If you could design/build a home....

[steve-in-kville]

.... for a large family that would complement a homesteader's frugal lifestyle... how would you do it???

It would be energy efficient while using solar, wind or hydro to suppliment (or completely replace) grip power. Heating would be by wood or other renewable source.

Give me your thoughts and ideas.

[Telephus44]

We plan on building a cave house. Geothermal heating and cooling. Ideally would like to put up a windmill depending on what the land looks like.

http://www.daviscaves.com/index.shtml

Here's a link to one of the biggest cave house places.

[suki]

Way too many unknown variables.

But, I would take advantage of passive solar and earth burms. I'd include a root cellar and a workshop. I'd have a mud room for cleaning up before coming inside.

[Russ]

details details details right down to shrubbery and trees, also utilize drought tolerant native plants.
Plan for 10 -20 years down the road not just the immediate few years.

[Jamauk]

This is actually a dream of ours. We've already taken this course and will begin building soon (we hope!)

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/

[Darlene]

Define your space needs. With cleaver thought you definately can live in a smaller space thus reducing heating costs.
Learn how to maintain your own home however you choose to build and grow a garden. Just my 2¢

[heartofmine]

I'm not exactly sure other than alternative sources of heat and cooling. Even though this isn't exactly what your looking for the house will be handicap accessible.

[ladykemma2]

in texas we have wind rain and heat

so i would plan a house with rainwater collection system and a cistern

passive solar hot water heater outside ( a black drum). outdoor private shower

composting toilets (sawdust) read humanure handbook

outdoor kitchen, solar ovens

windmill for generating electricity

solar panels on roof for shade and electricity

several cords of fire wood for rare cold days

i already lived this way when i was in the national park service. no, a composting toilet does not smell

[FrugalMomof3]

I would have to say for us it would be solar powered and heating would be by wood or another reusable resource. I would love to include a root cellar of course but we arent even at any stage yet but we have thought about it.