Roof Panels

The steel roof panels are 24 gauge and available in more than 20 different colors. We recommend lighter shades for heat and cooling issues. The greenhouse panels are available in milk white opaque with 40 to 20 percent light transmission or semi clear with full light transmission. They are available in 6mm and 8mm polycarbonate.

Wall Panels

We employ a double wall system providing for utilities and insulation to be placed between the walls. The exterior wall panels are available with two options. ABS plastic (40-60% recycled material) in white or black which can be primed and painted any color or 24 gauge steel roof panels bonded to luan underlayment. Window panels are polycarbonate. Recommended interior wood panels are luan or veneer plywood which can be stained and then clear coated. In environments that require easy sanitation and disinfection, interior wall panels are ABS with the smooth side facing out.

Insulation

There are many options for roof panel insulation the most cost effective being a 1 1/2” insulating foil backed foam roof panel. The recommended wall insulation is 1” or 1.5” foam panels placed between the walls.  We estimate the R-value of these insulation systems to be R-10 to R-14.

Durability

All the plastics have basic factory warranties for UV degradation in excess of 20 years. The metal roof panels have color fast warranties for 20 years. The powder coated steel framing does not have specific warranties but can be expected to have a long term useful life.

Steel Components

All steel components are powder coated or spray painted and use between 40-98% recycled steel. All non welded metal parts can be formed with a press break or CNC fabrication

Connection and fastening components

All fasteners including nuts, bolts, washers and connecting screws are galvanized or equivalent and are commonly available worldwide. All are ¼ 20 or the equivalent in metric.

Doors and windows

The door opening is sized for a standard 3’ x 6’8” pre-hung door. We have polycarbonate sliding windows which can provide excellent cross ventilation. It is also easy to install standard sliding or double hung windows.

Site preparation

The circHouse requires a flat, level and firm surface for installation. A deck or concrete pad works ideally but is not necessary. We also have developed an integrated steel deck system for instances where a traditional deck with footings is not viable.

Climate Adaptability

The round structure provides high performance in difficult wind conditions. Our circHouse has been exposed to sustained 100 plus mph winds in several locations over the years with no failures. In high wind loading conditions additional mechanical connections such as tie down wires and additional sheet metal screws are advised.

The roof was designed for heavy snow loading but experience and industry documentation has shown that the metal roof panels and the polycarbonate roof panels do not accumulate snow.

White metal roof panels reflect heat very effectively and cross ventilation provides a more comfortable interior temperature than would normally be expected. A round structure has approximately 30% less exposed surface than a square or rectangular structure, thus providing a 30% premium in heating and cooling.

In high humidity or excessively wet climates, the plastic and coated steel components are not subject to rot or deterioration like wood or canvas. Mold and mildew can be easily disinfected.

Terrain Adaptability

The circHouse is not a frame structure and is able to withstand extreme seismic events. The circHouse can be installed on a parking lot, soccer field etc. or on tire compacted road base or recycled concrete.

Manufacturing

All the components used in the roof and wall panels are easily substituted with similar materials. The circHouse is designed to be manufactured using local materials and labor. The ribs and metal plates require a CNC router and CNC metal cutting equipment which are available worldwide. A press break is required to fabricate the metal roof panels. A circular saw and drills are used in onsite fabrication and installation. It is more efficient to email a CAD program than to ship unit components. Any damage to the units can be repaired using an overlay of material or by a through bolt and metal strap. No emergency repairs require shipping of replacement parts.

Shipping

Approximately 10 units can be shipped loose packed in a 20’ steel shipping container. An individual unit is packed on a 4’x10’ pallet and can be delivered with a standard pickup truck. Each unit weighs approx. 2,000 lbs.