Mediterranean Houses (Anchorage, Haines: insurance, job, new home)

[chevelle]

Has anyone ever seen such a thing in alaksa as a mediterranean house? I know there known mostly, to be built in warmer climates and all, but I was wondering if they arent normally built in alaska because of the colder weather that might create problems with them? If anyone knows about building houses or has any input please let me know. thanks!

[rotorhead]

I suspect the reason Mediterranean style houses aren't found in Anchorage (or the rest of the state for that matter) is that they're basically incompatible with the climate. There's a reason you don't see tile roofs in Alaska, they don't work all that well for snow and ice. They're also much heavier than the typical shingle or metal roof, and that complicates the structural requirements given the snow loads that Alaskan roofs are designed to carry. Some parts of "the hillside" neighborhood in Anchorage regularly experience winds approaching 100mph, which would make roofing tiles lethal missiles. The typical Mediterrainean house also has large eaves and overhangs to minimize solar gain, which is the opposite from what most Alaskans want, sun-wise, particulary in the winter.

Another factor working against the style is the fact that Mediterranean houses tend to be one level and spread out, where the more traditional northern styles are compact and multi level, to keep in the heat. Its much easier to insulate and keep warm a compact box than a spread-out floorplan, which is also why the traditional ranch-style house is relatively rare as well. There are countless variations on the two-story Northeastern style "salt-box" and other more compact designs in Alaska. They also they fit better on the typically small lots that you find in Anchorage these days.

Another thing that you'll have a hard time finding in Alaska is stucco construction. I'm not sure why but stucco buildings are rare as hens teeth in Alaska, about the only one I remember seeing was a Taco Bell restaurant in ANC. Part of it is probably the short season thats considered to be completely frost-free, as stucco can be damaged by freezing while its curing. Another factor is probably the labor costs, stucco is basically all hand-work and to get a good job you need experience. I recently read an article in the Anchorage Daily News that stated the average project is about 25% more expensive up north, and its way past that in the more rural communities considering transportation costs. Speaking of which, its also expensive to transport heavy items like roofing tiles, they're certainly not produced locally since there's essentially zero demand.

Last but not least, most all of Alaska is subject to regular (usually small) earthquakes, it's located on the "ring of fire" geologically speaking. I know that when I lived there last one of the questions my insurance company asked was if there was any masonary construction in my place. They charge more to insure a house made of brick and such since it doesn't hold up well to the shakes and quakes, and will have a higher repair cost.

[RAMFEB31]

[quote=rotorhead;1159296]I suspect the reason Mediterranean style houses aren't found in Anchorage (or the rest of the state for that matter) is that they're basically incompatible with the climate. There's a reason you don't see tile roofs in Alaska, they don't work all that well for snow and ice. They're also much heavier than the typical shingle or metal roof, and that complicates the structural requirements given the snow loads that Alaskan roofs are designed to carry. Some parts of "the hillside" neighborhood in Anchorage regularly experience winds approaching 100mph, which would make roofing tiles lethal missiles. The typical Mediterrainean house also has large eaves and overhangs to minimize solar gain, which is the opposite from what most Alaskans want, sun-wise, particulary in the winter.

Another factor working against the style is the fact that Mediterranean houses tend to be one level and spread out, where the more traditional northern styles are compact and multi level, to keep in the heat. Its much easier to insulate and keep warm a compact box than a spread-out floorplan, which is also why the traditional ranch-style house is relatively rare as well. There are countless variations on the two-story Northeastern style "salt-box" and other more compact designs in Alaska. They also they fit better on the typically small lots that you find in Anchorage these days.

Another thing that you'll have a hard time finding in Alaska is stucco construction. I'm not sure why but stucco buildings are rare as hens teeth in Alaska, about the only one I remember seeing was a Taco Bell restaurant in ANC. Part of it is probably the short season thats considered to be completely frost-free, as stucco can be damaged by freezing while its curing. Another factor is probably the labor costs, stucco is basically all hand-work and to get a good job you need experience. I recently read an article in the Anchorage Daily News that stated the average project is about 25% more expensive up north, and its way past that in the more rural communities considering transportation costs. Speaking of which, its also expensive to transport heavy items like roofing tiles, they're certainly not produced locally since there's essentially zero demand.

Last but not least, most all of Alaska is subject to regular (usually small) earthquakes, it's located on the "ring of fire" geologically speaking. I know that when I lived there last one of the questions my insurance company asked was if there was any masonary construction in my place. They charge more to insure a house made of brick and such since it doesn't hold up well to the shakes and quakes, and will have a higher repair cost.[

Hi Rotor" I am certainly happy U know more about cold climate construction than I. I've reached S.Ca. coming back on the #15 and seeing just a few new homes going up along the way. One thing I've learned when I was in Alaska was the 2x6 framing instead of the 2x4 wall framing popular in the sunny,hot areas. And U are so right about the tile roofs. While I was there, I saw more than my share of collapsed roofs from the weight of the snow. U need a tile roof in cold country like U need a hole in your head. I am still hopeful to see U this year in Haines since I just received a interesting pc of info on a house.