alex wade's (spit) post&beam framing system

[ROBERT_DURTSCHI@udlp.com]

re: Framing Method

>There was an idiot architect by the name of Alex Wade [spit] who
>fancied himself a builder as well, who wrote some books back in the
>seventies promoting some "radical" (by his own appraisal) framing
>methods which included one that was not unlike the process you
>describe.
>
>I still spit whenever his name is mentioned [spit] because his
>irresponsbile %$@^^#* cost many unsuspecting novice owner/builders
>untold heartache and wasted time/resources.
>
>Robert  W. Tom          Kanata, Ontario, Canada


Thanks for the information about problems with Alex Wade's Built-up post and
beam framing system.  I've not heard anything about it directly, only from a
couple of his books that I've picked up (one was at a Salvation Army thrift
store for $1):  "30 Energy-Efficient Houses...You Can Build" by Alex Wade and
Neal Ewenstein, 1977.  "A Design and Construction Handbook for Energy-Saving
House" by Alex Wade, 1980.  I believe his construction idea appeared in the
latter book.  I'll have to move it from my "good idea" catagory to the "bad
idea" catagory.  

BTW, I realize that a lot of ideas that appear perfectly reasonable on paper end
up being unworkable in actual implementation.  What was the problem that was
discovered with the actual implementation of the system?

Bob Durtschi
Hollister, CA



Some Good Ideas:

Central masonry Rumsford style fireplace and chimney with south facing skylights
to warm up the masonary.

Skylight made using a sheet of plexglass as a large shingle.

used brick over sand and/or gravel floor.

Attached south facing greenhouse.  Although I'd follow Rob Tom's suggestion and
use recycled patio doors for glazing.

lettered pictures with letter and arrow on site plan showing position and
direction that the picture was taken. (that is the main complaint I have with
the "not-so big house" books by architect Sarah Susanka.  It's sometimes hard to
tell where her photographs are in relation to the site plan.  The other is that
most of her houses are nearly double the size of any house I've ever lived in)

batch solar hot water heater with insulated cover.  open to reflect more
sunlight onto glazing.  close to retain heat at night.

Using recycled materials.  I particularly liked the use of sink cut-outs to
build a nearly free counter top.

bad:

squat toilet. (Works well in Japan.  In fact I've noticed footprints on the
seats of some european style toilets over there.  But I think I'd rather not
confuse my guests)

puffy windows

Built-up post and beam framing system