Building Space

[Irish]

I am indoor space limited but have loads of outdoor space. Has anyone made a temporary shelter for building using PVC piping and plastic? I need something to keep the rain off and provide a little heat, like a greenhouse, as winter sets in. I will have a gravel floor and dig post holes for the building frame. The build will be a Malahini...

[J Purcell]

Do you mean like this? Or are you trying to build something you can work under?

Image "Borrowed" from Rational Roots blog http://davesboat.blogspot.com/search?up ... results=25

[fergal butler]

This is what I did here in Ireland. Here is the link http://s753.photobucket.com/albums/xx179/fergalbutler/ and I am now building a crackerbox in the same space.

[Irish]

I am looking for something that I can build under/in that will allow me to heat it a little this winter. Fergal Butler's area is close but I was wondering if anyone has ever built in a greenhouse.

[John K]

Have you looked for a greenhouse used for sale. They always seem to be for sale around here. It seems like it would be easy to make out of 2 in PVC formed into and arch and then covered.

[Dave Grason]

Here. Take a quick look at this link and see if it will do what you need. It's a cool idea. I've had the plans for some time and was planning on building one:

http://www.by-the-sea.com/stimsonmarine/bowroof.html

[razopp]

George Buehler's book (usually found at the library on Amazon) has a detailed chapter on building a bow shelter. It looks pretty good, but he is usually targeting a

The link below also has some information about building a small shelter for outdoors from the plans mentioned above (Stimson.).
http://www.microcruising.com/shed.htm


Robert

[Rob Myran]

Re Bow roofed shelters Try this site for plans and info
http://www.by-the-sea.com/stimsonmarine/bowroof.html

[sschefer]

Yes, you can make a temporary shelter using 1" sched 80 PVC and Plastic Sheeting. Build it just like a pole barn with everything on 4' centers and a ridge beam (pvc) down the center to give it pitch and let the water run off. Minimum pitch is 3 in 12 but that all depends on how tight you can stretch the plastics. Any sags will end up as water traps.

The space needs to be ventialted well so that you can create and air exchange with a small fan.

For the bed, I would lay down heavy plastic first and lay 2x4's around the edges. This will keep the ground moisture out of your space and create a coffer dam to keep runoff water from getting into the gravel.

The best possible heating for your space will be radiant since it will force the moist air up higher in the space and keep it off your project/materials. I'd put the coils in gravel and then cover them with another layer of gravel. This might sound expensive and extravagent but it's neither when you consider how much your time and materials are worth. Check with your local plumbing shops and see it they know where a used single zone boiler might be found. I'd look for one that can be changed over to LPG.

Hint, Boiler is just a term, the water never boils and you can use a gas bbq, a open metal 5 gal bucket, 100' of garden hose and a cheap recirculating pump to create a decent working radiant heat system. You'll want to vent the water vapor out of the space with a simple hood that will also work as a condenser and return most of the water back to the bucket.

Make sure you materials and your project are covered as much of the time as possible. This will add a second layer of protection from moist air.

So, now that you know that you can do it, I don't recommend trying it if your winters are harsh.

[Brian Eager]

For another example of a temporary shelter as boat building space, check out "Building the Glen-L Yukon" by Wayne Milner, on the MISC space in the left hand menu bar.

His project was in Nova Scotia, so I expect his design would survive in milder climates as well.

[Irish]

Thanks for the great input!!! I am gathering materials for the shelter. It will be made of wood instead of PVC and use sschefer's idea about the heat. I have a nat gas fired water heater and pump set that will work great.