Can I build it this way?

[AlexandrovA]

Hi everyone,
So, here is my story. I live in Bulgaria, it is in south eastern Europe. My family has been in construction and repairs business for a long time. But we have never build a log home. Last year we repaired an old 3 storey brick house. Right next to it, there is an old barn made from massive stones and the walls are more than foot thick. It has a concrete floor on top of it. I want to use it as a foundation for my log home.I want to build log home because it will be something new, looks good with the stone foundation benath it, and most importantly, in my country it is consideren "kit construction" and this will save me a lot of trouble with documents and licences. The foundation is 650 sq ft.
So the main question is:
From what I have raed so far I think that the most critical part besides the foundation, is the corner notches. I want to build my log home with corner post notches. But I cant find enough information about this method. So please share what you know about this method, its pros and cons and so on. The other methods look maybe too "natural" for me and they seem very difficult to build. If I choose the corner post method, can I make the corner post from concrete with grooves in which the logs will sit? Remember I dont care so much about the natural apeal, I want something that is tough and easy to build. And the temperature in my country varies from -20 to + 40 degrees C.
If you have any ideas or recommendations I will be happy to hear them.

[StressMan79]

...we don't advocate "kits" here. I don't know how licensing/permitting/etc works in bulgaria, but I suspect the socialistic EU want to have a hand in your home, as such, I don't know how well building a *real* llog home will fly. Using existing foundations is not done often in the US, partially b/c the gvt doesn't look kindly at it, and partially b/c stone foundations, no matter how thick are often not strong enough for the very massive log structure that is to be placed on top.

Anyway, welcome to the forum, and you can build a real log home most anywhere there are trees (and you can import them into a desert, but it just won't look right).
Peter

[rocklock]

Alex...
Several things, i don't know what the corner post method is...
We don't notch our logs. We use the Butt and pass log method.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_home )The log is called a tightly pinned butt and pass log home. just a note... i built a 30 by 30 log home that has over 900 pieces of rebar holding the logs and beams together.
About your foundation. All log home should be above the splash level which means if the foundation is 12 inches or less in height, I would suggest some kind of stem wall that would raise the logs so they will not get wet. I can't evaluate your stone foundation. If it is a rubble stones, then there may be a problem. If the foundation is made of huge stones that have been there for hundreds of years... that may be another situation...
i am unsure what you mean by "KIT". my logs are made from real trees, some from my own property. In America, kit homes are built in a log yard, then disassembled and rebuilt in another location. kit home generally shrink and require many allowances for that shrinkage in windows and doors... as well as the plumbing and other factors... i have a real problem with the roof of kit built homes that are not firmly fixed to the log walls...
My suggestion is to look at other student built homes. Then ask more questions if the butt and pass method looks like something you want to do...
Dave The unaimed arrow never misses.... If can, can. If cannot, cannot.http://s154.photobucket.com/albums/s274/flintlock1/

[AlexandrovA]

Thanks, for the replies
I will not use Kits. Just this type of structure is considered "kit". I want to use round milled logs, that I can order from friends who have sawing factory, and then assemble them with my construction team. I don't want to buy ready kits, I dont like them too.
About the foundation, I dont' think that you imagined it quite well. It looks like a one storey building with stone walls and there is concrete on top of it that acts as a roof. I will show pictures If I can. I has been there for more than 70 years, and my grand parents have even used it as a bomb shelter during the WW2 :D. I talked with engineer and he joked that it will hold a 10 storey concrete building on top of it.
So I want to build my log home on top of it. Actually the first, bottom log will be more thank 7 feet of the ground/splash level.

[rreidnauer]

I don't see any problems with the foundation. Here in the US, the gov't is against stone, but in Europe they are much more in tune, being a time tested and proven method. Go for it. I know I would if I had stone to use on my property.

The method you describe as "corner post notch" sounds like what is referred to in the US as "piece-en-piece" and is a very workable solution, especially for those who don't have sufficient length logs. However, if your logs are long enough, I strongly recommend looking into the "butt-n-pass" method taught by the LHBA. (much easier method, but you may not like the look of logs jutting from the corners) Also, don't mill the logs round if you don't have to. Its much better from a preservation standpoint, not to mill logs.

Overall though, I don't see any problem with your plans.

[donjuedo]

Here in the US, the gov't is against stone,

What do you mean? County code inspectors? Folks who write codes? Folks who write earthquake codes specifically?
I love stone, but realize that not all types of stone are suitable for structural support.
Peter

[rreidnauer]

I don't know who specifically, but any building department which has a say in your building's construction isn't going to allow a structural stone foundation in the states, simply because they can't calculate the specifications of a random stone, so I guess it would have to be the code writers and engineers who decide what rules get spelled out in the code. Fortunately, there are a few places in America which don't have building departments breathing down your neck, and you can build with it. Unfortunately, my state of Pennsylvania isn't one of them.

[donjuedo]

Thanks, Rod. I'm glad this question came up, because I just assumed stone was repectable, in the eyes of the government. I am going to have to make a list of such things to check before getting my heart set on a piece of land.

Peter