Technical and Models

CAD (Computer Aided Design) Files

Viewing these files requires the eDrawings Viewer free for MAC and Windows.

files last updated: 09/24/2007

Preparation and assembly instructions:

The following instructions provide construction details for a 45 degree design that will provide approx. 300 sq. feet of living space on each of three floors for a total of approx. 900 sq. feet.

Preparations include trimming and pre-drilling of components. The construction is simple and can be prepared in parts on and/or off site and can also be raised in sections like a barn. Like shipbuilding, this design has sides and bulkheads. It can be built piece-by-piece or modularized.

The construction takes place in two phases.
Phase one provides the spine to 14’ height and first 14’ length of wall.
Phase two extends the space to 28’ 3 1/2”.
The posts used in phase 2 of this example are left undrilled to allow the owner to select roof pitch and customization details.

Preparation of components

Note that there are six components parts (Components A-F).

Phase 1 Preparation
  • Select sixty one lengths of trimmed 14' two by fours (Component A) and set 49 of these aside. These will be used in vertical Post Assemblies. The remaining twelve will be used in horizontal Beam Assemblies. Once the drill presses on the jig bench are set up, calibrated and secured, using 1/2" drills. Test and adjust if neccessary until A and B components assemble accurately to form Post Assemblies, and A and C components assemble accurately to form Beam Assemblies.
  • Select sixty eight 92 5/8" studs and trim accurately to 92 1/2" (Component B) for use in Post Assemblies and drill at each end.
  • Select nine 92 5/8" studs and trim to eighteen 44 1/2" lengths (Component C) for use in Beam Assemblies and drill at each end.
  • Cut twelve 3 1/2 x 3 1/2" squares from offcuts (Component D) to be used in Phase 2.
  • Select two trimmed 14' lengths of 4x4" and cut lengthways to 45 degrees for the 45 degree Spine (Component E).
  • Select six 14' lengths of 4x4". Cut twelve 22 1/2 degree Bulkhead Fillers (Component F) to attach Walls to Bulkheads.
    • Phase 2 preparation
  • Select one hundred and eight lengths of 14' two by fours and trim (Component A). Drill and put ninety six aside for use in Post Assemblies. Drill the remaining twelve for use in Beam Assemblies.
  • Select eighty eight 92 5/8" studs, trim, and drill 1/2" holes at each end (Component B).
  • Select twelve 92 1/2" studs and trim to twenty four lengths of 44 1/2" two by fours (Component C)
  • Select eight lengths of 14' 4x4" . Cut sixteen 22 1/2 degree Bulkhead Fillers (Component F) to connect Walls to Bulkheads
  • Remaining fifteen trimmed 14' two by fours are for use in roofing

    • Assembly

    Phase 1 assembly
  • Posts and beams
  • Each 14’ vertical post consists of 1 x 14’ length [Component (A)] and 2 x 92 1/2” lengths [Component (B)]
  • Each 14’ beam consists of 2 x 14’ length [Component (A)] and 3 x 44 1/2” lengths [Component (C)]
  • Begin upright posts by cladding eight (A)s with two (B)s each. Component (B) should be offset by 3 1/2” from the end of (A). Clamp.
  • Assemble two beams each consisting of two (A)s and three (C)s, leaving a 3 1/2” gap at each end of (C) to allow posts to lock into place. Fasten loosely with nuts and bolts.
  • Insert four of the posts into each of the two beams, slotting (C) into the spaces between the posts. Fasten with bolts at the drilled locations.
  • Create the second layer of beams parallel to the first, each side using two (A)s and three (C)s. Align the drill holes of (A) and fasten through the post. Insert (C) along the center of the beam in between each post and fasten.
  • Tighten fasteners on the first layer of beams.
  • Prepare temporary bracing beams and clamps to lock walls together when first raised while bulkheads are prepared. Position and raise walls, align, clamp and fasten.
  • Insert the 45-degree spine fillet (E) in the spine post to lock the spine and fasten.

  • Bulkheads:
  • Using the same principle, bulkheads comprise 4 x 14’ posts (A) each clad with two (B)s. The bulkhead beams comprise a triple thickness of wood and are held in place to the sides using a bulkhead fillet (F).
  • Phase 1 has three bulkheads.
  • Bulkhead 1) is 3’ wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 3 x (A) cut into 12 x 3’ lengths for the beams. Put aside the 6’ off cuts for later use.
  • Bulkhead 2) is 6’3”’ wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 6 x (A) cut into 12 x 6’3” lengths for the beams. Put aside the 1’6” off cuts for later use.
  • Bulkhead 3) is 9’6” wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 12 x (A) cut into 12 x 9’6” lengths for the beams. Put aside the 4’6” off cuts for later use.
  • When assembled, position bulkheads and secure with the 12 bulkhead fillets (F).
  • Create the second layer of posts using 8 x (A) and cladding each with 2 x (B), slot into position and fasten.
  • The third layer of beams uses 2 x (A) and 3 x (C) on each side and can then be positioned on top of the protruding (B) verticals.
  • This completes Phase one.
    • Phase Two Assembly
  • Select 12 x 3 1/2” block (Component D) and pin to the end of each 14’ beam.
  • Select 12 x (A) and prepare to lengthen each of the six beams by positioning in the opposite direction from the phase 1 beams so that the drill hole at 1 3/4” from the end of (A) is closest to the outer end of the structure.
  • Assemble eight more posts using 16 x (A) and 32 x (B).
  • Fasten into place with center of each post at 4’ intervals using 24 x (C) to fill spaces between posts.
  • Four more bulkheads support the structure.
  • Bulkhead 4) is 13’ wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 12 x (A) cut into 12 x 13’ lengths for the beams.
  • Bulkhead 5) is 16’ 3” wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 12 x (A) plus 12 x 4’3” lengths from prior off cuts for the beams.
  • Bulkhead 6) is 19’6” wide and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 12 x (A) plus 12 x (C) cut into 12 x 5’6” lengths for the beams.
  • Bulkhead 7) is 23’ wide (need to double-check this) and requires 4 x (A), 12 x (B) for the posts and 24 x (A) of which 12 are cut into 9’ lengths for the beams.
  • When assembled, position bulkheads and secure with the bulkhead fillets (F).

  • Internal pillars
  • The interior can be strengthened by installing two centrally located posts at bulkheads 5) and 7). Each will require 2 x (A) and 6 x (B).

  • Roof
  • The pitch of the roof and ultimate design is left to the creativity of each builder. Design your roofline and trim tops of posts if necessary to suit. For the basic PiHouse, three roof supports are recommended each comprising 5 x component (A). The fifth (A) is to be cut to the appropriate lengths to reach the outermost facade of the structure.

  • Expansion
  • Enlarge vertically, horizontally, or adjacently with extra walls and bulkheads. Each section is one eighth of an octagon or circle, one sixteenth of a sphere. Note that it only takes one set of bulkheads and one extra wall to double your framed space.

  • Bolts
  • Countersinking drill holes will allow 4 1/2” bolts to be used and provide a flush finish. Otherwise use 5” bolts.

    • last updated: 09/24/2007