SketchUp revised versions

 

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 I have been getting more confident with SketchUp. I can't say enough about this program. As you can see, We plan an upper floor. Stairs are yet to be inserted. The loft doors on each end will be flanked by windows. I need to frame up supports for a bale lift, a beam extending out from above to hang a block and tackle from, above each end door. I also plan to put a pass-through from above each stall. And then comes the roof! The question is: trusses versus site-framed rafters, in the post and beam style.

 

The bottom view shows some features of the foundation. Each of the twenty upright posts will need a firm footer. I have planned for three foot square footers, 24 inches deep. The county building inspector will no doubt have a significant say here! My plan is to dig a trench for the outer perimeter footing, that will support the bale walls. It will be 24 inches deep, and 24 inches wide. The outer wall posts will set on the inner edge of this perimeter footing, with a bump-out three foot long and 20 inches wide, so a full footer will support each of those posts. I will ask the county inspector about rubble trench technology. We may be able to decrease the amount of concrete yardage by using compacted rock in the trenches. * Finally, the foundation will be insulated with EPS [expanded polystyrene] boards, and protected from rising damp with a good vapor barrier.