for the SIP platforms here too. We're using locally made SIP platforms since 4 years now and what a grrrrreat system. We generally only use 3" SIPS as we need mostly transportable units. 4' supports are enough. Platforms are pre-cut and assembled with a tongue and grove construction. See pic example below.
I've had my own yurt on a straw bales platform for a few years and it was great!

[djspn]

Groovy......can you tell us more about your straw bales platform........thanks.

[Groovyyurts]

Originally Posted by djspn

Groovy......can you tell us more about your straw bales platform........thanks.

I simply arranged standard straw bales (12"x36"x18 if I remember correctly) in concentric circles and covered them with a plywood cover and a 6" high plwood rim all around (that last part is necessary for the Mongolian gers I'm dealing with). I circled the package with a simple rope. I had to to this in one afternoon (19' platform) as I was in a rush. I might have used a lyer of house wrap facing down if I had thought about it under the straw, but after two years the bales were still in pretty much optimal conditions (protected by teh yurt on top).
One could also think finishing the sides with lime plaster or clay - but I didn't do it.
Pictures are not so good, but will give an idea.

[djspn]

Thanks Yves, very clever. .......the link to your site is not working for me.

[Groovyyurts]

Originally Posted by djspn

Thanks Yves, very clever. .......the link to your site is not working for me.

Thanks! aaaaaah... I know - our website is down since yesterday and we're in a panic trying to put it back on...

[MT Rod]

That is great, and it looks good. The SIPs are just like I had envisioned it, but never seen it put together. Actually I had envisioned 4", but it is hardly worth mentioning it.

How is the bale sub-floor? With the plywood on top, is it stiff enough to support a heavy wood stove, or a heavy fridge without lifting the edges of the plywood?

This is very cool. I like it.

Rod

Rodyurtlocker.com

[Groovyyurts]

Originally Posted by MT Rod

How is the bale sub-floor? With the plywood on top, is it stiff enough to support a heavy wood stove, or a heavy fridge without lifting the edges of the plywood?

with the bales compacted like that, you could park a truck. If you place your stove on the edge instead of the center, you might possibly want to add some plywood or a stove base.
(But our yurts are so well insulated that we only need a small stove )

[djspn]

How thick is the plywood?......seems like 3/4" tongue and groove would work well to help keep the joints together.
Nice website.

[djspn]

Originally Posted by wjdzl

We used: http://www.yurts.com/images/media/24...form_Plans.pdf and went with the 1-1/8" T&G Plywood on 16" pier blocks.

Going to use Roxul R23 (5.5") stonewool

insulation

underneath the floor.

Is frost heaving an issue where you are?
I'm wondering how piers might work in that environment?

Could you describe a bit more how you plan to do the

insulation

?
What will go under the insulation, how will it be supported and protected?
Any links you've seen for a good way to do that?
Thanks

[djspn]

Jafo,
How did you do your concrete footings?
It's not clear from looking at your pic's.
Your thoughts re frost heaving?
Thanks