Cubit Construction

The foundation of the Cubit is a steel trailer. This allows the house to be moved when necessary, and also helps to lessen the ecological footprint of the house by not requiring a permanent foundation.


The panels were hauled on the trailer across Vermont to the construction site.



The floor was built upside-down on the trailer and then flipped over. It required lots of levers and rigging - next time, I will build the floor right-side up!


SIP walls are precut, according to shop drawings, and then framing lumber is added afterwards.

The SIP walls are pre-built on the platform, and framing lumber is installed and screwed in place.

Once the walls were built on the deck, they were then raised (with help from my father and Herb Bates) and secured in place. Firefly, my dog, was also very helpful with the construction.


The roof panels were hoisted onto the walls using ramps and straps.



After the walls are assembled, foam is injected into holes drilled in the panels. This helps to seal the envelope of the building, and create a continuous insulation barrier.


The walls are wrapped in tar paper in order to help weather-proof the walls.


Siding is applied over the tar paper. The siding is built out from the walls, with a 1/4" space behind it to allow for vapor venting and prevent rot.


The siding is secured with screws in order to strengthen its fastening to the walls for transport over the road. Everything must be designed to withstand 70 mph winds!

After the construction was complete, it was time to move the trailer - it was a trick getting it out of a tight space!

The Cubit trailer, secured and ready to haul!!!