The Lightfoot concept...

The concept of a small, light ecological footprint, modular-component dwelling has been incubating in my design-mind for nearly two decades, and has matured significantly through the influence of a design colleague, permaculture designer Barbara Hardy. The various ideations took on many forms, but even the best ideas need a catalyst to synergize with reality. Last year the missing ingredients appeared in the form of a like-minded client and several potential sites within the Great Lakes Watershed bioregion.

Design Criteria:
  • A small (200-300 square feet), off-the-grid dwelling w/o electrical service, water well or septic system
  • A camp-style habitat accommodating 1-2 occupants
  • Employ pre-fabricated modules able to be handled by two people
  • Be assembled on-site without the typical construction damage to the natural environment – roads/equipment/semi-permanent foundations
  • Be disassemble-able and reassemble-able in another location, allowing the original site to heal completely in a period of months
  • Maximize use of material and energy resources and (at every stage) seek harmony and symbiosis with nature
The LIGHTFOOT(cc) concept displayed here is the result of that effort. A prototype is currently under construction.

The Lightfoot model

A scale model of the Lightfoot dwelling. Currently on display at the Sustainable Keweenaw Resource Center in Hancock, Michigan.


A - Floor Module 4x8
B - Wall Module 2x2 Corner
C - Wall Module 4-0
D - Wall Module 2-0
E - Wall Module Custom
  1. South Side Sun Deck w/ Summer Shade Overhang
  2. South-Face Solar Glazing – Summer Entry
  3. Thermal Insulation Drapery
  4. Space Saving Stool Height Dining
  5. Kitchen Area
  6. COLD BOX Food Storage
  7. Broken Tile Mosaic Counter Top
  8. Kitchen Sink w/ Greywater Drain
  9. Filtered Drinking Water Tank
  10. Fireside Repose/Guest Bed
  11. Natural Light & Ventilation
  12. Ladder to Sleeping Loft
  13. Removable Hearth Tiles
  14. TROJKA – 3 Hearth Wood Stove (Heat/Cook)
  15. Stacked Concrete Block Heat-Sink at Stove Wall
  16. TROJKA – 3 Hearth Wood Stove (Sauna)
  17. Sauna Area/Dressing Room/Passageway
  18. Single Membrane Sauna Floor w/ Greywater Drain
  19. Sauna Benches
  20. Wood-Fired Hot Water Tank
  21. Lavatory/Toilet Area
  22. Lavatory Sink w/ Greywater Drain
  23. Waterless Composting Toilet
  24. Cover Material Bucket & Bench Seat
  25. Winter Air Lock Entry
  26. Natural Light Door Glazing
  27. Indoor Firewood Storage
  28. Coat Closet
  29. Rainwater Collection Tank
  30. Greywater Line to Mulch Basin

Selecting a site to build a prototype

A willing client...

Prefabricating the modules...

The panels were assembled in the client's garage and stacked for transport. Floor module with sauna/shower drain shown below.

Setting the foundation

Setting the low-impact foundation using modular concrete slabs.



Transporting the modules

Transporting the modules to the site. A sailboat trailer was required for the roof trusses.


Installing the floor modules

Laying the floor modules in place and screwing them together, then insulating and decking with plywood. Screws are used throughout for assembly.







Starting the wall module installation

With the first corner installed the remaining modules go up fast.





Interior walls

The interior walls go up before installing the roof trusses. The concrete block section shown here is for the Trojka wood stove.

Raising the roof

Installing the first truss. The trusses are temporarily tied together for stability during installation. Working on half of the roof at a time allows for easier access.







End-walls

The end-wall modules are installed and sheathed.



Tyvek moisture barrier

The house is wrapped with Tyvek moisture barrier.

Roofing

Standard metal roofing is used. Note horizontal perlins are used between plywood and metal roofing to create an air space.

Windows and doors

Windows and doors are installed. South face of building shown here with maximized glazing for passive solar gain. Bottom picture shows interior door of airlock on north face.



Trojka 3-in-1 stove

The Trojka 3-in-1 stove ready to be installed in the concrete block wall shared between the main living area and the sauna. Middle picture shows cook stove with view of fire from main living area. Bottom picture shows sauna stove in sauna.





Interior siding

Client choose to finish interior with locally harvested and milled White Cedar

Exterior Siding

Putting up the exterior siding on a cool Spring day in May. Locally harvested and milled wood.

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