Nick Partsch

One of three structures being constructed on our farm, this building is the day room and garage. The grandkids call it the toy house. It will also be the summer kitchen, the main laundry facility and tornado shelter. It's also the party room, large living room, entertainment room. It's one BIG room except for the FEMA room that houses the bathroom, laundry, etc., and of course a two-car garage. The entrance is on the back side so that when all three structures are completed, we will have a courtyard of sorts with all dorrs opening to it. The buildings will have metal roofs that will eventually match the barns, and metal siding adding minimum maintenance to the structure. The three buildings will be connected by one single roof line making 10 foot porches around each building. The second building will be our living quarters, around 900 square feet with a loft bedroom for guests. The final structure will be a guest house or cabin, at about 700 square feet and a loft for two bedrooms. The straw construction makes a minimum 19 inch wall and on the inside the windows will be deep-set. The floors will be cement slabs and occasional heating elements to allow for pipe protection in winter. Each unit is designed to be closed off when not occupied without interrupting any of the other structures. The beauty of it, if you haven't already guessed, is that when we have large family gatherings (and we have 11 grandkids and counting) is that we can quietly slip out at our bedtime and into our own private area away from the hoopla, both late at night in the in the early mornings.