HexaFrame 2x4 Shelter

So I designed  one. My 2x2 frame fits 4 x 8 foot foam insulation boards perfectly with no waste.
I put this 2x2 project up as the "Open Source Greenhouse" on Kickstarter and was successful.
80 minutes of gruesome detail video build instruction was the result.

This 2x2 HexaFrame withstood *incredible* amounts of wind in it's test installation.
I think the hexagon is a great wind shedding shape...contrary to what you might think.
It's properties are not readily apparent till you *build* one yourself.
The hexagon lets wind flow around yet simultaneously "stalls" the wind with it's multiple edges.
Wind can't "grab" and drag a hexagon around very easily.

After making the 2x2 version I was determined to model it in CAD.
Needed to learn a simple, yet common CAD program so anybody can work with my model worldwide.
Google (now Trimble) Sketchup fit the bill perfectly.
100 hours later and the Sketchup model was "perfected".

I then made a really innovative 2x2 version in Sketchup with much more insulation capability.
That version is staying under wraps for now. Takes somebody skilled in 2x2 techniques to build.
Drawing sat for a year. Life intruded. Fast forward to Sept. 2012.

What I needed was a HexaFrame made out of 2x4's. Places like Home Depot have good quality 2x4's readily available.
2x2's are hard to come by in quality grade. Takes someone skilled to pick out useable ones from the piles most places have on hand. Most people only seem to "understand" 2x4's.

So the result was this design. I blasted it out in 8 hours this time.
It's fully modular and can be bolted together for easy takedown.
Same goes for the deck.

The 2x4 HexaFrame shelter has roof for a small loft, a center column to hold it up and many other "potentials".
The roof is a steep angle to shed snow in cold climates. Top cupola can be swapped out for many applications.
The modular walls have built in "ladders" so roof rafter installation is made easy.

A rough parts count follows:

2 x 4 x 96" - 81
2 x 4 x (10 or 12 foot)  - 6
2 x 8 x 96" - 24
1 x 8 x 96" - 12
Simpson 2x8 hanger Model # LUS28Z - 38

Rough estimate - Under $500 USD to build the frame and deck. Will add real prices shortly.

I encourage you to download the unrestricted, FREE copy of Trimble Sketchup:
http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/download/gsu.html

Explore the model. It's *very* detailed.
You need to have a working knowledge of Sketchup to get the most out of it.
Every part is exact and can be measured.
The model has all the info to build this shelter in real life.
Only thing I left out was fastener locations...this is up to you.
Bolts can be used in very specific locations to make HexaFrame takedown.
Nails or screws could be used if it's a permanent build somewhere.
Choice is up to the skilled builder.

If you can't measure (x2 or 3!), cut, drill, hammer, screw or curse....don't attempt to build this.
Stick to a fabric tent ;)

I'll add info to this page as I get ready to build HexaFrame 2x4.
This is an ongoing adventure. I hope it inspires you.
Build one. Beat me to it. I dare you!

First person to do so...gets "secret" inside info on the construction methods.
Email if you are doing so. And prove that you are actually building it.
I don't have time to respond to every email. Just the one from the first lucky builder.

Email me.

"Qui audet adipiscitur"