I am retired and am looking to build a metal building for both a home and shop(old car nut). Watched Offbeat America (Episode HOBA-212 on March 26 and there was a family in Washington State who had done this. Where do I find plans for these type of home/shop combos?

ecosteel/northernsteel is doing just that. homes w/ metal beams.

I've came across a post asking when one could get more information on Metal building homes but the post was old. I've also been in search for the same information but I have found out that there are different definations as to what one considers a Metal building home. I've decovered that many consider it as the metal framing of the home. I'm actually looking for information on a COMPLETE Metal building all the way through from top to bottom. The actual commercial grade metal buildings. And then turning it into a home with a garage. I've seen it done on certain programs and they are the most beautiful homes. And once you get done with it nobody even knows its a metal building. I just can't find out where to get the blue prints ect. So if anybody could help me I'd appriciate it. Thankx.

Metal buildings are the best way to keep 95% of the rain off any given amount of floor area. I have extensive experience with metal buildings, and I can't imagine ever making a comfortable home out of them.

Then you need to expand your imagination!

I am one of several architects working with Northern Steel to build steel homes, mentioned in a post above. Here are some links:
http://www.ecosteel.com/
http://www.ecocontempo.com/

same company - different sites

The first project I did with them is shown under construction here:
http://www.lamidesign.com/plans/planscat/0514/0514pg_1.html

and subsequent projects are being covered in my blog here:
http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/EcoSteel%20PreFab

I guess everyone has their own taste.

Everybody does have their own taste. I think that's a good thing.

peace

New steel house project based on metal building system now under way. Covering it on my blog:

http://blog.lamidesign.com/2008/09/3030-house-waiting-for-steel-erector.html

and all our metal building houses on this category search here:
http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/EcoSteel%20PreFab

This steel house has come a long way since my last post in September. I made a site visit in December and took more photos, so its likely even further along right now.

Current photos on my blog, this link will filter all the posts about this project:

http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/3030%20House

Siding is on this metal house now and its looking good.

http://blog.lamidesign.com/200...s-installed-and.html

Interesting, care to share the price tag behind something like that? What's the advantage on having a steel house other than durability?

Price tag for this house does not necessarily characterize the typical cost of the system. One-off houses, and small houses drive up unit costs, and this example also included upgraded siding and trim.

But that said, this house was about 190k for 2000sf or about 95$/sqft. That represents the cost of the insulated shell - no interior finishes, no foundation, no hvac, plumb, or elec. With multiple houses costs can be similar to stud construction.

Why steel? Yes, maintenance is very low, 20yr finish guarantee on the siding, no rot, no mold, no termites. Assembly is very rapid (w/experienced crew) - 6 weeks to close in, finished exterior, vs 4-6months. But primarily it is an aesthetic decision. Its not a "look" - it IS a steel house.

This house is almost done, and the owners ready to move in.

Makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over...kind of like mold. Good grief, like living in a factory.

quote:

Originally posted by Richard Hetzel:
I guess everyone has their own taste.

And perhaps lack of, huh Richard?

Owners are moved in and quite pleased. Right now they are waiting on the paperwork but it looks like the house will earn LEED Gold.

Well I suspect Richard won't think much of it, but I too completed my home in a metal building just this January. We love it. Thankfully I had no experience with metal buildings or building so I didn't let the shortcomings bother me.

I suggest you look at this short video to see the home's most unusual characteristic. Hangar Home

The home is on Lake Harney in Florida on a private grass airstrip. One side of the home is a Hangar and the other a 2800 sq residence. It is a 3 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home. It includes a theater, an upstairs living room with wet-bar and a large deck overlooking the lake

Here are a few pics of the inside.

This is the Hangar Bathroom. The baseboard was not yet installed. My wife papered it with aeronautical charts sent from friends around the world.

Here is a picture of the right side of the kitchen.
http://i11.photobucket.com/alb...hitcomb/DSC_1007.jpg

This is a small workshop off the hangar.

The home is very quiet and efficient. Our electric bill last month was 148.00 and that is for a Florida Summer bill.

Very cool Joe! Fact remains you can get a lot of sq ft under roof with a metal building.