THE SOLARTRON PREFABRICATED EARTH-SHELTERED HOME

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

In Oct, the Solartron people now have several hundred designs and floor plans available that-they hope will cover the spectrum of potential customers' needs. These blueprints encompass split-level and two-story styles, and even include patterns for hotels, motels, and office buildings.

YOU CAN "DO IT YOURSELF" AND SAVE

In contrast with many other earth sheltered dwellings which are custom designed, custom-built, and carry an equally "custom" price tag Ralph Bullock's package is just the thing for a buyer who wants to take part in the building of his or her house. Ralph has done all of the "home- and his panels are ready to be dropped into place on their concrete footings. This prefabrication, of course, opens up a whole new world of possibilities to the prospective owner. For the first time, someone with only "fair to middling". construction skills can tackle-and successfully complete-what would normally be a "professionals only" job. Therefore -even if the concrete foundation work had to be handled by a contractor- the owner could still save 20% or more of the total cost of construction ... by simply assembling the home him- or herself. (Of course, the use of heavy equipment is still necessary, but-since the basic structure will be completed in one day rental costs for such machinery can be kept to a minimum.)

In addition, the Solartron folks provide a fully detailed set of instructions and blueprints with each design they sell, and make themselves available after the sale to help with any technical or construction problems that the builder might run into during the course of an installation.

Finish carpentry poses no problem either ... the fiberglass component parts are designed so that inside walls, and door and window openings, can be "dressed up" just as in any conventional home ... the owner/builder has the option of either paneling, painting, or plastering the interior surfaces, and installing the hardware of his or her choice.

AND THERE'S MORE TO COME!

The Solartron people are busy setting up distributorships that they hope will eventually serve all of the U.S., from coast to coast. At the same time, though, they're working on new designs ... which will not only supplements their already comprehensive line of offerings but will also give the Solartron houses an added dimension: "sun" heating for 100% energy self-sufficiency! If all goes as planned, Mr. Bullock will within two years-have solar capacity incorporated into all the structures he sells.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print