Design Problem: A skiing enthusiast wants to build a small (16 ft by 20 ft) cabin in the woods
near Gore Mountain. The cabin will be rustic and simple. It will be one-storey on treated
wood posts. The wall studs will be 2 4’s, the floor joists will be 2 8’s, and the roof rafters
for the shed roof will be 2 8’s, all on 16 inch centers. There will be two vinyl double-pane
insulating windows and one exterior door. The walls will have R-13 insulation and the floor
will have R-19 insulation. There will be an attic space for storage, and the attic floor will have
R-38 insulation.
(a) Estimate the design heat load for the building, considering heat flows through the
building envelope and infiltration.
(b) Study possible heating systems for the building. Consider portable propane, kerosene,
and electric heaters. Using the Internet, determine current fuel prices and estimate the
annual heating costs for the three possible options. Select the heating option you will use.
(c) Using material costs from local box stores, estimate the cost of constructing the cabin,
assuming that you will be building the cabin yourself. Also estimate the cost of the cabin
if you use a contractor for the construction.