Process: Construction of the MicroEichler

PROCESS

We'll start at the present and work our way back through a few of the steps along the way in building the prototype MicroEichler.

 

• DETAILS

Below are a few shots of the details of the MicroEichler prior to the installation of the front door. Working with the front-side open made it easy to get materials in/out of the space efficiently.

The construction details match our Eichler-built home perfectly... down to the stained tongue-and-groove ceiling, exposed beams and (pending) VCT flooring. Even the windows and window details match the existing home perfectly.

Above: One major change to the yard was the removal of the two overgrown Mulberry trees and the DIY installation of a pool. The MicroEichler is the exact same size as the pool and in perfect symmetry — albeit the latter part was a happy accident.

Above: Even the frosted sidelite matches the original Mistlite versions perfectly.

 

• ROOF

The roof is an insulated, modified-bitumen, 2-ply "roll" roof with a white top sheet. As a system, it's quite clever — the insulation provides both the slope and insulation and it's all contained within the original-looking fascia. When looking at the adjacent foam roof (and fascia) on the main house, the two are indistinguishable. It should have a 25-year life and be easily repairable and replaceable.

Above: The base-sheet of the roofing system provides seamless water protection. On top of this layer is a white top-sheet which provides additional weather protection, but more importantly UV protection and reflectivity which will help the space stay cool in the summer.

 

• Foundation

The MicroEichler can be built on any number of foundations, but this version was built on posts and piers, much like a deck. Technically, with the removal of a few bolts, the entire thing can be picked up and moved, but when on the ground, it's firm and quite stable. Prior to laying the sub-floor, the floor framing was insulated with rigid foam insulation.

 

Comments

[Holly Kim]

This is fantastic!!! May I ask what paint/colors you chose for the exterior?

Thanks,
Holly
(Eichler owner in Thousand Oaks)

[Steve Ross]

Looks great! I have been considering building a studio behind my eichler but having trouble finding a design that matches. Do you have drawings you may be willing to share?