ModernStyle

I am 91.6% positive that I will need 10" walls, but as you mentioned, if I have access to concrete, why not pour a 12" wall. My concern: will an extra 2" make a big difference in terms of sill width; will it look too deep (With the insulation and drywall), will the extra width not be worth it if I have large windows, how much sunlight will be cut out, etc.? I, for the life of me, cannot find a 12" pour in my area, which is odd. Google is letting me down, too!

Yes, thank you! I have been looking at ICF rather than the traditional pour. Regardless, there are options on width: 4" to 12". Any thoughts on the dimensions? Haha, yes, I was just playing around with the window. I do love the look since there will be a negative edge pool behind it, but to your point, it's not efficient.

Hey all! I have searched and searched and searched but couldn't find a relevant thread, so if one exists, I apologize! I am looking to build a house [or rather, begin the process] within the coming year but I am incredibly bad at conveying ideas in my head. Therefore, I figured it would be best to toy around with Chief Architect to 'learn' what it is that I may want or need, and vice versa, while putting it down on paper. I was just curious to see if you guys had any favorite wall setups: exterior materials, insulation, framing, etc. I have access to concrete so I am going to go that route, but I understand that the R Value is very low. Living in the northeast, I'd like something more substantial. My mentality is quality over quantity so I would absolutely like to build something bomb proof (Not literally). I am looking at roughly 10,000 sq ft because...four kids, parents, in-laws and many out-of-town friends/family. Since I have always loved the idea of a catwalk, I understand that the load will be significant, so would you recommend 12" concrete walls for the exterior 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor? With the exterior finish, insulation, framing and drywall, I can see the walls being THICK! Nor sure if that's what I would want or if it would look off. Obviously you cannot give me a definitive answer: 'you NEED 12" walls'. But, I guess I am just looking for your opinions on what you have seen in the past (6" vs 8" vs 10" and then framing/insulation). I am looking for longevity, noise isolation, and efficiency. Thank you!! Edit, here is the catwalk that I am thinking about: https://imgur.com/a/mcBhRMB