No, you really don't. They look cool, but metal is quite possibly the worst possible thing to build a home out of. I suppose with the use of modern insulation technology like that stuff you just linked it might be livable, but life in one of those old Airstreams is just fuckin' miserable unless the weather is balmy. The purpose of a house is to make you comfortable when the weather isn't balmy.
Hmmm...in what way are the old Airstream's miserable? I don't doubt that they are, but I'm not sure I agree with you that metal is the worst thing to build a house out of...a lot of homes have metal roofs, metal siding, metal studs, etc. Metal offers a lot of advantages -- durability, resistance to [rot, abrasion, vermin, fire], malleability, high-strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance, and good recyclability. It's main disadvantages are a) cost b) difficulty of construction c) heat transfer (which is what you seem to be objecting to). Heat transfer problems can largely be avoided with good insulation and design.
Yeah, heat transfer is the thing. Good insulation does help, but insulation takes up room and space. Like I said, if you're going to refurb an Airstream, and use that other stuff you just linked to, it'd probably be pretty cool. Incidentally, since 1994, Airstream's been painting the tops of their trailers white. Reduces heat load by 8-10 degrees. Just the top.
In my hometown there is a guy who built his house off of a 1962 Airstream, I don't know the model name. It's awesome though... it's this trailer half sticking out of what looks like a attached garage.
We still need to get together for coffee. I've got some great alternative housing design stuff you might like.
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Date: 2004-07-12 03:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 04:02 am (UTC)And no, it's not my day job. It's my somewhat embarrasingly obsessive hobby.
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Date: 2004-07-12 04:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 04:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 05:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 07:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 02:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 04:34 am (UTC)We still need to get together for coffee. I've got some great alternative housing design stuff you might like.
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Date: 2004-07-12 04:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-07-12 05:00 am (UTC)